Page:The small library. A guide to the collection and care of books (IA smalllibraryguid00browiala).pdf/83

 and sewage-farms to the organization of electric light stations and public libraries. Nothing comes amiss to these cocksure local notables, and it is only fair to say that, in most cases of abject failure, it is the interference of zealous ignorance which is the prime cause. Remembering, however, that insufficient means is the chief reason why small municipal libraries are unable to obtain the services of trained officers, it may be profitable to consider how this defect can be remedied. Two solutions present themselves, and both are equally sane and practical. A public library committee about to commence operations, but unable to pay for a skilled librarian, should communicate with the Library Association, stating their case, and asking that body to nominate a trained librarian who, for an agreed fee, would act as adviser to the library authority, and enable the work of organization to be accomplished on modern scientific lines. In every case such a course would save committees from all kinds of mistakes, and in the end secure efficiency with economy. Failing this highly common-sense method, the committee might apply to the nearest large town library and obtain the advice of the chief officer, with or without fee, as may be arranged, or, perhaps, secure the occasional services of a trained member of the staff for a small fee. Any of these courses is preferable to the unrestricted or frequently mistaken work of raw committees, and the suggestion is humbly offered that to adopt one of them is even wider and more economical than a blind