New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-30
THE NATIONAL LIBRARY.

We are glad 10 publish in another column
communication from prominent member or
the American Library Association on the prop
or functions Of the Library Of Congress regard
nd as National institution. and the considera-
lions that should weigh In the choice OF the
National Librarian. The correspondents anal
yes of the situation and his cogent arguments
are especially valuable at the present time. He
suggests in an interesting way what great pos
sbillties lie before the Library of Congress If
they can he grasped in liberal spirit. and
points out the kind OF man that is required 10
deal with the problems which would be raised
in an enlarged conception Of the Library.
The article shows that the librarians of
largest experience and greatest reputation look
at the matter from the point Of view Of de-
sire for the greatest good of the whole Nation,
and are not governed by spirit Of self-seek-
ing This Is evinced by the suggestion that il
would be far better that a man of force and
independence who has had large administrative
experience in some other employment. should
be chosen for Librarian rather than an ineffi-
Gent or narrow minded professional librarian
But unless il he because of the smallness OF
the salary which the position carries II is not
at all necessary TO 60 outside of the library
profession 10 get n man who combines in him
self the qualities which our correspondent men
lions as desirable in the Librarian of Congress-
II is TO be hoped by all friends Of education
that the President will search out the best man
for the position instead Of weighing the claims
OF candidates who are pressed upon him.
Looking back at Mr.. Young's record as Libra
rian. much may be said in praise Of his admin
istration. Another equally good appointment
outside of the ranks Of professional librarians
can hardly he expected. But Mr. Young's lack
OF experience showed Itself after he had made
a number OF capital appointments for his heads
OF departments. He did not grasp the prob
lens with which he had to deal well enough
10 coordinate their work and make II efficient.
Influenced perhaps a little by the common opln-
ion that "any one Is good enough for library
work" and not realizing that long training and
a combination OF many special qualities are
essential for success in a library. he appointed
ut times incompetent persons who were urged
upon him, thus bringing the library stan ms a
whole down 10 an undisciplned II not also in
competent standard.
While nearly every one Is ready To admit
that the Library of Congress has passed the
stage OF combining its usefulness TO the legls-
lators at Washington and has been broadened
so as TO become a National Library. yet some
may doubt If the very enlarged functions FOR
which "a Librarian argues are feasible. We
think he is entirely right. Our National Ii
brary in point Of size, and still more In point
OF usefulness TO the whole country. is far be-
hind other national libraries IN the Old World,
and less efficient than many libraries in this
country. Many Of the duties which he sng-
gests proper to be taken on by the central
library are now performed by other American
libraries, but less efficiently than they could be
done by the Library Of Congress. with the pres
tige Of its name and Its character as a National
institution, il II js only given the funds and
has the proper administration. International