Brown (J. D.)—Manual of practical bibliography. The
English Library. Routledge, 1906. 3s.
Fay (L. E.) and Eaton (A. T.)—Instruction in the use of books
and libraries: a text book for normal schools and colleges.
2nd edition, revised. Faxon & Co., Boston, 1919. 22s. 6d.
Hopkins (F. M.)—Reference guides that should be known,
and how to use them. Willard: Michigan, 1916. $1.50
Mudge (I. G.)—New guide to reference books: based on the
third edition of “Guide to the study and use of reference
books,” by Alice B. Kroeger, as revised by I. G. Mudge.
A.L.A. Pub. Board: Chicago, 1923; Grafton. 15s.
Miss Mudge’s great work is a text-book for the student
who is beginning a systematic study of reference books,
and is our best guide for the research worker requiring a
guide to the reference tools available for some particular
investigation. Complete with detailed index of authors,
titles, subjects, and analytical references.
or Kroeger (A. B.)—Guide to the study and use of reference
books. 2nd edition, with supplement, 1908; or, 3rd
edition, with supplement. A.L.A. Pub. Board:
Chicago, 1917.
Stewart (J. D.) and Clarke (O. E.)—Book selection. Grafton,
1909. 1s. Also published in the Library World, May-June,
1909.
Williams (Reginald G.)—A manual of book selection for the
librarian and book-lover. Grafton, 1920. 10s. 6d.
Note.—Other text-books will be introduced as required.
Take particular note of the factors and notes to be found
at the end of each course.
Knowledge of Books of Reference.
(a) Different kinds of bibliographies: universal, national,
trade and subject.
The student is advised to read “Bibliography,” by Isadore
Gilbert Mudge; preprint of “Manual of library economy,”
chapter 24, published by the A.L.A. Publishing Board,
Chicago, 1915. For the derivation and present meaning of
the word “bibliography,” and a description of the value of
reference books, this chapter forms a splendid introduction.
For the various kinds of bibliographies see Mudge’s “New
guide to reference books” (or Kroeger’s “Guide to study
and use of reference books”), Stewart and Clarke’s
“Book selection,” “List of bibliographical works in the
Reading Room of the British Museum,” Brown’s “Manual of
practical bibliography,” and Gross’s “List of books and
articles chiefly bibliographical, designed to serve as an introduction
to the bibliography and methods of English literary
history.” The Universal bibliographies by Brunet, British
Museum, Burger, Ebert, Graesse, Hain, Maittaire, Panzer,
Peddie, Pellechet, Proctor, Watt, etc.
For a comprehensive list of National bibliographies of 49
countries see Peddie’s “National bibliographies: a descriptive
catalogue of the works which register the books published
in each country.” London, Grafton, 1912. Add the
United States Catalog: books in print to January, 1912;
edited by M. E. Potter and others, and the Cumulative book
index. White Plains, New York, Wilson, 1898-1922. Vols.
1-24. (These two are not included in Peddie’s work;) also the
New York State Library. Selected National bibliographies.
3rd edition. Albany. University of the State of New York,
1915. (Library School Bulletin, No. 38). 10c.
The following trade bibliographies should be noted:—American
catalogue of books, Book auction records, Publishers’
trade list annual, United States Catalogue, Livingstone
(America). Arber, Book prices current, British Science Guild,
English catalogue of books, Growoll, Whitaker, etc. (English);
Catalogue Annuel. Lorenz, etc. (France); Heinrich, Heinsius,
Kayser, etc. (Germany); For general bibliographies the
most important are Sonnenschein’s “Best books,” Nelson’s
“Standard books,” Gray’s “Books that count,” Robertson’s
“Courses of study”; and for American books, the A.L.A.
book list, 1905 to date.
A mere acquaintance with the titles of the bibliographies
etc., will be of little service. Students must know the general
scope, method of arrangement, standpoint, and comparative
usefulness of each. It must be remembered also that
many of our best bibliographies and guides appear in the
Latin, French, and German languages.
Brown—Manual of practical bibliography. Chap. 8, pp.
113-135.
Clarke—English publishing trade bibliographies. L.W. Vol.
13. 1910-11, pp. 197-201.
Courtney—A register of national bibliography. 3 vols.,
1905-1912. Passim.
Fay and Eaton—Instruction in the use of books and libraries.
Part I. Chaps. 4, 5 and 10, pp. 40-83; 125-137.
Ferguson—Some aspects of bibliography. Johnston: Edinburgh,
1900. Passim. A splendid introduction.
Mudge—New guide to reference books. 1923, pp. 207-223.
or Kroeger—Guide to study and use of reference books.
1908 edition, pp. 99-111. Supplement, pp. 16, 20 and
21.
Peddie—National bibliographies. Grafton, London, 1912.
5s. Passim. Also published in the Library World,
Vols. 12, 13, 24 and 26.
Stewart and Clarke—Book selection. Passim.
Also in Library World, Vol II. 1908-1909, pp. 409-417;
445-450.
Williams—Manual of book selection. pp. 8-12; 67-71.
1. Name four universal bibliographies, and state the method
of arrangement of two of them.
2. Describe the plan and contents, and give an estimate of
their value as aids to book selection, of any three of the
following works:—
- Nelson—Standard books.
- Sonnenschein—Best books.
- Graesse—Tresor de livres rares et précieux.
- Mudge—New guide to reference books.
- English Catalogue of books, 1801-1925.
- Brunet—Manuel du libraire.
3. Name two author, two subject, and two classified bibliographies.
State their approximate prices.
4. Name three trade bibliographies, pointing out any differences
in their method of arrangement and scope.
5. Name the various kinds of bibliographies known to you,
giving the special features of each.
Knowledge of books of reference—continued.
- (b) Catalogues of libraries.
- (c) Bibliographies of bibliography.
- (d) Special bibliographies, and
- (e) Books containing bibliographies.
Every effort should be made to examine and
compare the catalogues of the following libraries:—British
Museum; Cambridge University; Chemical Society
of London; Dr. Williams’ Library; Glasgow University;
John Rylands Library; London Library; Pharmaceutical
Society of London; Royal College of Surgeons; Royal
Geographical Society; Royal Institute of Great Britain;
Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society; St. Bride Foundation
Library; Society of Writers to H.M. Signet; University of
Gottingen, and University of London.
Bibliographies of bibliography by the following authors
must be carefully noted:—British Museum; Courtney;
Langlois; Peignot; Petzholdt; Stein; Vallée, etc.
For bibliographies of special subjects see Mudge’s “New
guide to reference books”; Brown’s “Manual of practical
bibliography”; “List of bibliographical works in the Reading
Room of the British Museum,” etc.
For short list of books containing bibliographies see pages 25-26,
and make a note of any important bibliography you come
across during your studies.
Brown—Manual of practical bibliography. Chap. 8, pp.
128-142.
Courtney—A register of national bibliography. 3 vols.
Passim.
Ferguson—Some aspects of bibliography. Passim.
Josephson—Bibliographies of bibliography chronologically
arranged with occasional notes and index. 2nd edition.
Bib. Soc. of America: Chicago, 1913.
Mudge—New guide to reference books. pp. 229-230;
223-224.
or Kroeger—Guide to reference books, 1908 edition.
pp. 7-9; 108-110; 116-117.
Stewart and Clarke—Book selection. Passim.
Williams—Manual of book selection. Note the select bibliographies
at the end of each chapter.
1. Describe briefly six catalogues of libraries specially
serviceable as aids to book selection.
2. Give a brief account of four bibliographies of bibliography
stating the method and arrangement of two
of them.
3. Give a suggestive list of twelve reference books valuable
as aids to book selection.
4. Name ten modern books containing valuable bibliographies.
5. Name six special bibliographies giving their plan of
arrangement.
Principles of selection.
Book knowledge of the ideal selector should be both
professional and technical, connoting familiarity with bibliographical
aids, ability to compile bibliographical lists, and a
thorough understanding of good bookmaking. A knowledge
of printing and an acquaintance with the book trade, and a
sense of personal intimacy with the books themselves is also
necessary. Book selection is the most important part of a
librarian’s work.
To be efficient the student must make a study of the many
important aids to book selection and bibliographical guides.
His general education should include a wide knowledge of
literary and general history, with a smattering of the arts and
sciences, followed by a close study of the textual characteristics
of books in comparison with editions and reprints, in analysis
of the many and various translations of standard books and
classics. General principles and theory of selection. Remember
that public libraries cater for all readers, those who seek
instruction, and others seeking recreation. Attempt made to
satisfy all classes of readers. Principles governed by the
student’s estimation, of the field of choice; the kind of library
to be catered for; size of the library; amount of money available
for book purchase. Even large libraries can only make a
selection; the smaller the library the smaller the selection
within a selection. Selection for public libraries differs from
that necessary for private libraries, the former selects, the
latter collects. Geographical position of the library to other
libraries. Social conditions of the population. Proportional
representation. Methods of selection. Choice between
editions. Withdrawals and replacements. Unfinished publications.
Donations. Duplication. Classification as an aid
to selection. Second-hand books. Reader’s suggestions.
Revision of stock.
Adams—The problem of the small public library. L.J.
Vol. 29, 1904, pp. 365-367.
Bacon—Principles of book selection. N.Y. Libraries.
Vol. I. 1907, pp. 3-6.
Baker—Book selection for public libraries. In The Librarian’s
Guide, 1923. pp. 13-17.
Baker—Book selection: fundamental principles and some
application. L.A.R. Vol. 13, 1911, pp. 17-29.
Baker—Wanted a guide to books. L.A.R. Vol. 2, 1900,
pp. 89-97.
Barrett—On the selection of books for branch libraries.
L.A.R. Vol. 6, 1904, pp. 179-191.
Bascom—Book selection. (A.L.A. Manual of library
economy. Chap. 16). Published separately, 1922.
Bostwick—The American public library. 3rd edition.
Appleton: New York, 1923. Chaps. 10 and 11, pp.
132-161.
Bostwick—How to raise the standard of book selection.
P.L., Vol. 14, 1909, pp. 163-67.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 1907 edition. Chap.
II. Paras. 170-196, pp. 141-160.
or Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. Chap. 13. Paras.
174-206, pp. 167-188.
Brown—The small library. The English Library. Chap. 9,
pp. 109-138.
Brown—Plea for a select list of books. L. Vol. 7, 1895,
pp. 363-366.
Brown—Book selection. L.W. Vol. 26, 1923-24, pp. 98-104.
Burgoyne—On the choice of books for small libraries.
L.A.R. Vol. 3, 1901, pp. 189-197.
Burgoyne—Selection and purchase of books. L.A.R. Vol.
I., 1899, pp. 136-157, also in L.W., Vol. I., 1898, pp.
157-159.
Cutler-Fairchild—Principles of selection of books. L.J.,
Vol. 20, 1895, pp. 339-341.
Cutter—Should libraries buy only the best books or the
best books that people will read? L.J., Vol. 26, 1901,
pp. 70-72.
Dana—Library primer. pp. 39-45.
Fay and Eaton—Instruction in the use of books and
libraries. Part 2. Chaps. 13 and 25, pp. 181-192; 392-396.
Foster—Where ought the emphasis to be placed in library
purchases? L.J., Vol. 29, 1904, pp. 229-237.
Harrison—On the choice of books. Macmillan, 1903. 5s.
Lindsay—Some general principles of book selection. P.L.
Vol. 10, 1905, pp. 267-271.
McColvin—The theory of book selection for public libraries.
Grafton, 1925. 7s. 6d. Passim.
Mudge—New Guide to reference books. 1923. Introduction.
or Kroeger—Guide to ... reference books. Introduction.
Public Library’s aim in bookbuying. L. Vol. 6, 1906.
Also in L.J., Vol. 31, 1906, pp. 119-123.
Savage—Book selection. L.A. Vol. 4., 1901, pp. 190.
Savage—A plea for the analytical study of the reading
habit. L.A.R., (New Series), Vol. 2, 1924, pp. 210-225.
Spofford—A book for all readers. Putnams Sons: New
York. Chap. I., pp. 3-32.
Stewart and Clarke—Book selection. pp. 1-7.
Walker—Practical book selection methods. L.A.R. (New
series). Vol. 2, 1924, pp. 157-164. Also published
separately.
Willcock—Proportional representation. L.A.R., Vol. 6,
1904, pp. 336-344.
Williams—Manual of book selection for the librarian and
book lover. Chap. I., pp. 1-6.
Williams—Some principles of book selection. L.A., Vol.
13, 1916, pp. 133-136; 140-144.
1. You are asked to select books for a public library in a
town of 200,000 inhabitants. State what number of
volumes you would allocate to the lending and reference
departments respectively, and add a table showing
the proportional representation of the different main
classes in each department.
2. State what guides to selection you would consult in
selecting an initial stock of 25,000 volumes.
3. Do you consider it advisable to draw up a series of
principles to be followed in book selection? If so
state these principles briefly.
4. In forming a collection of 10,000 volumes for a small
public library, how would you ensure that no great
author or important subject had been missed?
5. In forming the initial stock for a public library what
class of books would you endeavour to purchase
second-hand?
6. A public library has an income of £15,000 per annum.
State how much should be spent on (1) Lending department;
new books; old books; replacements,
and (2) Reference library books?
Aids and guides to book selection.
The number of guides to book selection is very large and
the student will find the best selections in Mudge’s “New
guide to reference books,” pp. 224-226; Kroeger’s “Guide
... to reference books”; pp. 111-112; Williams’s
“Manual of book selection”; and Stewart and Clarke’s
“Book selection.” The numerous guides named in these
books should be carefully noted. If possible try to examine
the books themselves and note their scope, standpoint, arrangement,
and special features (if any).
Baker—Book reviews. L.A.R. Vol. 4, 1902, pp. 28-36.
Bostwick—Librarian as censor. L.J. Vol. 33, 1908, pp.
237-244; 257-264.
Brown—Manual of practical bibliography. Chap. 7, pp.
115-142.
Fay and Eaton—Instruction in the use of books and libraries.
Part I. Chaps. 4-7, pp. 40-109.
Hulme—Librarian’s aids. L.A.R. Vol. 5, 1903, pp. 119-132.
Mudge—New guide to reference books. pp. 224-226.
or Kroeger—Guide to ... reference books, pp. 111-117.
Peplow—Some tentative proposals for the compilation of a
catalogue of best books. L.A.R. Vol. II., 1909,
pp. 222-228. Discussion, pp. 245-249.
Stewart—How to use a library. pp. 24-31.
Stewart and Clarke—Book selection. Chap. 2, pp. 7-16.
Value of reviews: discussion. L.J. Vol. 33, 1908, pp. 101.
Williams—Manual of book selection. Chap. 2, pp. 7-16.
Williams—Book selection. L. & B.W. Vol. 7, 1917,
pp. 164-166; 182-5; 202-5.
1. Name six guides to book selection in general, and add
notes describing the scope and plan of compilation
of three of them.
2. State how you would ascertain what later editions are
available of books mentioned in the standard guides.
3. Mention two standard works on each of the following
subjects you would select for a lending library:—wireless
telegraphy; French Revolution; English
literature; modern history; and political economy.
4. State what you consider to be the six most important
contributions to bibliographical literature during the
last ten years.
5. What are the principal aids to book selection in the
following subjects:—education; music; science;
juvenile literature, and philosophy.
Prose Fiction. Young People’s Literature. Reference
Section.
The selection of prose fiction is not an easy task. Selection
should be made on principles as given in Lesson 3. Consideration
must be given to the percentage of fiction in relation
to other classes, also the class of fiction in demand. Principal
authors of all countries should be represented. Foreign masterpieces
should be obtainable in the original. Exclusion of
immoral works essential. The librarian or selector will soon
realise that he has the most difficult class of reader to satisfy.
Selection of novelists will differ with each selector, as in most
cases it will be found possible to make only a selection from a
selection. About 50 new novels are published weekly, and only
the largest libraries are able to purchase most of the suitable
fiction. The question of duplication must be carefully considered.
The replacement of worn-out and withdrawn books.
The second-hand book market. A knowledge of the many
guides to fiction necessary, supplemented by periodical
literature. Note the literary histories of the various countries,
especially the “Cambridge history of English literature” as
useful guides to selection. For lists of bibliographies consult
Williams’s “Manual of book selection,” pp. 45-47, and Mudge’s
“New guide to reference books,” pp. 141-143.
Bacon—What makes a novel immoral? L.A. Vol. 13,
1910-13, pp. 129. Also in Wisconsin Library Bulletin,
Vol. 6, 1910, pp. 83-95.
Baker—French fiction in public libraries. L.W. Vol. 2,
1899-1900, pp. 68-81.
Baker—Standard of fiction in public libraries. L.A.R.
Vol. 9, 1907, pp. 70-80; 98-103.
Bascom—Selection of fiction. Wisconsin Lib. Bul. Vol.
9, 1913, pp. 34-40.
Brown—In defence of Emma Jane. L.W. Vol. II.,
1908-09, pp. 161-6.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 1907 edition. Chap.
11, para. 177, pp. 145-6.
or Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. Sect. 181.
Crunden—New novel problem. L. (New Series). Vol. I.,
1899-1900, pp. 92-100.
Guppy—French fiction and French juvenile literature for
the public library. L.A.R. Vol. 2, 1900, pp., 357-371.
Herdman—Place and treatment of fiction in public libraries.
L.A. Vol. 6, 1909, pp. 357-380. Discussion, pp. 381-2.
McIntosh—Fiction selection. P.L. Vol. 19, 1914, pp.
389-392.
Sawyer—Questionable books. L.J. Vol. 40, 1915, pp.
691-699.
Shuman—How to judge a novel. P.L. Vol. 14, 1909, pp.
259-260.
Sinclair—In defence of the novel. L.A. Vol. 18, 1925,
pp. 35-47; 56-57.
Walsh—What our libraries should supply. L.J. Vol. 40,
1915, pp. 297-298.
1. You are called upon to form a collection of 10,000
volumes of prose fiction. State what works you would
consult to aid you in your selection?
2. Compare the following bibliographies, as aids to the
selection of prose fiction:—
Baker—A guide to the best fiction in English.
Bowen—Descriptive catalogue of historical novels
and tales.
Nield—-Guide to the best historical novels and
tales.
3. Give your opinion on how far foreign fiction should be
represented in a public library. State whether you
are in favour of the original works or of translations.
Great care should be taken in the selection of books for the
Young People’s department. The tastes of the children must
be the chief guide, and this will depend to a considerable
extent upon the locality in which the child lives. The facts
of child psychology are always subject to local conditions.
The selection of books for young people who reside in a
residential town will differ, even if very slight, to the
selection that should be made for children living in a busy
industrial or manufacturing centre. Classical literature must
not be forced upon young people, but it should be well represented
in beautifully illustrated editions, to encourage the
young people to read “the best.” The physical form of books
selected must receive special consideration. Good paper, clear
type and beautiful illustrations appeal to all readers. Cheap
editions should be avoided. The aim of a juvenile collection
is to create a reading adult with the ability to discriminate
what he ought to read, for this reason educational editions
are not recommended for purchase. Sensational literature is
undesirable. Collections should be composed of works of
romance and adventure, school stories, fairy tales, stories
of home and domestic life. Books of a more serious nature
however, must not be overlooked, and a choice selection made
treating with the lives of the great men and women of all ages,
botany, electricity, conduct of life, engineering, geology,
history, sports and pastimes, aviation, wireless telegraphy,
gardening, painting, art, natural history, etc.
Bostwick—The making of an American’s library. Boston,
1915, pp. 91-123.
Brown—The small library. Chaps. 2 and 4, pp. 11-27; 55-70.
Brown—Books for very young children. L.W. Vol. 9,
1906-07, pp. 282-9.
Cannons—Selection of books and editions for children.
L.A.R. Vol. 20, 1918, pp. 68-76.
Fay and Eaton—Instruction in the use of books and
libraries. Part 2. Chaps. 14-23, pp. 193-381.
Field—Finger posts to children’s reading. 6th edition.
Chicago, 1911.
Forbes and Derthick—Children’s books and what constitutes
a good edition. P.L. Vol. 17, 1912, pp. 118-20.
Hazeltine, editor—Library work with children. Classics of
American Librarianship. H. W. Wilson Co.: New
York, 1917; also Grafton, 7s. 6d. Special attention to
pp. 23-45; 363-366.
Hulst—The organisation of the course in literature in
secondary schools. English Journal. Vol. I., 1912,
pp. 72-83.
Hunt—Selection of children’s books. In her Library work
with children. A.L.A. Manual of library economy.
Jackson—The older girl and her reading. Ont. Lib. Rev.
Vol. 9, 1915, pp. 54-56.
Kelly—Selection of juvenile books for a small library.
P.L. Vol.14, 1909, pp. 308-9; 367-372.
Lawrence—How shall children be led to love good books?
P.L. Vol. 11, 1906, pp. 179-183.
Olcott—-Childrens’ reading. Boston, 1912.
Pearson—The children’s librarian versus Huckleberry Finn.
L.J. Vol. 32, 1907, pp. 312-314.
Powell—The Children’s library: a dynamic factor in
education. H. W. Wilson Co., New York, 1917; also
Grafton, 10s. 6d. Chap. II. pp. 287-319. The bibliography
on book selection on pp. 437-452 is most valuable
and should be carefully read.
Sayers—The children’s library. Chaps. 1, 15, 16, pp. 1-14;
156-203.
Smith—Some story book children of England. Ont. Lib.
Rev. Vol. 9, 1925, pp. 51-54.
Terman and Lima—Children’s reading: a guide for parents
and teachers. Appleton: New York, 1926. $2.
Thompson—On the selection of books for children. L.J.
Vol. 32, 1907, pp. 427-233.
Williams—Manual of book selection. pp. 47-51.
In addition to the above consult the “Children’s Catalogue,”
3rd edition, revised and enlarged, compiled by Minnie
Earl Sears based on “Children’s Catalog of thirty-five hundred
books,” compiled by Corinne Bacon, containing 4,100
titles with 863 books analyzed, 640 pages. H. W. Wilson Co,
1925, $12. The Glasgow Corporation Public Libraries
“Guide for young readers,” the “Descriptive handbook to
juvenile literature in the Finsbury Public Libraries,” the
“Requisition list of books for school lending libraries, by the
London County Council,” “The Pittsburgh Carnegie Library
graded juvenile catalogues,” and the bibliographical lists
given in Sayers’s “Children’s Library.”
1. Name six modern guides to juvenile selection, and
describe any three of them.
2. Prepare a list of 20 books which you consider the best
works of reference for the shelves of a Young People’s
Room, to enable the children to improve their scholastic
studies.
3. In selecting books for the Young People’s section how
far would you be governed by the physical form of
the book?
Select collection of reference books is the foundation of a
good reference library. Its utility reckoned by extent and
quick service its selection will furnish when demands are made.
Large reference libraries should satisfy all demands. Small
library collection from a selection, with “quick reference”
books its strongest section. How to judge whether a book
is more suitable for the reference than the lending department.
Place books in the department where they will be
most useful. Such works as encyclopedias, directories,
dictionaries, atlases, maps, etc., state and parliamentary
papers are obviously reference books; antiquarian works and
exceptionally large books are also reference books. Allocation
of rare, art, and large books. Cost of a book should not be
a consideration in deciding lending versus reference books.
How far should duplication be carried? Great number of
reference works may be obtained second hand. Latest
editions, excepting art, essential. Occasional text-books
necessary. Local industries well represented. How a
reference library is supplemented when in the same building
as the lending library. If lending library books are available
in the reference library decision of allocation becomes easier.
Special facilities available for the loan of reference books.
Periodical literature is a valuable asset to a reference library.
Many good articles never appear in book-form.
Ballinger—Municipal library and its public. L. (.N.S.).
Vol 9, 1909, p. 309.
Barrett—Selection of books for a reference library. L.
Vol. 8, 1896, pp. 473-481.
Borrajo—Books for the reference library. L.A.R. Vol.
1, 1899, pp. 770-780.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 1907 edition. Chap.
11, para. 185, pp. 152-3.
or Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. Sects. 188; 411;
pp. 176-177; 382-386.
British Museum.—Department of printed books. List of
books forming the reference library in the reading room.
2 vols., 1910.
Dent—Notes on the formation of a small reference library.
L. Vol. 8, 1896, pp. 531-535.
Moore—Municipal reference libraries. In Public Libraries,
1917, pp. 70-85.
Mudge—New guide to reference books. A.L.A. Chicago,
1923. Introduction.
Reference work and reference works. Ont. Lib. Rev. Vol.
4, 1920, pp. 98-131. Every effort should be made to read
this valuable article.
Richardson—Reference books. L.J. Vol. 18, 1892, pp.
245-247.
Williams—Manual of book selection. pp. 66-71.
Williams—Reference book selection. L. & B. W. Vol.
8, 1917, pp. 4-6; 23-25.
Wood—Selection of books for a reference library. L. Vol.
8, 1896, pp. 522-530.
1. In forming a reference collection of 10,000 volumes,
how would you ensure that no important author or
subject had been missed?
2. What principles would guide you in deciding whether a
book is more suitable for the reference than the
lending department?
3. Give a list of 25 books (excluding local directories)
which you think indispensable for “quick reference”
in a reference library.
4. What bibliographical guides would you provide in a
reference library?
Commercial Libraries. Local Collections. Other
Special Collections.
Originally organised to meet trade conditions after the
European War. Should be the centre where business men may
obtain reliable commercial information immediately on demand,
and should contain Commercial and Industrial data (reports of
Boards of Trade and Agriculture and Fisheries, Consular
and Colonial reports, Parliamentary publications relating to
commerce, trade periodicals and catalogues, reports of
Chambers of Commerce, statistical publications). Geographical
information (atlases, maps, gazetteers, directories,
books of travel written from the standpoint of commercial
development). Transport and communication (shipping,
railway and postal guides, telephone directories, telegraphic
codes). Financial information (tariffs, foreign exchanges,
banking, company reports). Commercial and industrial law.
Business organisation (office methods, advertising, salesmanship,
works management, accountancy, costing, etc.). Working
collection of special and general reference books. Journals
of commerce, industry and finance.
The following bibliographical aids should be examined:—
Cannons (H. G. T.)—Bibliography of industrial efficiency
and factory management. 1920. Greenwood (E.)—Classified
guide to technical and commercial books;
a subject list of the principal British and American
works in print. 1904. Morley (L. H.) and Knight
(A. C.)—2,400 business books and guide to business
literature; [compiled] under the direction of J. C.
Dana. 1920. Grafton, 30s.
Brown—Manual of library economy. Revised edition by
W. C. B. Sayers. Sects. 450-459, pp. 418-423.
Jast—The commercial library. L.A.R. Vol. 19, 1917,
pp. 118-124.
Pitt—Memoranda on commercial libraries. L.A.R. Vol.
19, 1917, pp. 175-178.
Pitt and others—Commercial libraries. In Public Libraries,
1917, pp. 47-64; 117-120.
Savage—Technical and commercial libraries. L.A.R., Vol.
20, 1918, pp. 159-162.
Sparke—How the public library can help the business man.
Bolton Public Libraries. 1s. Passim.
Whitton—Proposed library of municipal affairs. L.J. Vol.
33, 1908, pp. 224.
Refer also to Handbooks on commercial libraries issued by
the Glasgow, Manchester, Bolton, Birmingham and other
important libraries.
1. What bibliographies would you place in a commercial
library? Give reasons for your choice.
2. Give a list of 25 books essential to the man of business.
3. Discuss the value of consular and colonial reports in a
commercial library.
4. From what sources may the commercial librarian
supply up-to-date information on any trade or industry?
Every public library should have its local collection, and
the book selector should keep a careful look out for (1) all
literature referring to the locality; (2) maps, plans, prints,
drawings, photographs, etc., of the locality; (3) writings
of local authors; (4) newspapers and periodicals issued
locally; (5) literature printed locally; (6) local records,
such as parish registers, rate books, and other MSS., printed
transactions of the local authorities, local Acts of Parliament,
etc., and (7) specimens of the work of local binders, if of any
eminence. Many local works may be selected from the
second-hand booksellers’ catalogues. County bibliographies
are useful in guiding selection, and the columns of the “Publishers’
Circular” must not be overlooked.
Anderton—On planning a printed catalogue of local literature.
L.A.R. Vol. 15, 1913, pp. 542-552.
Baker—Our local collections and local documents. L.A.R.
Vol. 11, 1909, pp. 96-98.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 1907 edition, Chap.
11, para 186, pp. 153-4.
or Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. Chap. 28, paras.
422-444.
Collier—Local records in public libraries. L.A.R. Vol.
13, 1911, pp. 268-275.
Minto—Bibliography of local literature. L.A.R. Vol.
4, 1902, pp. 37-44.
Reese—What is a local author? L.J. Vol. 44, 1919,
p. 43.
Ross—Book selection; local collections. L.W. Vol.
10, 1907. pp. 71-76.
Sparke—Local collections in public libraries. L.W. Vol.
2, 1899-1900, pp. 185-187.
Webb—Function of the public library in respect to the
political sciences. L.A.R., Vol. 7, 1905.
Williams—In Manual of book selection. pp. 61-62.
Wright—Local collections: what should be collected and
how to obtain material. L.A.R. Vol. 7, 1905, pp.
1-11.
1. State briefly what class of books you would select in
forming a local collection.
2. What principles would you follow in compiling a
bibliography or catalogue of local books?
3. What examples of local bibliographies are known to
you? Describe any three.
4. Describe generally the plan, contents and aim of the
two following books:—
Sparke (A)—Bibliographia Boltoniensis: being a bibliography
of Bolton authors, and
Hawkes (A. J.)—Lancashire printed books: a bibliography
of all the books printed in Lancashire down
to the year 1800. 1925.
Technical Libraries.—Technical libraries are now essential
both to technical education and to manufacture. They
should consist of all modern text-books, encyclopædias,
directories, etc. Polyglot and technological dictionaries.
Current digests and indexes to periodical literature and state
publications.
Hulme—Technical libraries. L.A.R. Vol. 19, 1917, pp.
484-497.
Hulme and others—Technical libraries. In Public Libraries,
1917, pp. 65-77; 114-117.
Matthews—The technical library. L.A.R. Vol. 22, 1920,
pp. 141-157.
Reynolds—The technical library in its relation to the educational
and industrial development. L.A.R. Vol.
19, 1917, pp. 250-261.
Savage—Technical libraries. L.A.R. Vol. 21, 1919, pp.
264-270.
Savage—Technical and commercial libraries. L.A.R. Vol.
20, 1918, pp. 159-162.
Simmett—Technical libraries and intelligence. L.A.R.
Vol. 22, 1920, pp. 124-140.
1. What critical and specialised aids has the librarian
to help him in his selection of technical books?
2. How far is a library justified in forming special technical
collections?
Reading List.
American Library Association—Foreign book lists. Nos.
1-7. Boston and Chicago. A.L.A. Publishing Board,
1907-16. Contents—1.—German. 2.—Hungarian. 3.—French.
4.—Norwegian and Danish. 5.—Swedish.
6.—Polish. 7.—Russian.
Williams—In Manual of book selection. pp. 72-75.
Williams—Selection of foreign literature. L. &. B.W.
Vol. 8, 1917, pp. 25-26; 44-46.
1. What bibliographical or other guides would you consult
in forming a representative collection of standard
French and German literature?
2. What classes of modern foreign literature would you
purchase for a lending library catering for a population
of 200,000.
Reading List.
Neisser—Report of the A.L.A. Committee on library work
with the blind. A.L.A. Bulletin. Vol. 2, 1908, pp.
216-221.
Roebuck—Literature for the blind, and the public library
movement in connection therewith. L.A. Vol. 3,
1902, pp. 253-260.
Selection of Special Classes of Literature—continued.
Philosophy and Religion.—Should the selection of
philosophical and religious works be made without principles
the result will be unsatisfactory. Consecutive reading must
always be borne in mind. One-sided selection avoided.
Nelson’s “Standard Books, Vols. 1 and 2, Sonnenschein’s
“Best Books, Part 1,” and Robertson’s “Courses of study,”
should be carefully consulted when selection is being made.
Sectarian and “crank” literature should be avoided in
selecting religious works. Jastrow’s “Study of religion” is
recommended for careful reading as an introduction to
religion. Hurst’s “Biblioteca theologia” and his “Literature
of theology,” Frazer’s “Golden Bough,” Vol. 12 (for bibliography)
and Rands’ “Bibliography,” in Baldwin’s “Dictionary
of philosophy and psychology,” Vol. 3 are useful in selection.
In both these classes modern thought must be well represented.
Ayres—Theological literature in libraries. L.J. Vol. 28,
1903, pp. 601-603.
Bisseker—A student’s library. Kelly, 1911, pp. 46-122;
184-208; 243-265; 271-280.
Bowerman—Principles governing the choice of religious
and theological books for public libraries. L.J. Vol.
30, 1905, pp. 137-140.
Deane—A library of religion. Mowbray, 1918.
Jastrow—Study of religion. Cont. Science Series. Scott,
1901. Take particular note of the Bibliography on pp.
399-415.
Williams—In Manual of book selection. pp. 20-24.
1. What guide books would you consult in selecting a
nucleus stock of books in philosophy and religion?
2. How would you be guided in the discarding of obsolete
books in this section?
3. What are the principal periodical guides to new books
of religion and philosophy?
—Always a popular class of literature with the
reading public. Frequent revision of stock is essential to
retain a “live” class. Subjects like political science and
statistics must be represented by the latest editions. The
following are the chief guides to selection:—Nelson’s “Standard
books,” Vol. 1; Bisseker’s “Student’s library,” pp.
209-239; 281-297; Bliss’s “Handbook of socialism”;
Bowker and Isle’s “Readers guide to economic, social, and
political science”; Fabian Society’s “What to read on
social and economic subjects”; Robertson’s “Courses of
study”; Sonnenschein’s “Best books,” Vol. 2; Stammhammer’s
“Bibliographie der sozialismus und kommunismus”;
“Bibliographie der sozialwissenschaften,” 1905 to date;
Bulkeley’s “Bibliographical survey of contemporary sources
for the economic and social history of the War”; Zimand’s
“Modern social movements”; and in Williams’s “Manual of
book selection,” pp. 24-26.
1. How would you find out what later editions are available
of books given in the standard guides?
2. Give a brief account of Gross’s “Bibliography of
British municipal history,” and its value in the
selection of books on sociology.
3. Draw up a graded reading course of not more than
twelve books on political economy.
The two most important sections in a public library, as
the subjects in both classes continually change and develop.
In no other classes do works so soon become obsolete. Before
making selection for an initial stock it is advisable to read
through as many brief histories of the sciences as possible as
they will enumerate the writers whose influence in the various
sciences have been greatest. The standard bibliographies
must be consulted in selecting initial stock, but when formed,
it must be kept alive by a careful reading of the periodical
literature, where the latest information will be obtained.
As new editions of works in stock are published, they must be
purchased if they contain additional or revised material,
and take the place of the old edition on the shelf. The
British Science Guild’s “Catalogue of British scientific
and technical books,” first published in 1921, new and
revised edition, 1925, complete with author and subject
indexes, together with the numerous guides mentioned in
Mudge’s “New guide to reference books,” pp. 23 (technical
lists); 97-104 and 104-114 will render ample assistance to the
selector, who will also find the British Museum Subject Index
most useful for the titles of books in these classes published
in England.
Bisseker—A student’s library. pp. 156-183; 266-270.
Clarke—Scientific text books and the disposal of books
out-of-date. L. Vol. 6, 1894, pp. 164-167.
Craver—The library in relation to special classes of readers.
L.J. Vol. 31, 1906, pp. 72.
Hulme and others—Technical libraries. In Public Libraries:
their development and future organisation,
1917, pp. 65-77; 114-117.
Jast—Technical libraries. L.A.R. Vol. 5, 1903, pp.
467-472.
Morris—Popular science for the public library. Ont. Lib.
Rev. Vol. 7, 1922, pp. 27-50.
Savage—Some difficulties in the selection of scientific and
technological books. L.A.R. Vol. 10, 1908, pp. 162-174.
Savage—Science and technology in public libraries. L.
Vol. 12, 1909, pp. 1-4; 46-48.
Sohon (J. A.) and Schaaf (W. L.)—A reference list of bibliographies,
chemistry, chemical technology and chemical
engineering published since 1900. Wilson: New York,
1924. $2.50.
Williams—In Manual of book selection. pp. 17-19;
28-30.
1. “This section requires constant revision and weeding
out if it is to be a live section.” Discuss this statement.
2. Name a bibliography on each of the following subjects:
astronomy; physics; botany; wireless telegraphy;
chemical technology.
3. Describe six general guides to book selection in this
section.
Very little material has been published on what is best to
select in pure literature. Probably the article “Literature”
in the Encyclopædia “Britannica” is the best introduction,
followed by W. H. Hudson’s “An introduction to the study
of literature”, H. B. Charlton’s “Art of literary study: an
approach to literature for the plain man,” and Bisseker’s “A
student’s library,” pp. 11-45, for general literature. For
English the “Cambridge history of English literature,” 14 vols.,
Knowlson’s “How to study English literature,” Manly and
Rickert’s “Contemporary British literature,” and Williams’s
“Craft of literature,” may be profitably read and Cant’s
“Bibliography of English drama from 1890-1920, giving
separate titles and short annotations.” L.A.R. Vol. 24,
1922, pp. 41-57 and Brown’s “The realm of poetry,” 1921
should be consulted. Pancoast’s “American literature,”
and “History of American literature,” being supplementary
volumes to the “Cambridge history of English literature,”
should be followed for American literature. The bibliographies
and many guides mentioned on pp. 120-150 in Mudge’s “New
guide to reference books,” should be carefully looked through.
“A register of bibliographies of the English language and
literature, by C. S. Northup and others.” Milford, 1925, should
also be consulted. The general principles of book selection
must now be applied, and care taken to be certain that the
principal dramatists, poets, essayists, etc., are well represented.
Text books dealing with the literary histories of all countries
should be available, as well as all guides to literary forms.
1. What are the principal aids to book selection in the
following subjects:—drama; American literature;
English poetry; and Spanish literature?
2. Name six dictionaries of quotations, and two of similes.
3. Where several translations of a standard foreign work
are available, how would you be guided in making
your choice of one?
Systematic selection essential if the stock is to prove
valuable and useful. The standard modern works on all
languages should be represented and attention paid to the
historical side. Naturally, works on our own language will
have preference over all others, followed by a good selection of
works on the French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian
languages. Other nationalities should be represented according
to the demands made by the public. Students should read
the article “Language” in the Encyclopædia Britannica,
and as aids to selection consult the following works:—Nelson’s
“Standard books,” Vol. 3; Sonnenschein’s “Best
books,” Vol. 3; Breule’s “Handy bibliographical guide to
the study of German language and literature”; Braunholtz’s
“Books of reference and teachers of French”;
Robertson’s “Courses of study”; and Williams’s “Manual
of book selection,” pp 26-27.
1. Give your opinion as to the best dictionary of the
English language when the purchase is limited to one.
2. Name dictionaries for the following subjects:—
synonyms; slang; rhymes.
3. Name the best dictionaries for the following languages:
Anglo-Saxon; French; German; Italian and
Spanish.
Fine and Recreative Arts. History. Biography.
Geography. Travel.
Fine and Recreative Arts.—Another class where
principles must be carefully followed, otherwise a lot of money
may be wasted. The general histories, text-books and outlines
should present no difficulty. It is when we come to books
where the illustrations form the predominating feature that
difficulties arise. Many splendid guides are available, including
Nelson’s “Standard books,” compiled by the staff
of the National Art Library, South Kensington; Sturgis
and Krehbiel’s “Annotated bibliography of Fine Art,”
compiled by experts; and the British Museum Subject Index.
For reference:—the “Universal catalogue of books on art,”
1870-77; and Macfall’s “History of painting” are also useful.
Bibliographical articles in the encyclopædias should not be
overlooked. Note the bibliographies and guides mentioned
in Mudge’s “Reference books,” pp. 114-120. Guides to special
subjects are too numerous to mention here, and the student
is referred to the lists published by the South Kensington
Museum.
Batsford—Some suggestions on the formation of a small
library of reference books on ornament and the decorative
arts. L. Vol. 9, 1897, pp. 251-269.
Books valuable in the study of art. P.L. Vol. 13, 1908, pp.
253-4.
Hitchcock—Books on fine and decorative arts suggested for
small public libraries. P.L. Vol. 7, 1902, pp. 25-27.
McColvin—Music in public libraries. Grafton, 1924. 7s. 6d.
Passim.
Mathews—Libraries and music. L. Vol. 5, 1893, pp. 190-2.
Musical libraries: discussion. P.L. Vol. 3, pp. 53-4.
Weale—Two notes for art libraries. L. (N.S.), Vol. 1,
1899-1900, pp. 365-7.
Williams—Manual of book selection. pp. 30-32.
1. What principles would you be guided by in deciding
what edition of a book should be purchased out of a
number of editions?
2. Mention the principal aids to book selection in any two
of the following subjects:—Christian art; ceramics;
decorative art; painting; freehand drawing;
Italian art; schools of painting; music.
3. Make a selection of periodicals useful as aids to book
selection of fine and recreative arts.
4. Discuss the advisability of co-operation by neighbouring
libraries in the purchase of the larger and more expensive
art books.
5. State what books you would use to find the market
price of the older art books.
6. Name four booksellers who specialise in fine art books.
History, Biography, Geography and Travel:—Consecutive
selection necessary. All epochs should be represented and
British history well covered. The chief guides to selection
are Sonnenschein’s “Best books,” Vol. 3; Nelson’s “Standard
books”; Robertson’s “Courses of study”; Langlois’s
“Manuel de bibliographie historique,” part 1 (1907); Adams’s
“Manual of historical literature” (3rd revised edition, 1903);
Annual bulletin and select lists of the Historical Association.
Gross’s “Sources and literature of English history” and his
“Bibliography of British municipal history” are excellent
for British history. Sir P. Protheroe’s “Select analytical
list of books concerning the Great (European) War” is the
best guide to the literature of the European War.
Bibliographies found in Mudge’s “Reference books,”
pp. 183-196, the Cambridge Histories and the “Story of
the Nations” series are valuable aids.
Guides to biography are scarce but Chambers’s “Biographical
dictionary,” Chambers’s “Encyclopædia,” and
the “Dictionary of National biography” supplemented by
Mudge, pp. 150-168, will answer most calls made upon them.
Voyages and travels always command a good reading
public but care should be taken to exclude ephemeral “globe-trotting”
variety.
For geography and travel Mill’s “Guide to geographical
books and appliances,” revised by A. J. Herbertson and N. E.
MacMunn will be found indispensable. It includes geographical
novels, general reference works, lists of text-books,
in fact nearly a bibliography of geography. The bibliographies
found at the end of each chapter of Mill’s “International
geography” will also be found useful. In the selection of the
older books Anderson’s “Book of British topography” although
now a little out of date is still valuable, and Mudge, pp. 172-183
should also be consulted.
Adams—Manual of historical literature. Harper: New
York, 1903.
Bibliographies in the “Story of the Nations” series.
Bisseker—A student’s library. pp. 123-155.
Gross—Bibliography of British municipal history. Longmans:
New York, 1897.
Gross—Sources and literature of English history from the
earliest times to about 1485. Longmans, 1915.
Hall—Methods of teaching history. Harrap, 1913.
Larned—Literature of American history. A.L.A. Pub.
Board, Boston.
Langlois—Manuel de bibliographie historique. 2 vols.
Hachette, Paris, 1901-04.
Robertson—Courses of study. pp. 139-328; 366-370.
Sykes—Biography for a small library. Ont. Lib. Rev.
Vol. 2, 1918, pp. 116-119.
Williams—Manual of book selection. pp. 52-55.
1. Mention two books on each of the following subjects
which you would recommend to a reader:—Joan of
Arc; French Revolution; Oliver Cromwell; European
War; London; Gunpowder Plot.
2. Draw up an annotated reading course of not less than
ten books on British history.
3. Name six periodicals valuable as aids to book selection
in this section.
Selection of Periodicals.
Primary object in the selection of periodicals should be to
supplement the stock of books in the library by up-to-date
literature not available in book form. The second consideration
should be to aim at supplying magazines for recreation as well
as instruction. On the same principle that crank and sectarian
works are prohibited from the best book stocks so should
periodicals of this nature be excluded. Trade, scientific,
technical, and special periodicals should receive first consideration,
and special attention given to the papers that
cover the chief industries of the town to be served. A good
selection of periodicals dealing with literature, art, science,
etc., will add attractiveness to the room. Newspapers selected
should represent the political parties impartially. The various
press guides, lists published by large libraries, such as the
Mitchell Library and Cannons’s “Classified guide to 1,700
annuals, directories and year books,” Grafton. 1923, 5s., will
be found useful in the selection of this class of literature.
Briscoe—Selection of periodicals. L.W. Vol. 12, 1909-10,
pp. 215-216.
Brown—Manual of library economy. 1907 edition. Chap. 11.
para. 200, pp. 163-165.
or Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. Chap. 13, paras.
203-204.
Brown—Selection of current periodicals. L.A.R. Vol. 6,
pp. 591-597.
Dana—Periodicals for a small library. P.L. Vol. 11,
1906, p. 367.
Mudge—New guide to reference books. pp. 5-23.
Kroeger—Guide to ... reference books. pp. 1-31.
Steele—A selected list of periodicals which review books.
Ont. Lib. Rev., Vol. 8, 1923, pp. 12-13.
Walter—Periodicals for a small library. 1919 edition.
A.L.A. Pub. Board, Chicago. 1919. 15c.
1. Make an annotated list of the monthly and quarterly
periodicals you would consider necessary in a reading
room serving a population of 100,000.
2. Briefly describe how you would deal with periodicals
offered gratis.
3. Make a selection of newspapers and periodicals on:—economics,
education, engineering, not more than
six on each, indicating their valuable features and
giving published prices.
4. Describe the general contents and special features of
any three of the following periodicals, and any two of
the annuals:—
| English Review | Connoisseur |
| Whitaker’s Almanack | Ueber Land und Meer |
| Revue des deux mondes | British Trade Year Book |
| The Reader | Librarians’ Guide |
| Annual Register |
Decimal Educator |
5. Make an annotated list of ten periodicals you would
select for a Young People’s Reading Room.
Questions to be answered without the aid of text-books, notes, etc.
1. Write a short essay on the principles of book selection
as applied to public libraries.
2. Name the various kinds of bibliographies available as
aids to book selection, and give an account of two in
each section.
3. State briefly what you know of the following catalogues,
giving the method of arrangement of each:—British
Museum; London Library; John Rylands Library,
and Cambridge University.
4. What do you consider to be the twelve best guides to
book selection?
5. Discuss the value of “The Annual Register” as an aid
to book selection.
6. What books of reference would you consult for anonymous
and pseudonymous works in (1) English, (2)
French and (3) German?
7. What authors would you recommend to a reader desirous
of being acquainted with Napoleon I.; psychoanalysis;
parliament; philately; Marie Antoinette;
Spanish literature; League of Nations, and wireless
telegraphy.
8. Give reasons for and against the desirability of not
purchasing fiction until a year after publication.
9. Describe briefly not more than six catalogues of libraries
specially serviceable as aids to book selection.
10. State briefly on what principles you would be guided in
accepting or declining donations of books.
11. Give an annotated list of twelve periodicals you would
consider necessary in a Ladies’ Reading Room.
12. Name twelve periodicals that should be permanently
stored in a public reference library.
(1) Select List of Universal Bibliographies.
Note.—An universal bibliography has not yet been compiled
but the following are recognised as units towards such a
work.
1. Bibliographical Society of America.—Census of fifteenth
century books owned in America; compiled by a
Committee of the Bibliographical Society of America.
New York, 1919.
2. British Museum Library.—Catalogue of books printed
in the 15th century now in the British Museum.
London, 1912-1916. Parts 1-4.
3. Brunet (Jacques Charles)—Manuel du libraire et de
l’amateur de livres. 5 éd. originalt entiérement
refinde et augm d’un tiers. Paris, Didot, 1860-65.
6 Vols.
——Supplément, par P. Deschamps et G. Brunet. Paris,
Didot, 1878-80. 2 Vols.
4. Ebert (Friedrich Adolf)—General bibliographical dictionary,
from the German of F. A. Ebert. Oxford
University Press, 1837. 4 Vols.
5. Georgi (Gottlieb)—Allgemeines europaisches bucherlexicon
in wilchem die allermeisten autores zu finden,
welche noch vor dem anfange des XVI. seculi bis
1739, in vire theile abgetheilet. Leipzig, Gorgi, 1742.
4 parts in one.
——Fünffter theil. In welchem die franzosischen
auctores und bücher von allen disciplinen, in alphabetischer
ordung zu finden. Leipzig, 1753.
——Erstes (bis drittes) supplement, 1739-1757.
Leipzig, 1750-1758. 3 vols.
6. Græsse (Johann Georg Theodor)—Trésor de livres rares
et précieux. Dresden, 1859-1869. 7 vols.
7. Hain (Ludwig Friedrich Theodor)—Repertorium bibliographicum
ad annum M.D. Stuttgart, Cottæ, 1826-38.
2 vols, in 4.
——Supplement to Hain’s “Repertorium bibliographicum”;
or, collection towards a new edition
of that work, par W. A. Copinger. London, Sotheran,
1895-1902. 2 vols. in 3.
——Appendices ad Hainii-Copingeri “Repertorium
bibliographicum”; additiones et emendationes editit
Dietericus Reichling. Monachii, Rosenthal, 1905-11.
7 vols.
——Supplementum cum indice urbium et typographorum.
Accedit index auctorum generalis totius operis. Monasterii
Guestphalorum, Theissingianis, 1914.
——Supplement zu Hain und Panzer. Beiträge zur
inkunabel bibliographie. Nummern—concordanz von
Panzer’s lateinischen und deutschen Annalen und
Ludwig Hain’s “Repertorium bibliographicum” par
Konrad Burger. Leipzig, Hiersemann, 1908.
——Ludwig Hain’s “Repertorium bibliographicum
Register.” Die drucker des XV. jahrhunderts. Leipzig.
Harrassowitz, 1891.
8. Maittaire (Michael)—Annales typographici ab artis
inventae origine ad annum 1664. Hagae-Comitum,
1719-41. 5 Vols.
——Supplementum adornavit M. Denis. Viennae,
1789, 2 vols.
9. Panzer (Georg Wolfgang Franz)—Annales typographici ab
artis inventae origine ad annum 1536. Norimbergae,
1793-1803. 11 vols.
10. Peddie (Robert Alexander)—Conspectus incunabulorum:
an index catalogue of fifteenth century books, with
references to Hain’s “Repertorium,” Copinger’s
“Supplement,” Proctor’s “Index,” Pellechet’s “Catalogue,”
Campbell’s “Annales” and other bibliographies.
London, 1910-1914. 2 vols.
11. Pellechet (Marie Léontine Catherine)—Catalogue général
des incunables des bibliothèques publiques de France.
Paris, Picard, 1897-1909. Vols. 1-3.
12. Proctor (Robert)—Index to the early printed books in
the British Museum from the invention of printing
to the year 1500, with notes of those in the Bodleian
Library. London, Paul, 1898-99. 4 vols.
—— Part 2, 1501-20. Section 1, Germany. London,
Paul, 1903.
—— Supplements, 1898-1902. London, 1900-03.
5 parts.
13. Prussian Board of Education—Gesamtkatalog der Wiegendrucke.
Herausgegeben von der Kommission fur
den Gesamtkatalog der Wiegendrucke. Band 1.
Abano-Alexius, Leipzig, 1925, Verlag von Karl W.
Hiersemann. Quaritch, 1925. £3 7s. 6d. To be
completed in 12 volumes. The most complete catalogue
of Incunabula.
14. Quaritch (Barnard)—General catalogue of books offered
to the public at the affixed prices. London, 1887-97.
7 vols. and Supp.
15. Watt (Robert)—Bibliotheca Britannica; or, A general
index to British and Foreign literature. 2 parts.
Edinburgh, Constable, 1824. 4 vols.
(2) Select List of Trade Bibliographies.
American:—
Roorbach (Orville Augustus)—Bibliotheca Americana 1820-61.
New York, Roorbach, 1852-61. 4 vols.
A catalogue of American publications arranged alphabetically
by authors and titles. Publisher, date, size
and price also given.
Kelly (James)—American catalogue of books published in the
United States from January, 1861 to January, 1871.
New York, Wiley, 1866-71. 2 vols.
Alphabetical arrangement under authors, titles and
subjects. Gives full particulars of publishers and prices.
Well annotated. A continuation of Roorbach’s work.
American catalogue of books 1876-1910. New York, Publisher’s
Weekly, 1881-1911 9 vols.
The standard American list for the period covered (Mudge).
United States catalog: books in print January, 1912; edited
by Marion E. Potter and others. 3rd edition. White
Plains, New York, Wilson, 1912.
—— Supplement, 1912-17. New York, Wilson, 1918.
—— Supplement, January, 1918—June, 1921. New York,
Wilson, 1921.
Indispensable to the American book selector.
Annual:—
Annual American Catalogue, 1886-1910. New York, Publisher’s
Weekly, 1887-1911. No more published.
United States catalog. Annual. New York, Wilson.
An annual dictionary catalogue.
Monthly:—
Cumulative book index. White Plains, New York, Wilson,
1898-1922. Vols. 1-24.
English:—
Arber (Edward)—Term catalogues, 1668-1709 A.D. with a
number for Easter term, 1711 A.D.; a contemporary
bibliography of English literature in the reigns of Charles
II., James II., William and Mary, and Anne; edited
from the very rare quarterly lists of new books issued by
booksellers of London. 3 vols. London, Arber, 1903-06.
—— Transcript of the registers of the Company of Stationers
of London, 1554-1640. London, 1875-77. 4 vols. Index.
1894.
A record of all books deposited at Stationers’ Hall during
the period covered.
English catalogue of books published 1801-1920. London,
Low, 1864-1901. Publisher’s Circular, 1912-21. 11 vols.
—— Index to the English catalogue of books. London, Low,
1858-93. 4 vols.
An annual catalogue, with five yearly cumulations.
Comprising an alphabetical list under authors, titles
and subjects of the books issued in the United Kingdom.
Full imprint, particulars of price, month of publication,
publisher, etc. Contains also lists of publications of
societies and a full directory of publishers.
Reference catalogue of current literature, containing the full
titles of books now in print and on sale, with the prices
at which they may be obtained of all booksellers, and an
index containing nearly one hundred and eighty-five
thousand references. 3 vols. London, Whitaker.
The most important English trade bibliography. Issued
every few years. Consists of the catalogues of the principal
English publishers arranged alphabetically by name
of publisher.
Book auction records (formerly known as “Sale records,”)
a priced and annotated record of London, Dublin, Edinburgh,
Glasgow and Amercian book auctions. June,
1902 to date. London, Stevens.
Each number is arranged alphabetically by authors,
with an index in each volume.
Book-prices current. December, 1886 to date. London,
Stock.
Index to the first ten volumes. 1887-1896. London,
Stock, 1901.
Index for the second decade. 1897-1906. London, Stock,
1909.
Index for the third decade. 1907-1916. London, Stock,
1920.
French:—
Catalogue général de la librairie française, 1840-1918. Paris,
Jordell, 1867-1921. 28 vols.
The standard French trade bibliography, and a most
valuable modern national bibliography.
Annual:—
Catalogue mensuel de la librairie francaise.
Monthly numbers bound together forming the annual
volume. Contains indexes of authors, titles and subjects.
Monthly:—
Catalogue mensuel de la librairie française. 1876-1921. Paris.
A classified list.
German:—
Heinsius (Wilhelm)—Allgemeines bucher-lexikon, 1700-1892.
Leipzig, Brockhaus, 1812-1894. 19 vols.
Kayser (Christian Gottlob)—Vollstandiges bucher-lexikon,
1750-1910. Leipzig, 1834-1910. 36 vols.
Hinrichs (J. C.) Publishers—Funfjahrs-katalog der im deutschen
buchhandel erschienenen bucher, zeitschriften,
landkarten, etc., titel verzeichnis und sachregister,
1851-1912. Leipzig, Hinrichs, 1857-1913. 13 vols.
Deutsches bucherverzeichnis der jahre 1911-20. 4 vols.
A continuation of Heinsius, Kayser, and Hinrichs,
Funfjahrs-katalog.
Monthly:—
Allgemeine bibliographie. Leipzig, Brockhaus, 1856 to date.
(3) Select List of General Bibliographies.
American Library Association—A.L.A. Catalog. 8,000 volumes
for a popular library; with notes, 1904 ...
edited by Melvil Dewey. Government Printing Office:
Washington, 1904. $1.
The chief aim of this selection is to assist in the formation
of a public library stock, and is specially adopted for the
use of smaller libraries.
A.L.A. Catalog, 1904-1911. Class List, 3,000 titles for a
popular library; edited by Elva L. Bascom. Chicago:
A.L.A. Pub. Board, 1912. 350 pp. 26 cm. $1.50.
Supplement to the A.L.A. Catalog 1904.
Nelson, Thomas and Sons, Publishers.—Standard Books:
an annotated and classified guide to the best books in all
departments of literature; with copious index of
subjects and biographical notes of authors. 4 vols.
1910-14.
Contents:—Vol. 1—General Works. History. Geography.
Biography and Travel. Sociology. Philosophy.
Sport. Law and Administration. Education.
Vol. 2.—Religion. Science. Useful Arts.
Vol. 3.—Fine and Recreative Arts. Philology. Literature.
Children’s Books.
Vol. 4.—Author Index. General Subject Index. Index of
Publishers.
Each subject is edited by a specialist in collaboration
with one or more librarians. Annotations are very full
and publishers and prices are given.
Sonnenschein, William Swan—The Best Books: a reader’s
guide to the best available books (about 100,000) ...;
with the dates of the first and last editions, and
the price, size, and publisher’s name (both American
and English) of each book. 3rd edition, entirely re-written.
George Routledge & Sons, Ltd., London. Putnam,
New York. 3 parts. In Progress. 1910. £2 2s. net.
Contents:—Part 1.—Theology. Mythology and folk-lore.
Philosophy.
Part 2.—Society. Geography. Travel and Topography.
Education. Ethnology.
Part 3.—History, Biography. Science. Arts. Philology.
Literature. Complete Indexes.
A very useful classified bibliography.
(4) Bibliographies of Bibliography.
Courtney (William Prideaux)—Register of national bibliography;
with, a selection of the chief bibliographical
books and articles printed in other countries. London,
Constable, 1905-12. 3 vols.
Arranged alphabetically by the subjects of the bibliographies
listed.
Josephson (Aksel Gustav Salomon)—Bibliographies of bibliography
chronologically arranged, with occasional notes
and an index. Bibliographical Society of Chicago,
Chicago, 1901. Second edition, 1913.
Petzholdt (Julius)—Bibliotheca bibliographica. Leipzig,
Engelmann, 1866.
A careful and accurate bibliography. Classified, with
an author index and full annotations.
Stein (Henri)—Manuel de bibliographie générale: bibliotheca
bibliographica nova. Paris, Picard, 1897.
Contents.—Universal bibliographies. National and
regional bibliographies. Subject bibliographies, and
appendices. A classified bibliography with critical and
descriptive annotations, and a subject index.
Vallée (Léon)—Bibliographie des bibliographies. Paris,
Terquem, 1883.
Supplement. Paris, Terquem, 1887.
An alphabetical author list with a subject index. A
useful work if used as an author index to Stein’s “Manuel
de bibliographie générale.”
Bibliographical Works:—
British Museum—List of bibliographical works in the Reading
Room of the British Museum. 2nd edition, revised.
1889. Much out of date, but useful for older books.
(5) Annual Output of Books in the United Kingdom.
Books in 1925.
According to the “Publishers’ Circular” more books were
published during 1925 than in any previous year in the history
of British book production. A total of 13,202 is recorded as
having been published in the United Kingdom. This is an
increase of 496 over the total for 1924. This increase has
taken place in the “new books” as distinguished from “new
editions,” etc., and is shown in detail in the following figures
for this year and last year:—
| | | 1924 | 1925 |
| New books | | 8024 | 8520 |
| Translations | | 321 | 307 |
| Pamphlets | | 1168 | 1150 |
| Total new books | | 9513 | 9977 |
| New editions | | 3193 | 3225 |
| | Total | 12,706 | 13202 |
The following details show how the totals for the various
classes of books vary from those of the previous year. Increases
are shown in Juvenile Literature (108), Law (88),
Military and Naval (74), Philology (60), Biography (55),
Agriculture and Gardening (46) and Science (32). The decreases
are General Works (49), Fine Arts (44), Fiction (32), Philosophy
(29), and Poetry and Drama (16).
The following totals for the years since 1913 (the pre-war
record year) are of considerable interest:—
| Year. | New Books. | New Editions. | Total |
| 1913 | 9541 | 2838 | 12379 |
| 1914 | 8863 | 2674 | 11537 |
| 1915 | 8499 | 2166 | 10665 |
| 1916 | 7537 | 1612 | 9149 |
| 1917 | 6606 | 1525 | 8131 |
| 1918 | 6750 | 966 | 7716 |
| 1919 | 7327 | 1295 | 8622 |
| 1920 | 8738 | 2266 | 11004 |
| 1921 | 8757 | 2269 | 11026 |
| 1922 | 8754 | 2088 | 10842 |
| 1923 | 9246 | 3028 | 12274 |
| 1924 | 9513 | 3193 | 12706 |
| 1925 | 9977 | 3225 | 13202 |
The above tables show that during the years 1913-1925
no fewer than 139,253 books were published in the United
Kingdom. It is when we realise such a fact as this that we
should appreciate the great importance of book selection to the
librarian.
(6) Initial Stock for a Public Library.
In selecting the initial stock for a Public Library the following
principles should be considered: (a) size of the locality;
(b) the sum of money available for books; (c) the geographical
position of the library in relation to other libraries.
Before any books are actually purchased, the tables of the
classification to be adopted should be taken and each section
checked with the corresponding section of proposed purchases.
This will immediately show any important omissions.
(7) Proportional Representation of Classes.
The proportion of books to be purchased in each class of
literature will depend largely upon the social conditions of the
locality and the prominence of local industries.
The following table is merely suggestive:—
| General Works | 3% |
| Philosophy | 3% |
| Religion | 6% |
| Sociology | 6% |
| Philology | 2% |
| Natural Science | 8% |
| Useful Arts | 9% |
| Fine and Recreative Arts | 7% |
| Literature | 35% |
| History, Travel and Biography | 21% |
(8) Reference and Lending Library Stocks.
The average proportions of Lending and Reference Library
stocks are: Lending, 62%; Reference, 38%.
(9) Proportion of Income for Books After Organisation.
18% of income should be spent on books, including old
books and replacements.
(10) Twenty-five “quick-reference” Books for The
Open Shelves in a Reference Library.
(Arranged according to the Dewey Classification as a mnemonic
aid).
- Encyclopædia Britannica.
- Baldwin—Dictionary of psychology and philosophy.
- Hastings—Dictionary of religion and ethics.
- Hastings—Dictionary of the Bible.
- Cruden—Concordance.
- Palgrave—Dictionary of political economy.
- Mulhall—Dictionary of statistics.
- Every Man’s Own Lawyer.
- Webster—English dictionary.
- Murray—New English dictionary.
- Clifton and Grimaux—English-French and French-English dictionary.
- Grimm—Deutsches Worterbuch.
- Lewis and Short—Latin dictionary.
- Liddell and Scott—Greek Lexicon.
- Watts—Dictionary of chemistry.
- Quain—Medical dictionary.
- Knight—Business cyclopædia and legal adviser.
- Thorpe—Dictionary of applied chemistry.
- Bryan—Dictionary of painters and engravers.
- Grove—Dictionary of music and musicians.
- Cambridge History of English literature.
- Haydn—Dictionary of dates.
- Dictionary of national biography.
- Chambers’s Biographical dictionary.
- Low and Pulling—Dictionary of English history.
(11) Fourteen Author Concordances.
Burns. Reid—Complete word and phrase concordance to
the poems and songs of Robert Burns.
Cowper. Neve—Concordance to the poetical works of
William Cowper.
Dante Alighieri. Fay—Concordance of the Divina Commedia.
Sheldon and White—Concordanz a delle opere italiane in
prosae del Canzoniere di Dante Alighieri.
Gray. Cook—A concordance to the English poems of Thomas
Gray.
Homer. Dunbar—Complete concordance to the Odyssy and
Hymns of Homer.
Milton. Lockwood—Lexicon to the English poetical works
of John Milton.
Pope. Abbott—Concordance to the works of Alexander Pope.
Scott. Redfern—The wisdom of Sir Walter.
Shakespeare. Bartlett—New and complete concordance of
William Shakespeare.
Clarke—Complete concordance to Shakespeare.
Shelley. Ellis—Lexical concordance to the poetical works
of P. B. Shelley.
Tennyson. Baker—Concordance to the poetical and
dramatic works of Alfred Lord Tennyson.
Brightwell—Concordance to the entire works of Alfred
Tennyson.
(12) Forty Useful Books for the Young People’s Room.
Bailey (M. E.)—Boys’ and girls’ ask at home questions. Illus.
1917. Explains many things in nature and life which
puzzle children.
Baker (E. A.)—Cassell’s New English Dictionary; with an
appendix. 1919. Includes a supplement of War words.
Bartlett (J.), editor.—Familiar quotations. 1917. From
ancient and modern literature.
Brewer (E. C.)—The reader’s handbook. 1919. Famous
names in fiction, allusions, references, proverbs, plots,
stories and poems.
Chambers’s Biographical Dictionary; edited by D. Patrick and
F. H. Groome. 1908. Brief lives of “the great of all
times and nations.”
Chambers’s Twentieth Century Dictionary of the English
Language; edited by T. Davidson. Illus. 1916.
Champlin (J. D.) Junior.—The young folks cyclopædia of
common things. 2nd edition, enlarged. Illus. 1896.
An attempt to bring encyclopædic knowledge within
the range of a child’s intellect. Articles very brief and
simply told. Index.
Champlin (J. D.) Junior.—The young folks’ cyclopædia of
natural history; with editorial co-operation and an
introduction by F. A. Lucas. Illus. 1905. The cyclopædia
covers the entire animal kingdom in an elementary
manner.
Crawford (W. R.)—Common words commonly mispronounced.
1894. A dictionary of correct pronunciation.
Dalgleish (W. S.)—The great authors of English literature.
Illus. 1917. Contains their lives, and selections from
their writings.
Dana (Mrs. W. S.)—How to know the wild flowers. The
flowers are arranged according to colour.
Dickinson (A. D.)—One thousand best books. 1924. Compiled
from over fifty published lists of best books made
by the librarian and scholars of the University of Pennsylvania.
Everyman’s Encyclopædia; edited by Boyle. 12 vols.
Illus.
Fallows (S.)—A complete dictionary of synonyms and antonyms.
1898. A dictionary of words with the same
and opposite meanings.
Gibson (C. R.)—The great ball on which we live. 1915. Description
of the earth and the forces of nature.
Gibson (C. R.)—Great inventions and how they were invented.
1924. Descriptions of wonderful machines and appliances.
Hall (Cyril)—Conquests of engineering. Illus. 1926. Describes
the construction of bridges, tunnels, canals, docks
and harbours.
Hawks (E.)—The boys’ book of astronomy. 1914.
Haydn—Dictionary of dates. A record of the chief events
in the world’s history.
Holden (E. S.)—The sciences. Illus. 1903. On astronomy,
physics, chemistry, meteorology, etc., and their application
to the arts and to daily life.
Kernahan (C.)—The reading girl. 1925. Chats on the choice
of books and methods of reading.
Kirkby (M.) and Kirkby (E.)—The world at home. Illus.
1912. Describes the life of the people, and the animals,
birds, plants, and insects of foreign countries.
Lyttelton (Mary), editor.—A girl’s book of verse. 1925.
Maule (H. E.)—The boys’ book of inventions. 2 vols. Illus.
1921. Describes the new inventions. The aeroplane.
Wireless telegraphy. Tesla turbine. Submarines, etc.
Marshall (H. E.)—English literature for boys and girls. 1924.
Mee (Arthur)—The children’s Bible. 1923. Beautifully
illustrated from the Art Galleries of the world.
Mee (Arthur)—The children’s encyclopædia. 8 vols. Col.
Illus. Articles very brief and simply told.
Mee (Arthur)—One thousand beautiful things. 1925. Chosen
from the life and literature of the World.
Morison (R. C. H.), editor.—Chambers’s Recitations for
children. Specially selected for the young.
Olcott (W. T.)—Book of the stars for young people.
O’Neill (Elizabeth)—The world’s story: a simple history for
boys and girls. 1923.
Patrick (D.) and Geddie (W.), editors.—Chambers’s Concise
gazetteer of the world. 1919.
Philip (George), editor.—Senior School Atlas. 1921.
Philip (A. M.), editor.—A boy’s book of verse. 1925.
Pritchard (A. M.) and Hobbs (E. W.)—Wireless construction.
1925.
Roget (P. M.)—Thesaurus of English words and phrases.
1918. An aid to English composition.
Synge (M. B.)—The story of the world. 2 vols. Maps.
Illus. Vol. 1—Abraham to A.D. 1745. Vol. 2—1745-1903.
Things all scouts should know. Illus. 1919. Information
about the navy, army, ships, railways, things seen in
town and country, etc.
Turley (Charles)—The voyages of Captain Scott. 1914.
Shows the heroism of the men who gave their lives in the
search for the South Pole.
Williams (Archibald)—The boys’ guide. Illus. 1921. Indoor
and outdoor games, sports, and recreations, photography,
model making, use of tools, motor cycles, pets, stamp
collecting, reading, etc.
