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SERVING THE PUBLIC

Under this head are included such library activities as lending and keeping a record of books, selecting books for readers and advertising the library. In most libraries the patrons are met at the central library desk, and in all medium sized and small libraries, of which there are most, books are lent and reference questions answered at the central desk or table. In the large libraries, however, where there is more specialization, the work is separated, different kinds being conducted in separate rooms. But the questions asked do not vary much however large the library; people want information and do not know how to find it, they want books and do not know how to find them, and they want the librarian to select good books for them to read.

The judgment of the librarian determines in many instances the books people read. He selects most of the books that children read and a fair proportion of those requested by adults. In many public libraries the stacks are open so that patrons can make their own selections; this is of some advantage especially in the choice of novels.

When a reader wants a certain book and can give the name of the author, or title, or both, the request is easily satisfied, providing the book is in the library. When he wants to consult a half dozen good books, or references, on some subject the request may still be easily satisfied. When he wants a good book to read without indicating the kind of book desired the request is more difficult. In such cases he will usually name, if asked, one or more subjects in which he is interested, or will indicate the kind of novel or story he likes to read.

Arnett, Elements of Library Methods.

II

In order to select the most suitable book the librarian

must be a judge of people - of their ability and the probable extent of their education. The well read, scholarly person will usually make his own selections. But even he depends sometimes upon the librarian, and, those not accustomed to using a library want assistance because they are not able to use the card catalogue.

Besides the ability to judge people some knowledge of human interests is of advantage in selecting books. One might never guess the subject or thing in which another person is interested. But there are some subjects and things in which a majority of people are more or less interested at different ages. A knowledge of these is important because in case of doubt appeal may be made to them in selecting books. They may be summarized somewhat as follows: Children of the primary grades are interested in rhyme, easy poetry, fairy tales, stories of animals and stories about other children and people. Books for them should be in simple language and the characters active. In the intermediate grades girls are generally interested in fairy tales and stories about other girls, their adventures and achievements. Boys of these grades are interested in tales of adventure, animal stories, and in books on the construction of toys, implements, and various kinds of mechanical devices. They are also interested in camping out and in the pleasures associated therewith. Girls of high school age are interested in the love story and the girl heroine, and a small number in adventure stories. Boys of this age are interested in books of adventure, stories of contest, stories of animal life, and books on the construction of machinery.

The interests of men vary so widely that no general statement can be made, except that the business, employment, or profession usually determines the chief interest. With the increase in years men are likely to become interested in books on religious subjects or in philosophy. Women are interested in the novel or story but may also be interested in questions relating to the church, social work, study club or some vocation.

Interests change from childhood to maturity and on through life, but may not be the same for different individuals of the same age. Consequently while a knowledge of them is helpful it does not provide an infallible guide. Exceptions must be taken into consideration, viz., bright and dull children, and those, both children and adults, with strong predilections for certain subjects and things.

In answering the various questions for information use is made of the card catalogue, indexes to periodicals, collection of reference books, prepared lists of references and other bibliographies. A reference librarian can not know too much about using all the sources. Besides the general reference books he should also be familiar with books on special subjects, not in the reference collection, but important in answering questions. A good memory is also essential for the best success in this work.

Lists of references which have been prepared for women's clubs, for debate work, for such school programs as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Washington's birthday, or other special occasions, should all be preserved for possible future demand. The use of them will be facilitated if they are arranged in alphabetical order, or in numerical order and indexed. They are time savers. Patrons of a library are pleased when they find what they want quickly and easily, and especially when the librarian signifies a willingness to render full assistance. The answers to no small number of requests are of such a character that they may be given by telephone and in order to extend the use of the library, especially to business and professional men, this method of service should be encouraged.

A general knowledge of books is also very necessary in order to make selections for patrons to read. Just as important as it is for the merchant to know the good and bad qualities of the various articles of his stock of merchandise.

The Book Record.

If the library lends books it is necessary to keep a record of them. This record should show at a glance to whom

particular books have been lent and also the number of books a borrower has at any time. There are different ways of keeping the record, but the most simple is to use a card in place of the book and a card for the borrower. The details of the system may vary to some extent in different libraries, but the things necessary for the record are as follows: (1) A numerical list of the borrowers. (2) An alphabetical list of the borrowers. (3) A card for each borrower, known as the borrower's card. (4) A card for each book, known as the book card. By assigning a number to each borrower the labor of writing his name each time he borrows a book is avoided. A numerical list of borrowers is necessary in order that the numbers may be assigned consecutively. An alphabetical list is necessary in order to find the number assigned to any one person. On the borrower's card is written his name, the number assigned to him, and, if it is thought desirable, his street address. On the book card is written the name of the author, inverted, title of the book, classification number and book number. A book pocket is pasted on the inside of the back cover of the book and the book card is kept in this when the book is in the library. When the book is lent the card is kept in the library, filed according to the classification number. The borrower's card may be kept at the library or it may be given to him, depending upon the practice of the library. In a college library it is convenient to keep the borrower's card as an aid in locating books. When books are wanted for use in connection with class work they may be located more quickly if there is a numerical file of the borrower's cards at hand. Emergencies of this kind do not arise so frequently in public libraries so the borrower of a public library is usually given his card.

The numerical list of borrowers may be kept in an ordinary record book. The alphabetical list of borrowers is usually kept on cards. These cards may also serve as registration cards, or vice versa the registration cards may be arranged so as to form an alphabetical list of borrowers. A guarantor's card, providing for the signature of some responsible person who will vouch for the borrower, is also used by most of the public