Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/17

Rh is no more enthusiastic advocate in the university for the welfare of its library, and who has spared neither time nor thought in advancing its interests. Of those prospective changes the most conspicuous will relate to the all-important matter of cataloguing, and to the facilities to be provided for those who have the right to use the library. At present, the only catalogue available to readers is a printed alphabetical author catalogue, published in three volumes, in 1873, and since extended by a supplementary volume issued in 1887. But it is now contemplated to have, in addition to a MS. author catalogue that is always up to date, a subject catalogue, compiled partly by the aid of specialists in the several subjects, and including references to the more important papers in volumes of transactions, &c. In addition to these there will be subsidiary cataloguing devices which will all help to make known to students the resources of the library as they are and as they are extended from time to time. In the matter of hours, too, which hitherto have been regulated rather on the principle that the function of the library was to jealously "keep" the books and not to issue them, it is not likely to be long ere the stinted allowance of three hours of open doors in winter and of two hours in summer will give place to a more generous arrangement, in which the convenience and interests of all who wish to read or borrow will be more considerately dealt with. Time forbids me to tell of other reforms which are in the air, and equally does it preclude any detailed mention of some of the treasures which enhance and adorn the collection. But this is the less to be regretted, as you will have an opportunity on your visit to the library of examining and judging of some of these for yourselves. Leaving the University Library then, let me ask your attention for a brief space to another and somewhat different part of my subject.

Early in 1824, the very year that saw the foundation of Dr. Birkbeck's Mechanics' Institution in London, generally regarded as the first of its kind in the country, a few citizens of Aberdeen banded themselves together for a like purpose. They were, many of them, men of exceptional intelligence and enterprise, and alive to the importance of providing for their fellow-citizens, and especially those of the tradesman class, opportunities of instruction in the various sciences connected with their several callings. Within a few months, and before the close of the year, they were in a position to congratulate themselves and the public on the remarkable and encouraging success which