THE QUESTION OF LIBRARY TRAINING
By Lutie E. Stearns, Wisconsin Free Library Commission
THERE is a surprising and ofttimes appalling misconception or total lack of conception in the popular mind, and in the minds of library trustees, concerning the duties of a librarian or the qualifications which a librarian should possess. This is too frequently shown in the selection of a librarian. A man was recently selected as the head of a new eastern library who had not had an hour's library experience, the only reasons given for his appointment being that he had reviewed books and that he bore the endorsement of the local labor union. In another instance, the librarian was chosen solely on account of her "aristocratic bearing." Again the office is used for political reward, as illustrated by a recent case in Connecticut. As showing how little experience and training may be taken into account, the spectacle was presented a few months ago of a board of trustees "selling out" to a mayor of a large city, an increased appropriation for the library, being guaranteed by "His Honor" if a non-resident, trained librarian were deposed in favor of a local untrained and inexperienced applicant.
In the "Handbook of library organization," in use by many of the library commissions of the country, the fact is emphasized that the usefulness of the library will depend upon the librarian, and the greatest care should be exercised in selecting that officer. It insists that the librarian should not be chosen, as is often the case, because she is somebody's aunt, because she is poor and deserving and needs the money, because she is kindly, because she belongs to a certain church, club, or society, nor even because she has a reputation as a reader or confesses to a love of books. Concerning this latter point—this love of books—we would take issue with the statement, recently made by a prominent library worker, that the librarian does not love books any more than a broker loves the grain in which he deals; for we regard a love of books as one of the essentials in librarianship, but we would by no means give it the prominence usually accorded it in applications for library positions. For with this love of books should go culture, executive ability, tact, sympathy for humanity, and a knowledge of modern library methods. Save money in other ways, but never by employing a forceless man or woman as librarian; for in a small town a $600 librarian can do more with $400 worth of books than a $200 librarian can do with $800 worth of books. Trained, experienced librarians are the best, but if you have but little money and must be content to employ some local applicant without training or experience, insist that the appointee shall make an intelligent study of library methods in some model small library or through a series of library institutes, or in summer library schools such as are conducted by five commissions, or in a regular library School. The librarian should be keenly alive to the tremendous possibilities of her work. She should come in touch with other librarians and with the vast stores of experience found in books, library periodicals and proceedings. She should identify herself with local, state, and national library organizations, commissions, and associations.
On the technical side, she should have a knowledge of books from the outside—she should understand book-maker's work: paper—thickness and durability; printing—size, face of type, leading, spacing, margin, ink, press work; binding—materials, methods, durability, cost; book-repairing—materials and methods. From the commercial side she should become familiar with publishers, editions, and prices. In these days of book trusts and combinations, she should know where to purchase good editions cheaply. From the business side she should have a knowledge of book-keeping and business forms. She should familiarize herself with modern library furnishings, appliances, and supplies, and should be quick to adopt time and trouble savers. She should be a student
