Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/364

 352 The Library. yet in Clerkenwell, nor will it be encouraged because of our limited space, but there can hardly be a doubt that the casual dipping into books of various kinds has some value in the spread of information. Although we have given every oppor- tunity for readers to express their opinions on the system, so far nothing unfavourable has been brought forward ; everyone who has been asked or who has written having expressed nothing but appreciation of the system and the hope that it may always be continued. Even the few grumblers who have found fault be- cause they were unable at times to get particular books, make haste to declare that they have no desire for a return to the old system. It thus appears that the persons most concerned in the use and maintenance of the library, are those who are most anxious for the continuance of the open system. This being so, it is hard to resist the conclusion that, if those who maintain the library demand that it shall be worked in the manner which best suits their convenience and wishes, there is no alternative but submission to the public will. It may therefore be allowed that, from the important point of view of the public, there can be no question as to the advantage of the open system. The advan- tages from the staff point of view we shall briefly summarise as follows : (1) Economies will be effected in the staff, leading to the em- ployment of fewer, but better educated assistants, who will be able to render the greatest service to readers. The larger the library the fewer assistants will be wanted in proportion. (2) Elaborate cataloguing will no longer be necessary, as the labour now spent in making costly inventories will be available for properly indexing the contents of the books in the library. (3) The librarian and his staff being largely freed from the drudgery of finding books, and the loss of time arising in con- sequence, are able to devote more attention to the needs of borrowers, and to assist them in ways formerly found impossible. Incidentally it may be noted that junior assistants are enabled to learn rather more about the books in the library and their class relationships than before. (4) The constant and close contact of the borrowers with the books and intelligent assistants will no doubt gradually induce a superior class of reading ; or at least will tend to direct mere pastime reading into higher channels. (5) The freedom and absence of formality connected with the open library attracts readers, and tends to popularise the library itself.