Page:The small library. A guide to the collection and care of books (IA smalllibraryguid00browiala).pdf/14

 possessed and self-sufficient cast of mind, who are inclined to scout the idea of obtaining help from the hints of others, would undoubtedly profit by some of the excellent and carefully compiled bibliographies which have appeared during the past twenty years. No one who has engaged in the work of library formation can afford to neglect the bibliographies and suggestions of other collectors, and he who is called upon to systematically build up a library of literature representative of all subjects, cannot stay and watch that delightfully haphazard assembling of choice treasures, which is the chief pleasure of the private collector or Burtonite. He must, on the contrary, seek out suitable authorities on many subjects, without waiting for them to drop, as bargains, from the clouds, and he must furthermore endeavour to anticipate the needs of the readers for whom the library is being formed. No doubt a leisured stroll through the many avenues of literature is a pleasing pastime, especially when, with dawdlings on the way, it occupies a lifetime; but, when ordinary mortals are clamouring for books of every conceivable kind, your modern library-builder cannot pause to choose with infinite deliberation and care. Personal tastes must be rigidly kept in subordination, and every effort made to select the best to satisfy the sober requirements or hobbies of other people; and for these sufficient reasons, gratitude, and not caustic criticism, must be bestowed on the bibliographers who till the sour and unprofitable fields of literature.