The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-03-05
TO HAVE LIBRARY
COURSE THIS YEAR
Scope of University Summer
School is Extended
AN HISTORICAL COMMITTEE
Thos. M. Owen, President of Alabama
Library Association, Sends Out
Letter--Attention Called to
Travelling Libraries.

lFaVeIlng Libraries.
Montgomery March 4.-(special)-In
circular letter sent out by DR.. Thomas
NJ Owen, president of the Alabama Libra
ny association, II is noted that there will
be a library course at the University
Summer school this year. President Aber-
crombie of the university agreeing to
have experts take charge of the instruc-
ton, which will be new in the state. At
tention is also called to the increased
interest in travelling libraries and the
work they are doing. The following are
the paragraphs upon these subjects which
will be of interest to the state as whole:
I'm response TO the appeal of the asso-
citation, DR.. John w. Abercrombie, presi-
dent of the state university, has arranged
course of lectures and instruction in
library science. to be given as a part of
the work of the Summer school, begin
ming with the session of 1906. This step
means much for the library interests of
the state. II is a recognition of the inn
portanco of the movement, and empha-
sizes the value of trained library service.
"'rhe publications of the association con-
sist of a series of circulars, four of which,
including this number, have been issued;
and the proceedings of the first meeting.
November 81, 1904, (svo.; PIP. 7O) The pro-
ceedings of the second meeting are now
being prepared for the press.
Travelling Libraries.
Perhaps the most interesting feature
of modern library development is what
is known as the travelling library system
AS opposed to the old tendency of restric-
ton, this system seeks to give to books
the widest possible useful circulation
While there are still problems connected
with certain phases of the system, 1t
has now passed the experimental stage
and has achieved a permanent place i'll
our educational and social life. In at least
thirty states some sort of system is
maintained, either under library COM
| mission or by a voluntary agency, as the
| Women's clubs.
Development in Alabama.
"In 1899 the Alabama Federation of
Women's clubs, following the progressive
leadership of other sections. formally in
augurated a system of travelling libraties in
! Alabama. The administration of the libra
ries was conducted through a committee;
| and they have served a highly useful pur-
| pose in popularizing the system and in the
| announcement of the reading habit. In
| order to release It's energies to other
work, and in order that larger results
might be attained, the federation at its
! 1905 meeting relnquished to the Alabama
Library association it's collection of trav-
cling libraries. The association accepted
the gift and directed the continuation OF
| the work.
Present Condition.
1.-THE books turned over by the fedora
| ton numbered about seven hundred vol
| umes, making approximately fifteen libra
| ries. To these have been added five new
| libraries. The entire collection has been
rearranged and reclassified. The larger
| number of libraries are miscellaneous or
| general in scope, but several special
| groups have been arranged, as Alabama
| history, American literature, American
history and biography, Nature study etc,
| etc. The libraries vary in size, but the
| miscellaneous groups usually contain an
average of thirty-fve volumes, while par
| ticular collections are smaller.
Friends of the library movement, de-
string to advance and strengthen the col
| lections of the travelling libraries, are
asked to make contributions of money
| and books.
How Obtained.
1.-THE fullest possible circulation of
| these libraries is desired, and without
other charge than the usual transporta-
| ton fee named below.
Their administration is placed under
the direction of a travelling libraries COM
mittee. This committee has had several
meetings and the following regulations
have been adopted:
81. The privilege of the use of the libra
rles will be allowed social or literary
clubs or other organizations, schools
communities or groups of individuals, on
| formal application of the executive Off
Ger, the principal or head Of the school.
or of three responsible adult taxpayers
when they are not desired for a regular
organization.
"2. The application must Indicate the
character of organization desiring the
| books, but II there is no organization it
must be so stated. In the latter event
the application must be in the name of
the three adults. as indicated above. 1t
must be accompanied by money order for
one dollar, with which outgoing express
charges are to be paid. Return express
charges are to be prepaid by borrower
'3. Libraries may be retained three
months. and by special permission may be
retained an additional three months, but
not longer
"A. Libraries are to be free to the use
of the clubs or other organizations. or
the communities to whom loaned They
nay be kept in a private residence, the
postoffice, schoolhouse, general store. or
| town library, or other safe and eligible
place Wherever located suitable cases or
shelving should be provided.
IS. On receipts of library its location
should be fixed upon. regular custo-
dian or librarian appointed Casually a
young LADY,, and public notice given of
the opening, with hours, regulations, etc.
sc. Reasonable wear and tear is ex-
pected In the use of books. but applicants
will be held responsible for their safe re-
| turn: and for losses mutilatiop and I'M
necessary wear they will be expected to
make remuneration.
az. All correspondence on the subject
| of the travelling libraries should be adj
dressed to the Secretary and Librarian.
Miss Laura NJ. Gilmore, Carnegie Library
| Montgomery,