Page:Library Administration, 1898.djvu/196

 Years of Age," and another on "A Diffident Child's First Visit to a Library."

To the United States also we owe the idea of a magazine issued in connection with a popular library, giving lists of acquisitions, and affording a desirable publicity to donors of books. This example was first imitated in this country by the Clerkenwell and West Ham libraries. A commoner and most effective device is for a library to persuade the local newspapers to print each week a list of its acquisitions, especially those arriving by gift. Many heads of popular libraries have arranged for short lectures (" half-hour talks ") on the resources of their institutions with signal success.

RESTRICTIONS ON THE ADMISSION OF READERS

It is not difficult for the custodian of books to provide that a would-be reader has attained to years of discretion, but more than this may be justly required in return for the privilege of consulting, and especially of borrowing, valuable books — credentials of respectability are usually required. The applicant for admission to the British Museum Reading-room has to adduce the testimony of a householder or other person in a responsible position. This proviso is liberally enough interpreted, though a lodging - house keeper is not allowed to vouch for the respectability of his customers. In the case of foreign visitors these