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Special Libraries, 1939 Special Libraries, 1930s

5-1-1939

Special Libraries, May-June 1939

Special Libraries Association

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Recommended Citation Special Libraries Association, "Special Libraries, May-June 1939" (1939). Special Libraries, 1939. 5. https://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/sla_sl_1939/5

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Subject Headings in a Special Library . Anvor Barstad Professional School and Departmental Libraries (To be Continued) Walter Hausdorfer S.L.A. 1929-1939 -A Decade of Transition . . Maria?z C. Manley The Filing and Cataloging of Microfilms . Ross C. Cibella Filing and Preserving Microfilm . Florence Jakes Tools for Library Cooperation in the United States (Concluded) Linda He Morley Conference News ...... S.L.A. Pioneers to Help Celebrate ~hirtiethAnniversary; S.L.A. - On the Air!; Conference Exhibits. Additions to 1939 Conference Program ...... Making Up the Magazine . Narian C. Manley V. And, in Conclusion We Do This ...... Virginia L. Garland Regional Pamphlet Material - Dorothy IT. Martin; Form for Inter-library Loan -Edith Joannes; Cement and Lacquer - Edith Portman; Routing Periodicals - fIe1en Bad. Letters to the Editor ...... The Employment hoestion! -A Nm York Member; Library Invitation - Herbert L. Howe; A Statement Questioned - Mary Lee Hall; A Misinterpretation Corrected - William P. Tucker. News Notes ......

Indexed in lndustrral Arts Index and Public Affairs Information Service MAY-JUNE 1939 VOLUME 30 NUMBER 5 SPECIAL LIBRARIES MARIANC. MANLEY,Editor

The nrtlda which apwr in SPmALLln~~~nrcrpressthe vol. 30, No. 5 vimof the authorm, nnd do not ncensarlly repracnt the May-June, 1939 opinion or the policy of the editorial pl und mbUlher. Subject Headings in a Special Library By Anvor Bamtad, Hmd, Cataloging Department Teachers College Library, Columbia University, New York T IS generally agreed that Library of Historical material is very likely to I Congress subject headings are the present problems in a s@fic library. moat economical and practical for a gen- Terms multiply and change, but they also eral library. With their printed supple- take on new meaning. Sloyd and manual ments and revisions, and with occasional training schools, for example, which cul- variations and additions by individual minated in industrial arts education, libraries, the Library of Congress sub- have little similarity with industrial arts ject headings answer the basic needs of education as we know it today. The most public and college libraries. general student is usually interested in Then are several reasons, however, recent up-to-date material on his subject ; why the Library of Congress subject the person who is doing an historical study headings cannot be used to advantage in likes to find the historical aspects brought a special library. Of necessity, the Li- out. To what extent old material should brary of Congress must show caution in lx moved along under modem terms or changing its terms and introducing new be left under its individual heading be- terms, until such changes are justified by comes a matter for the cataloger's atten- general usage in the majority of the sub- tion. To meet the need for recent material scribing libraries. In a special library, on on a subject many libraries favor chrono- the other hand, it is desirable to speak in logical subdivision by date of publication, the specialist's own language, and to especially for broad subject headings reflect in the catalog the terminology which lend themselves well to such used in research, in publications and in division. the classrooms of the institutions as a Foreign material presents its own prob- whole. lems. It does not always seem satisfac- In a special library it is often necessary tory from the specialist's point of view to to use more specific headings than those group foreign material under terms pro- used by the Library of Congress. One vided for the American aspect of a given such specific heading usually takes the subject, which may correspond only ap- place of three or four Library of Con- proximately to the material in hand. Or, gress headings. The specific headings for a movement may originate in another which Library of Congress has no pro- country, and there will be no correspond- vision are not, in the field of education at ing term in English to cover the subject. least, as numerous as might be expected. A student of comparative education who Often it is merely a matter of breaking is looking up Hcimafkunde, for example, up and subdividing Library of Congress will have little success if the material is headings. lost under a broad heading such as Gw 148 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 many- Education. In such cases the of all types of readers. In the field of edu- cataloger seems to, have. the choice be- cation two handicaps have been the lack tween a catchword title, which lacks the of well defined and consistently used benefit of cross references, and a subject terminology and the lack of adequate heading in a foreign language, which may tools. It is a pleasant surprise, therefore, not look homogeneous and may cause to read the announcement of plans for confusion. the much-needed revision of Monroe's A special library rarely has a ready- Cyclofiedia of Education, and for the made printed Iist of subject headings launching by the American Educational available to work from. The cataloger Research Association of a dictionary of usually must work out her own headings educational terms.' Simultaneously a list from sources such as indexes in books, of educational subject headings, by subject bibliographies, periodical indexes, Clyde Pettus has been published by the the Library of Congress list and consulta- H. W. Wilson C~mpany.~ tion with specialists in the field. To work Miss Pettus has provided the cataloger out subject headings effectively a thor- with a classified list of educational subject ough knowledge of one's subject matter headings for use in a dictionary catalog; and its terminology is necessary. When a 1,190 subject headings are divided logi- new heading is introduced it should be cally into 42 groups and arranged alpha- carefully defined, in many cases also to betically within the group. Subdivisions the users of the catalog. It may be of are indented under the broader headings, advantage to use the new subject heading so that the user can see at a glance the experimentally for a period of time to relationships within the group. The head- find out if it is actually justified and if ings are well chosen, concise and gener- the term chosen is the best; a search ally up-to-date; numerous synonymous should be made for material on the same terms considered and not chosen as head- subject already in the library, and the ings are added in a parallel column as new heading should be used consistently cross references. With the exception of a and substituted for the headings indi- few historical and British terms, the list cated on the Library of Congress card. is limited to current aspects of American The subject authority list obviously education, but within these limits the becomes an essential tool in the special inclusion seems excellent. Few headings library. The subject authority card were found which are not warranted in a should preferably indicate the source and special educational library, and as the the definition of the term chosen, the author explains in the introduction, they classification number most commonly have been included to define the scope of used and complete tracing of cross refer- a subject. ences as they are worked out. Geographic The most important feature of the subdivisions, form subdivisions and other book is perhaps the inclusion of carefully subdivisions, as type of school for educa- worked out definitions for each heading. tional headings, should be definitely de- The definitions are adapted or quoted cided on for each heading and indicated from authorities in various fields of edu- clearly in the subject authority list. cation. Since educational terminology Perhaps no other part of a cataloger's varies in different parts of the country work is apt to consume quite as much and from one institution to another it is time or seem at times quite as hopeless a task as working out subject headings Wilson Bulletin. 12: 386. February, 1938. 2 Clyde Pettus, Subject Hadinns in Educalia, New York. which will answer adequately the needs The H. W. Wllson Company. 1938. May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 149 most helpful to find the authority for generally discussed by administrators, is each definition indicated. This feature of found in the Pettus list under Sociology, the book will make it a most useful tool Educalional. At Teachers College Edu- for reference work. cation of the handicapped is definitely Naturally no printed list can provide considered an aspect of education. In for all the needs of each individual li- checking our recently revised headings brary. Some of the headings needed at for this group with those used in the Teachers College, Columbia University, Pettus list, we found headings, which to which are not included in the Pettus list us seemed closely related, scattered in or merely indicated as "see" references the following groups: Children, Excefi- are : Adult elenzentarv educaLion: Students tional; Sociology, Educational; S~ecial - Social and economic backgrounds; Group education and Schools. discussions; Partially sighted children. We Probably use and time will tell if the should have liked to see more recent arrangement provided by Miss Pettus terms used for headings covering Educa- will prove more satisfactory than the tion of the handicapped, and would have traditional alphabetical arrangement. It preferred the American definition of seems to the present reviewer, however, Farm schools rather than the British one, that more "see also" references from one Field work used in broader sense than section to another and a better alpha- limited to library schools and Libraries - betical index printed in larger type and Advisory service as a heading under with the headings actually used brought Libraries rather than a cross reference out in heavy type, are needed to elimi- under Books and reading. nate continuous searching back and Theoretically the topical arrangement forth. Perhaps these features might be is ideal. Subject headings are best revised included in a later edition. in groups, and it is very helpful to see at Two other subject heading lists have a glance the relationship between the appeared lately. One is a list of masonic headings in a certain field. But which two subject headings,' compiled for the people would agree on dividing the inter- Library of the Grand Lodge A. F. & related fields of education into groups? A A. M. of Massachusetts and the other is cataloger revising her subject headings in a list of subject headings in Social work Administration, for example, would cer- and public welfare, prepared by the tainly wish to consider Consolidation Social Science Group of the Special (The physical combination of small rural Libraries Asso~iation.~The masonic list schools into large units) and Centraliza- is intended for a card catalog as well as a tion (the centralizing tendencies of state "clipping bureau " ; where the material departments of education for certifica- in the "clipping bureau" calls for a dif- tion, curriculum, teacher training, etc.). ferent arrangement from the card cata- Considering the fact that the efforts for log, this is clearly explained. The list con- consolidation have moved very slowly tains many explanatory notes, and cross and that half of the farm children of the references and subdivisions are clearly nation still attend one-teacher ~chools,~indicated. Its good arrangement and the the heading Consolzdated schools in the fact that the headings have actually becri group Schools seems hardly logical. In tested on a collection of books, should the Pettus list School law, a subject also make it a reliable tool in libraries

4 J. Hugo Tatach and Muriel A. Davls, LIE!of Masonic 1 Prank W. Cyr, "Needed Research In the Reorganization Subjrcl Headmgs. Boston, Masonic Temple, 1937. of School Diatrlcta In Rural Areas," Teachers Cdlege Record, 6 Soool Wcljare; A LMI ofSubjecl Head~npIn Sacinl IVork 38. 293, January, 1937. and Public Welfare. Speclal Librarlea Aasocintlon. 193;. 150 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 where such a list may be needed. alike and may very well supplement the The list of subject headings in social Library of Congress list of subject head- work and public welfare should prove a ings. Even if it is impossible to revise timely tool in most libraries. Its up-to- one's subject headings to conform with date subject headings in social welfare the list, excellent suggestions may be and related fields may be used to ad- found for cross references from terms vantage by special and public libraries used in current socio-economic literature. .Professional School and Departmental Libraries By Walter Hausdotfer, Librarian School of Business Library, Columbia University (Coniinucd)

VI Seven libraries in addition received money FINANCIALADMINISTRATION from fines, and 1 from the sale of duplicates. Since the position of the library in the ad- The totals are on the whole rather small, ministrative organization affects the financial though they cannot be taken as abeolute, be- set-up, it may be well to recall what was pre- viously mentioned in passing. Of the 48 report- cause some items of expense may be and often ing libraries, 19 are administratively sub- are assumed by the general library. Without ordinate to the university librarian; 14, to a further infoimation, therefore, it would be faculty committee; and 12, to the librarian and impossible to work out standards that have faculty committee. Of the same libraries, 28 any significance. are operated as department. of the university library, and 19 as departments of the school. Annd Budget No. of The sources of income present a rather in- (1,000's of dollars) Libraries teresting though somewhat confusing picture: 1-3 ...... 13 10 No. of 4- 6...... 7-9 ...... 8 Sources~ of- Funds Libra& University library budget only...... 10-12...... 3 Departmental fund only...... 13-15 ...... 2 Endowment only...... 16-18 ...... 3 University library budget and depart- 19-21 ...... 0 mental fund...... 22-24 ...... 0 Departmental fund and endowment. .. 25-27 ...... 1 University library budget, departmental 28-30...... 1 fund and endowment...... 31-33 ...... 1 Endowment and gifts...... Departmental fund and gifts...... Although there is a wide range in the relative University library budget, departmental amounts of the budget epent on various items, fund, gifts and endowment...... Departmental fund, endowment and the meam or averages for all and for individual gifts...... groups are: Chs All Groups A B L M S ST % %%%%%% Salaries...... 57 63 69 45 62 60 56 Boob and pamphlets...... 19 30 15 17 11 21 20 Periodicals and services...... 18 5 14 32 17 5 16 Binding...... 4 226998 Miscellaneous...... -2 ------000150 loo loo loo loo loo loo loo May-June, 1939, SPECIAL LIBRARIES 151

In individual cases these percentages also are care. Such method should, of course, be built affected by the nature and amount of expenses on the one in use in the university, so that borne by the general library or some other there may be a basis for checking the results department. Where salaries absorb 80 to 90 of one against the other. It is certainly desira- per cent of the total budget, it seems likely ble to have some records that will furnish that books, pamphlets, periodicals and binding information on the state of the funds, and on are paid for principally out of other funds. In the proportions of expenditures for different lieu of an average based on figures which would purposes. include amounts derived from the university library or other budget, one must take into VII account all of the main factors presented by ACQ~SITION Miss McCrum 11 and Randall and Goodrich However advantageous it may be to have and adjust them to the actual situation in a members of the faculty show their interest in given library. By that means one may amve the collection by recommending the acquisition at some standard. of new materials, such arrangement cannot be Difficulty arises from the Bame source in depended upon to keep the library abreast of attempting to establish cost^, for allocation of the times. As previously mentioned, the process expense would be so complicated and time of watching for and acquiring new materials consuming that it would not pay. This does takes about one-tenth of the staff time per not mean, however, that the resulting data week, a fact that shows how much of the task would not be valuable, especially in presenting devolves on the library. The faculty, more- arguments for an increased budget, but that over, usually have too many additional calls the instrument of costing, devised for a pro- on their time to take on what they consider duction organization, needs a far more careful rightly the function of librarians. Before going adaption to non-profit service enterprises than into the problem of methods it may be well to has been apparent in recent studies.18 examine the nature of the collections and the Although one need not install such an elab- rate of accretion. Some notion of the character orate system of accounting as costing implies, of the stock in different groups may be seen in he can use a simple method, and thus have a the rough percentage distributions within the degree of control over the funds that are in his paire of categories:

Art But. Law Mcd. Soc. Sci. and Tech. Readable...... 55 30 1 13 25 30 Reference ...... 45 70 99 87 75 70

Current ...... 20 75 .. 66 63 38 Historical...... 80 . 25 . . 34 37 62

Facts and figurcs...... 13 60 .. 15 57 70 Theory...... 87 40 .. 85 43 . 30

Elementary...... 18 25 . 6 2 10 Technical...... 82 75 .. 94 98 90

17 Blanche Prlchard MeCrum, "An ntlmate 01 hndarda In spite of the fact that there is a great va- for a collene library." Rev cd. Lexington. Va., WeahinOton riety in the interpretation of terms, hence of Ln and Unlvudty. Journalism Laboratory Prer. 1937. percentages assigned by different librarians,

1, ~rrthe artid- of F. Rider, "Library coat accountingrr the ratios appear to represent the general (Lilnory auurtwly. October. 1936, vol. 6. p. 331-380, and opinion. The extent of the stock and the rate Roberth. Mlller, "Coat accounting for Ubrarlm: acauldtlon Of inCreaSeper month may be seen in the table and cataloging." (L~brorygwkrly, October, 1937. vol. 7, p. 51 1-536.) following: 152 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

AIL. Bus. Jlsm Law Mcd. Soc. Sci. and Stock: Tech. Books...... 7,000 12,000 .. 101,000 15,000 12,000 15,000 Pamphlets...... 50,000 ...... 9,500 3,500 8,500 Additions per month: Purchases: Books ...... 30 91 12 480 17 Pamphlets ...... 5 30 46 150 2 Gifts ...... 22 408 90 59 109 Exchanges ...... -4 -- 8 2 -20 - 4 Totals ...... 61 497 150 709 132

Keeping in mind the character of the collec- next. In the sociology and education group, tions one may turn to methods and policies in in addition to periodicals, the field is evenly discovery and acquisition. For literature in divided among the document catalogs, Public these special fields the value of the trade Affairs Informution Service and the New York bibliography is secondary. The source found to Tzmes. Finally, among scientific and technical be most fruitful is professional and trade peri- librarians, the use of periodicals far exceeds odicals. As these, however, do not always cover that of any other medium, the document docun~entsas fully as books and pamphlets, catalogs and SPECIALLIBRARIES being men- they need to be supplemented by the Monthly tioned by only a third as many as the first. catalogue of United States #ublic documenis and Some implications of the above facts are that the Monthly check-list of slate prrblicaiions, such publications as the Cumdative book index, which rank second in frequency of use. Third A.L.A. booklz~t,Book review digest, and Satur- in the list is the "Publications of special in- day review of literature are of little or no value terest" in SPECIAL LIBRARIES;fourth, the in discovering new material for these libraries; New York Times Book Review; fifth, Publishers' that checking the type of sources indicated Weekly, and sixth, publishers' catalogs. usually requires more time than going through In art and music libraries the principal the usual book listing services; and that the sources are respectively periodicals, pub- selection of important items demands a good lishers' catalogs, and the New York Times Book working knowledge of the subject literature Reuiew. Business librarians find that they use field. The latter point especially is significant periodicals, SPECIALLIBRARIES, Monthly cala- in that it shows how little more than a central logue, and Monthly check-list about equally, purchasing office the general library acquisition though they find the New York Thes and department can be for these special libraries. Indrcstrial Arts Index helpful. Besides periodi- Concerning the details of acquisition there cals the source found valuable for law litera- are some interesting points revealed by the ture are the two documentary catalogs and survey. While purchasing is carried on by the Publishers' Weekly. For medical and dental university library in 60 per cent of the cases, literature the journals are, again, first, with duplication between the central and depart- publishers' catalogs and special bibliographies mental libraries exists in 75 per cent. Law Med. Soc. Sci. and Tech. [Books: B, Pamphlets: PI

Per cent received B P B P B 1: B P B P by Gift ..... 9 5 42 45 .. 8 40 41 37 30 Purchase ...... 82 92 57 54 .. 92 48 44 52 60 Exchange ...... ------9 3 1 1 .... 12 15 11 10 100 100 100 100 . . 100 100 100 100 100 May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES

Gifts come in largely without asking from temporary matters. Duplicate textbooks, no users of the library, or as a result of a previous longer used on reserved book shelves, or re- mailing list request, though a fair number of placed by later editions, are as a rule discarded. desirable items require an individual letter. Whatever ingenious systems may be devrsed Another effective method is that of typed or for weeding out materials, the final determi- printed post cards. Least used are printed or nant is the judgment of the person responsible mimeographed letters, and the telephone. for the task. At best the estlmate of future For material on exchange there are several value is a guess which time will pronounce kinds of publications used: theses or disserta- either good or bad. Such a guess may, never- tions; duplicates, publications of staff mem- theless, have a basis in the knowledge of previ- bers, or the university, or of affiliated organiza- ous use made, or of demands created by what tions. and how certain courses are taught. The extent to which records are kept of re- A major problem in this activity of book quested material depends apparently on who selection and ordering is the background and makes the request: the departmental or the judgment of the librarian. Much of the criti- university library. Since over 60 per cent of the cism aimed at librarians by college presidents ordering is done centrally, records kept in the and professors is that they are not qualified by order department are considered in many cases subject knowledge to choose what is impor- sufficient. About a third of the libraries, never- tant; hence these investigations, mentioned theless, keep a duplicate order card or slip as a above, of libraries by associations of colleges check against the main library; others keep the and university professors. carbon copies of letters, and still others make As Professor Fay has said: lists. For serials, however, the department Until professional assistants on college and usually keeps a check card, as the information university staffs . . . are interested enough to supplied thereon is useful in reference as well become subject literature epecialista, we shall as in order work. The departments, at any continue to bc regarded as incompetent to give rate, usually follow up their own continuations the service easential to faculty and students in regularly, except where in the smaller one-man the mutual process of edu~ation.'~ libraries that task is taken over by the central library. VIII Having accumulated great quantities of PREPARATORYPROCESSES ORGANIZATION material of both temporary and permanent Fundamental to the organization of any value, do the librarians follow any definite group of aids, such as catalogs and indexes, is plan or schedule in discarding? Most of them the realization that their function is to make do not. Rather, about once a year, during the not only the existence of certain books and comparatively quiet intersessional period, the periodicals in different fields known but also to librarian goes about the task of weeding out make the information they contain more ac- shelves and files. The principal bases of selec- cessible. To regard the catalog as a printed or tion appear to be whether or not the particular manuscript bibliography rather than as a liv- item has been superseded, and how live or ing and changing guide to new facts and ideas currently useful it may be. To a certain extent is to give it a false value and to deny it its true the disposal of clippings and pamphlets is auto- place in the library. All the processes and de- matic: the age of clippings is checked by the tails, therefore, should be governed by that date or by the different colors of the mounting purpose. paper (changed each year); later editions of Such questions, for example, as the degree pamphlets, when they arrive, replace those in to which material in a library is cataloged have the files. Even here, however, a degree of cau- no meaning unless one considers what other tion needs to be used, because in the university methods are possible or better for certain library the historical value of an item must be groups. Thus the variations in percentages of weighed carefully, for historical study and re- material cataloged must be related to types of search are often as much a part of the educa- material that are self-indexing, and to possi- tional program as the examination of con- bilities of geographical, corporation, or numeri- SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

cal arrangement. Deviations from the general Sociology and Education, 76; in Scientific and average for material cataloged of 82 per cent Technical, 88. Of the 43 libraries reporting are considerable: percentage cataloged in Art uncataloged material, 30 have it arranged so libraries, 83; in Business, 80; in Journalism, as to be self-indexing; 4, not; and 2, partially. 70; in Law, 92; in Medical and Dental, 91; in Material arranged by units follows: No. of Libraries Having Such Unils Documents...... Periodicals ...... Clippings and pamphlets...... Corporation material...... Theses and dissertations...... College catalogs .... :...... ; ...... Trade catalogs...... Directories...... House organs ...... Maps...... Society publications and transactions...... University publications...... Press releases ...... Syllabi; courses of study...... League 01 Nations publications ...... International Labor Office publications...... Trade union material...... Buainess services...... Methods of arrangement principally used are completely. That such practice is fairly com- the corporation, geographical, and numerical. mon may be seen from responses to the ques- Libraries having groups of material filed by tion of card records other than the catalog, company or organization name and those that for of 43 libraries, 31 have indexes to special have not are about evenly divided. Of the materials; 13 have special indexes; 6, a quick above types, No. 4, Corporation material, reference file; 1, a contact file for companies; accounts for the largest group, with a total of and 3, sources for borrowing. Other record8 6, and No. 11, Society publications, with 4. include a continuations file (IS), order file (6), Also represented are No. 1, 3, 7, 10 and 17. accession (23), books recommended file (I), Geographical order, used in 19 and not used in shelf list (16), and subject and name authority 17 libraries, likewise includes No. 1, Govern- lists (7). ment documents (7 libraries), and No. 10, Since the catalog is, however, the tool most Maps, together with numerous other mis- widely known by the public, its importance in cellaneous types, such as folk songs, guide making materials available ranks high. Some books, directories (No. 8), biographical dic- appreciation of this point has been shown by tionaries, market surveys, foreign law, statis- catalogers themselves.1' All of the libraries re- tical data, and slides and plates. Publication port having a catalog separate from that of the number is used by 20 (of a total of 36); in 6, main library. In spite of the fact that in 28 for arranging No. 11, Society publications; in cases. the cataloging is done by the general 6, for No. 1, Government documents, as well library, as against 18 by departmental, the as for Nos. 12, 13 and 15. The above examples difference between the two records is consider- show the possible methods of treating certain able. In the first place, in 7 libraries the de- types of material without cataloging, and with partmental collection is not listed in the gen- the object of increasing their accessibility by eral catalog; in 11, only in part, the degree some other means. ranging from a few entries to all except special The time thus freed by eliminating catalog- ing can be used for the creation of special 1' LCthe arliclc of Grace 0.Kelley, "Subject approach to books: an adventure In eurrlculum." (Calalogns' and clarri- indexes that serve to analyze contents more 5ns' warbook, no. 2, 1930, p. M3.) May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 155 material. For the most part, fullest informa- Besides books, in 15 libraries vertical file tion is given in the departmental unit, as addi- material is classified, and in 8 others, pictures, tional subject and author entries, and cards for sheet music, lantern slides, colored reproduc- special collections are present only in the de- tions and photographs are so treated. For most partmental. Because the catalog is used more groups the same scheme is used throughout, by the clientele than by the staff, the type, though in 12 libraries it is not. In classification, classed or dictionary, must be chosen that is as in the field of subject headings, the principal most comprehensible to the first group; hence difficulty seems to be the inadequacy of exist- the prevalence of the dictionary arrangement ing standard schemes and lists for the special- Estimates of the number of times it is used by ized material of departmental and collegiate different groups for every ten times consulted libraries. support that contention: Since in the dictionary catalog subject head- FO; Evn)r ings play an important r6le in acquainting 10 Times readers with types of material available on Usul by Used specific subjects, they must be very carefully Library staff...... 3.8 worked out. Here again, as noted above, the Clientele...... 6.2 standard lists and entries are not satisfactory. Faculty...... 9 While it is true that 15 libraries use Library of Research worters...... 1.5 Congress headings, and 8 others use a list Students...... 2.8 based on L. C., 20 have found it necessary to Others. 1.0 ...... compile their own, a rather expensive and Considering the process of cataloging, as troublesome process. Varying degrees of com- mentioned above, except for books, and to a pleteness are apparent in such lists, as 22 use certain extent for pamphlets, about as much "see"; 21, "see also" references; 9, "refer cataloging is done by the departmental or col- from"; and 10 include definitions. On the legiate as by the general library. Where formal whole, for material in special fields of the li- codes are used, the A.L.A. is most generally brary narrow headings are used, narrower than employed, namely, in 16 libraries, though the those of the Library of Congress, and in a few Library of Congress is almost as common, in cases, even narrower than those of "Public 14. Less frequent are those individually com- Affairs Information Service." For the com- piled, 5; library school rules, 4; Fellows, 2; pilation of special lists some 31 different indexes Cutter, 2. Variations to codes, covering points and bibliographies are mentioned, most of not treated therein, are made by 10 libraries, them limited in scope to the particular field of and not made by 12. Such differences are ap- interest. Use of the same group of headings parently not extensive enough to justify throughout the library is common to 24 li- the compilation of a special code for this braries, whereas in 12, the exceptions are for group, as 22 are against, and only 8 in favor. pictures, music, and vertical file material. Of the principal schemes of classification, Since the maintenance of individual lists is the Dewey is most often used (31 libraries), rather costly, the suggestions made in connec- the Library of Congress next (ll), and Brus- tion with dperative cataloging regarding co- sells, least (2). Other libraries used sped operatively compiled and maintained, lists is systems, or the Dewey ,w modified a~ to change worth considering. the grouping radically. Considerable dissatis- In spite of the fact that much of the material faction, expressed and implied, with existing is uncommon to general university and public schemes, is shown by the fact that 22 libraries libraries, Library of Congress cards are obtain- (against 12 that have not) have modified or able and can be used (with modifications) for expanded classes pertinent to their collections; about 85 per cent of it. These are as a rule 14 have found it desirable to develop special ordered through the central cataloging depart- classifications, though 24 have not; and many ment. For books, for which L. C. cards are not of the problems mentioned relate to revision printed, besides the usual typed, the mimeo- and expansion, as well as to the inelasticity graphed, carbon copy, and ~hotostatedcards and lack of provision for new development& are made. The number of cards per book 156 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 averages between 5 and 6, and for pamphlets, replaced, errors in classification can be cor- between 3 and 4. Deviations from the usual rected, the physical condition of the collection practices include omission of author card, in a can be checked, old material can be weeded few libraries, the inclusion of more and fuller out, and mis-shelving can be straightened out. notes on both author and subject cards, the dis- The avcrage frequency of inventory is once a use 01 the title card, inclusion of analytics for year, though variations run ffom the continu- bibliographies in magazines or in the vertical ous to five year periods. Correspondingly the file, the use of the serial check card with author length of time it takes varies from 8 to 300 card, and brief cataloging and the omission of hours, the mean time being about 50 hours. collation for such material as press releases. The two points that are repeatedly stressed If, with all the carefully worked out catalog, by librarians in the survey are the simplifica- books cannot be found on the shelves, the sys- tion of processes for time saving by both the tem breaks down. The inventory, therefore, staff and the public, and the provision, in has a place in giving service through the cata- whatever schemes that may be devised, for log, for missing books can be discovered and future growth. (To be Continued) S.L.A. 1929-1939 -A Decade of Transition By Marian C. Manley *

S.L.A.an organization of informed mem- marked in the latter half of the decade, bers and the creative contributions from indi- EN years ago S.L.A. met in Wash- viduals, the freedom of comment by indi- offi- Tington. Group contacts were strong, viduals, the direct contact with the individual relations to the Association cers by individuals throughout the coun- were not marked. Now S.L.A. meets in try, all reflect this growing sense of responsibility. No longer can it be said Baltimore to discuss projects and prob- lems of interest to the whole Association that a few carry the work of the Associa- and to which the individual consideration tion when the records of the past few of members lends vitality and strength. years are examined and the range in age, interest and location of various construc- What is the element in S.L.A. that has led to this new spirit? First, and tive workers is given due thought. That foremost, undoubtedly, is the growing this major shift in organization feeling is realizatiori that members are not only responsible for the progressive growth of S.L.A. can hardly be questioned, when Chapter or Group members, but are indi- viduals in a national association with the individual reactions of its members are contrasted with the reactions of indi- personal responsibilities and opportuni- viduals in other associations. ties in connection with the policies and the practices of that national association. What have been some of the features This trend is one that has become more of the past ten years that have indicated this growing development of the Associa- * Vicf-Clicirn~anCon~n~ercicl-Technzcal Group tion as a combination of professional, na- 1929-1930, Clruzrina?r Conin1ercaal-Tech?8icdGroup tionally-minded individuals rather than 1930-1931, Cbairttian Conznritlee on Cooperation a federation of marked divisions united ill Bminers Lhury Service 1930-1932, Chairman only in casual contacts? Probably one Afe~ubmlnPConlmittee 1932-1934, Editor SPECIAL 1~nn~n11.s1934-1939, President New Jersey Chap- of the strongest is the active work of ter 3937-1939, Chairman Conzmittee on Training committees of the national association atad Recrlritzng 1937-1939. in which group and chapter interests are May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 157

merged in work toward a common goal for drawing new blood into the activities and the committee members from differ- of the Association so as to distribute ent sections and with different interests labor and increase interest. As stressed unite for a better understanding of each in these last ten years, the system of others' problems and stronger coijpera- organization through Group and Chapter tive effort. This freedom from direct divisions provides a training ground for group or chapter identification in con- officers and committee chairmen. Mem- nection with such activities as SPECIAL bership in various committees introduces LIBRARIES,the Training and Recruiting members to the problems arising in de- Committee, the Duplicate Exchange velopment of Association Op- Committee, and, in work toward a com- portunity to attend meetings of the mon goal, as shown in the Membership Executive Board and Advisory Council and the Employment Committees, has provides for better understanding of the done much to develop a feeling of unity. relations of one type of activity to an- A step in organization administration other, and open discussion of problems that has created general understanding and policies acts as liberal education for of Association projects and policies has all. been the close interweaving of the activi- Since for S.L.A. the Conference is only ties of Committees, Groups and Chapters one event, albeit a major one, in a year in the deliberations of the Executive of many activities, opportunities for pro- Board. This has developed through the fessional contact and growth are wide- definite practice of regular meetings of spread. The regular Chapter meetings the Advisory Council with the Executive permit individual contributions that Board so that these chairmen of the indicate either ability to go far or possible Groups, Chapters and Committees may effervescence that cadnot carry sustained report progress and receive advice and effort. Group activities provide another consideration for their problems. Such field in which capacity to maintain con- widespread consideration and discussion structive contacts, to develop coopera- of Association problems has produced tive activity, to prepare well rounded thoughtful attention by a large number programs may all be demonstrated. of members. This has, on one hand, de- Group and Chapter pursuits, as well as veloped informed support for Associa- the freedom for individual exmession tion activities and, on the other, delayed offered through SPECIALLIBRAR& and or arrested suggested projects for which through contacts with many officers, the time is not yet ripe or which are not combine to give the alert constructive in accordance with fundamental Associa- member opportunities to contribute to tion policies. The regular reporting of Association progress. In coijperative ef- Association activities to all the members. fort such contributions bear fruit. In few either through the various publications other organizations are the comments or by direct correspondence, has done of novice and veteran as eagerly wel- much to build up such informed support comed. It is because of this freedom and a widespread feeling of direct respon- that S.L.A. has profited so greatly in sibility for progress and policies. recent years by the contributions of those who have been members for onIv a short S.L.A. and its training for Association time but whose creative ability and dy- management namic qualities have earned prompt rec- As in other associations, the officers ognition for leadership that will redound of S.L.A. have tried to develop plans to the Association's credit. 158 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

Personnel problems and S.L.A. S.L.A. as an agency for service publica- The last five years have seen a marked lions increase in the attention given problems To a remarkable degree the experience affecting the development of the indi- gained by S.L.A. members in their libra- vidual. Through national committees and ries has borne fruit in publications planned through chapter subcommittees concen- to meet specific needs. From its early days trated effort has gone into constructive the Association has demonstrated a pro- programs. Increasing opportunities for gressive vigorous attitude in its publica- professional training directly related to tion program and these ten years have special library work have been sought shown substantial gains along this line. through contacts with library school ad- Publications have fallen into four general ministrators and with group and commit- classes, - handbooks of specific types tees closely allied to this work. Experi- of information such as the Directory, the ments in in-service training, interneship, various bibliographies and the major special courses have been tried under production, Technical Book Review Index; many conditions. Intensive studies in special studies such as the survey "Pro- certain aspects of professional prepara- fessional School and Departmental Li- tion, surveys along allied lines, articles braries" and "Business Profits and the based on the assembled data, studies of Use of Published Information " ; manuals opportunities in special fields all have such as "Creation and Development of enriched the collection of material availa- an Insurance Library" ;and "Trade Cata- ble for consideration. The work of the log Collection, a Manual with Source last few years has been notable for Lists" ; and library tools such as "Social achievements in relation to this phase of Welfare, alist of subject headings in social personnel activity and as a result distinct work and public welfare." The columns of progress in professional training can be SPECIALLIBRARIES have been used for expected in the near future. similar specific information including the The same spirit has animated place- series of articles on phases of special ment activities. In many sections con- library administration edited and con- tinuous and carefully planned programs densed for the pamphlet "Special Li- for establishing contacts with possible brary in Business" and the surveys of employers and for constructive efforts special fields re-published as the bound in placing librarians have been developed. volume "The Special Library Profession Salary surveys have been made. Articles and What It Offers." showing the strategic place for library service in progressive organizations have S.L.A. and its periodical publicalions appeared. The definite practice of stress- In the past ten years S.L.A. found that ing the need for adequate salaries and its needs for periodical publications fell appropriate administrative recognition into fdur groups. The first, the need for has become more than ever a feature of a journal for discussion of professional the work of those to whom questions of problems and a formal record of Associa- this type are frequently referred. Much tion growth is met by SPECIALLIBRARIES. education along this line must follow but The second, for an informal but stimulat- at least the references now available ing news sheet to draw Associate mem- strengthen the stand of those working bers into closer contact with Association for recognition for the special library activities, is answered by the Associate profession. Members Bulletin. Again the demand for May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES a medium for consideration of adminis- contacts with business executives, trade trative problems of Chapters, too infor- and technical publication -editors, re- mal or detailed for SPECIALLIBRARIES search directors, faculty members for but essential for sound consideration of graduate schools, and professional work- many steps, received constructive treat- ers in many different fields. Mutual dis- ment through the development of the cussion of common problems has done Chufiter Town Crier. The last: need, a a great deal both to create interest in medium for booklists and reviews, was library development as an essential tool met in two ways: first, through reorgani- and to help librarians to better under- zation of the treatment of such material standing of related problems. Useful pub- in SPECIALLIBRARIESand second, through licity has been a part of this program the development of the Technical Book with one of the most conspicuous tools, Review Index, one of the landmarks in the development of radio broadcasts. S.L.A.'s growth. The Technical Book These have become an essential feature Review Index is S.L.A.'s outstanding de- of conference publicity and have in many velopment as an aid to research of great sections proved an important means of value to all workers in a specific field. bringing special library service to the The recognition of its importance given attention of the community as a whole. by public and university libraries here In recent years articles by leaders in and abroad adds to the renown of the the profession have appeared more fre- Association and gives prestige that will quently in the general trade and techni- increase as understanding of its potential cal press, as well as in the various library uses and its essential place as a record of periodicals. Marked progress is shown in technical literature becomes even more the number of individuals and the variety widespread. of the fields represented by the con- It is in this last decade that the need tributors. for differentiation in publication fields Through these various ways of estab- has grown most marked. The separation lishing contacts, S.L.A. is taking steps to of Association comment and considera- broaden the general understanding of the tion has left each publication free to de- possibilities for constructive action of- velop the style and content most success- fered through its program. Not alone to ful in meeting the respective interests of the layman have these contacts been its readers. Each publication has bene- offered. Through closer cooperation with fited by the existence of the others and other national and local library associa- all have added their quota to the progres- tions has come a better understanding of sive growth so conspicuous in the As- their joint needs and interdependence. sociation's record. Through these professional contacts and through even broader efforts S.L.A.'s S.L.A. and its work for broadq under- program will continue to be one of en- sfanding lightened activity tending more than The fealization of the need for more ever to maintaining its standard of "Put- consistent effort towards promoting rec- ting Knowledge to Work." Even as in its ognition of the value of special libraries first twenty years, the last decade has in a program of "Putting Knowledge to shown S.L.A.'s capacity for constructive Work" has led to a marked increase in progress. The next two will bring the cooperative activities. At national mn- Association to its half century mark. ferences and at chapter meetings notable What will be the record for the coming strides have been made toward effective twenty years? SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

The Filing and Cataloging of Microfilms By Ros~C. Cibella, Librarian Hall Laboratories, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.

EVERAL methods for the filing and reading machine. The film is inserted in S cataloging of microfilms have been the reading machine, our order verified suggested. No one method has taken into and checked, and a complete catalog consideration the special librarian. Usu- card made. ally, the microfilm library of a corpora- tion consists essentially of short strips of The Cahlog Card film (reproductions of articles, papers, The unit card (3" x 5") is first made, etc.), which should be kept for future noting the author, title, reference (the reference. Since microfilms offer an eco- same as would be done in bibliographic nomical method of duplication, both work), the width of the film (16 mm., from the standpoint of original cost and 35 mm. or in rare instances 70 mm.), in the amount of storage space saved, the placement (see glossary), and whether problem of filing and cataloging should the film is positive or negative. Notes are be solved at an early stage -before that added to facilitate the making of subject dread disease " discouragementosis " sets headings. A temporary classification in. number is placed at the upper left hand The methods proposed in the literature corner in pencil and the card stamped (see references) offered a pattern which across the front "Microfilm." The st am^ we at Hall Laboratories have modeled to is placed on the diagonal, reading from fit our own needs. Since a special library left to right. Subject cards are then made is "Special" we know that this method and each film is filed separately in a will not do for all libraries; however, we small tin or aluminum can (lgt high suggest this method for a chemical re- and 1%" in diameter). The label on the search library. Perhaps this article will top of the can bears the temporary be the foot (12 inches) in the yardstick classification number. of tomorrow. Since most of the scholastic type of This proposed method for a special microfilm which is being made by the library is arranged in chronological American Documentation Institute and steps. The procedure as used in the Hall other institutions is of the standard 35 Laboratories, Inc., follows: mm. width, and since practically all of these films are negative, this information is not included on our catalog card. Only As soon as a microphotograph of a deviations from standard practice are magazine article, part of a book or a noted. manuscript is received, the dust (which The completed cards are filed in the accumulates in handling and in trans- regular catalog. ("Microfilm" stamped portation) is removed from the film with across the cards in red ink immediately lens paper. (This paper, used for cleaning identifies the format of the material.) lens and delicate surfaces, can be pur- chased from any chemical or laboratory Classification supply house.) Dust will scratch the film The classification of microfilms is and may even scratch the film gate of the divided into two classes: temporary and May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 161 permanent. Although our numerical have been carefully spliced and rolled scheme is not strictly a classification onto the spool, the spool can then be system, we shall call it that for want of given a permanent classification number. a better term. Any subject classification such as (L. C. For the sake of brevity and simplicity or D. C.) can be used; however, we find it the microfilms are classified temporarily much simpler to give the dpools the letter by numerical accession number. We have " M " (for Microfilm) with an accession approximately 100 of these small cans number for that spool. For instance, the (sometimes called " pill-boxes "), one first 100 feet of film spliced onto a spool article in each can, labeled merely with would have the number M-1, the tenth the numbers running from 1 to 100. The spool would have the number M-10. film is placed in one of these cans and the Since 100 feet of 35 mm, film will hold number on that can is written with pencil approximately 1,500 standard book-size (or other temporary method of identifi- pages (2 pages per exposure), the number cation) on the upper left hand corner of could run into the thousands before be- the card. This method of filing is only coming bulky. (1,000 spools would hold temporary, until we have accumulated approximately 1,000,000pages, including enough strips of film on one specific sub- leaders and blank film between each arti- ject or general subject to be spliced (see cle.) The permanent classification num- glossary) together onto one spool. The ber is then typed in the upper left hand permanent filing of film in cans would not corner of the catalog cards. The catalog take advantage of the compactness of cards can then be interfiled in the regular microfilm. While waiting for an accumu- catalog or kept separate; however, we lation of film (75 to 100 feet) the cards find it saves much time in locating a are filed in the new accession card catalog reference if all our catalog cards are drawer. Any demand for the article in filed in one alphabet. question can be easily filled by locating It is important at this stage to check the number of the can through the the splicing to see that all the strips of catalog card. It is true that the film will film were joined together properly; in be a bit more difficult to read in some other words, to see that the film is so types of reading machines, but this in- joined to the next piece that you do not convenience will be overcome when the have to change the position of the spools film is spliced and rolled onto a spool. when turning from one article to the When approximately 50 to 100 feet of other. microfilm on a specific subject has been We recommend a blank space of film accumulated (the subject headings will (leader) between each two articles. This bring most of these articles together), the blank space will flash on the reading cards are taken out of the new accession screen, when looking for a specific article drawer and the author cards filed alpha- in a reel, showing that a new title page betically by author. The strips of film are is about to come up. This will save much then spliced together in alphabetical time in approximating the part of the order (according to author), so that the reel which will contain, for instance, the letter A or the forepart of the alphabet authors' names beginning with the letter will be near the outer edge of the spool. "P." We label each reel (on both sides) (Spools can be purchased from camera with the classificaLion number by means supply houses.) Where the subject may of a paper sticker. For further protection, extend into several spools, the alphabet should the labels come off, me have the can be divided. When the strips of film classification number inscribed with a 162 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30. No. 5 sharp edged point in the metal of the small fabric covered box (10%" x 4y" x spool. 4w) that looks like a card catalog drawer with a cover. This box opens from either the top or the right-hand side. Several manufacturers of filing equip- The cartons or the reels themselves can ment have been on their toes and have be filed in this box. Six 35 mm. cartons designed and are manufacturing several fit snugly in this box, or nine 16 mm. types of filing cabinets for microfilms. cartons. Several of these boxes can be One manufacturer has so designed a shelved one on top of the other or ar- cabinet that it will house both the 35 ranged side by side on a shelf. mm. and 16 mm. spools; it even has a drawer which will house the small cans (mentioned in the temporary filing ar- Microfilms offer an economical and rangement). space-saving method for the reproduc- While filing equipment becomes essen- tion of printed material. Microfilms are tial in a large collection of microfilms, the here to stay. The usefulness of microfilms small librarv should not be afraid of the in a library has been proven. Film and expenses involved. Prices for these cabi- equipment are being standardized. Mi- nets are approximately $35.00 and up. crophotography has become an industry. However, under ordinary conditions of It is in the libraries that methods for temperature and humidity, several hun- the filing and cataloging of microfilms dred feet of film can be filed in a desk need standardization. Like books - a drawer without much danger of its be- standard method should be adopted coming brittle or scratched. Small fiber which can be enlarged or modified to fit cartons are on sale (b.04 each) for the the needs of the individual library. Per- housing of the individual 100-foot reels. haps, the summer school course on micro- These cartons (3%'' x 3%'' x I y") will photography atColumbia University may further protect the film from dust and provide us with enough ammunition to also facilitate filing since the boxes will start the ball rolling toward official stand on any edge. methods. Such a development cannot One manufacturer has designed a come too soon.

Placement - The position of the image in rela- Negative film - Having the lights and shades in tion to the dimensions of the film itself. In approximate inverse order to those of the microfilming a book the following standards original subject. (White print on dark back- have been unofficially adopted: ground.)

(Adopted from drawings of R. C. Binkley and from a private communication of V. D. Tate) May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 163

Positive film - Lights and shadows in same order and microfilm records in strips. Skc69: 39-40 as the original subject. (Black print on a light (1939). background.) GEROWLD,ALBERT C. Reel - A flanged spool on which a photographic Cataloging of microfilms at Stanford. Library film is wound, usually referring to a full spool. Journal 62: 682683 (1937). Splicing - The joining together of two lengths of METCALF,KBYES D. film. Care and cataloging of microfilms. Amcrican Spool -A cylinder on which photographic film Library Association Bulletin 31: 72-74 (1937). is wound. Memorandum on the Filing of Microfilms. Document 214 of Science Service, Documentation Division (Oct. 16, 1936), 1 page. PAGE,B. S.; SIIYCE,L. A.; PATTERSON,E. F. BINKLEY,ROBERT C. Microphotography: Standards in "Format," Manual on methods of reproducing research storage and cataloging. Library Association materials. Ann Arbor, Mich. Edwards Brothers, Record 40: 212-216 (1938). Inc. ~1936.207 p. illus. SBIDELL,ATHERTON BRUNCKEN,HERBERT The utilization of microfilms in scientific re- Indexing and filming newspapers. Library search. Sciencc 89: 32-34 (1939). Journal 63: 21 1 (1938). WRIGHT,WYLLIS, E. DICE,LEE R. Cataloging of microfilm. Library Journal 63: A simple method for filing miniature negatives 530-532 (1938).

Filing and Preserving Microfilm By Florence Jakes, Librarian Chemical Research Department, Armour and Company, Chicago

HE use of microfilms is becoming Committee on Preservation of Motion Tmore and more widespread. The Picture Films recommends that nitrate problem has now arisen of keeping short films be stored at a relative humidity of strips of film in a place of easy access. 50 per cent and at a temperature of not Many of the suggestions offered thus far over 50" F. It is claimed that the climate have Peen rather impractical for the in New York City is sufficiently damp filling of small rolls of film, especially to keep films flexible? In New York City, since precautions must be taken to pre- therefore, or any place else having a vent the films from becoming brittle, similar climate, acetate films may be deteriorating and being scratched. Ace- kept on reels in cans made for that pur- tate films must be kept at a relative pose. These cans are dust-proof but not humidity of 50 per cent, at a temperature airtight. If a number of short films are of 70-80" F. and away from dust. Ac- to be wound on the reel they must first cording to tests made by the National be spliced together with a machine made Bureau of Standardsll, ' acetate films for that purpose. It has been suggested can be reconditioned, after they have that Scotch tape be used to splice the been heated and dried out, by exposure films together, but this has not proved to a medium degree of humidity. Nitrate very satisfactory since the tape becomes films, on the contrary, lose their flexibility sticky after a short time. The tape is not permanently when dried even though recommended for accession numbers, they are placed in a humidor afterwards. either, for the same reason. This method The Society of Motion Picture Engineers of filing is obviously not very convenient 164 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 for short articles that must be referred to 6 inches in diameter and 8 inches in frequently. height. Each spool is numbered on the For temporary storage the mailing top for cataloging purposes. To maintain boxes used by Science Service are some- the proper degree of humidity, one of the times convenient in the case of small spools may be soaked in water and re- rolls of film. The boxes must, of course, turned to the can, or a sponge may be be kept away from dust as much as pos- fastened to the lid and moistened occa- sible and the surroundings should meet sionally. A simple test with a hygrometer the requirements of temperature and will show how much moisture to apply. humidity. A label bearing the title, The cans are kept at room temperature author and source of the article may be which rarely varies from the temperature attached to each roll of film and a list of range of 70-80" F., the ideal temperature all articles contained in the box affixed for acetate film, of which most microfilms to the outside. If such a collection were are made. If nitrate films are used and to be kept permanently, the boxes might they are stored in a cooler place, it is be numbered and stored in an air-tight advisable to permit them to stand at cabinet, humidified by means of a sponge room temperature for a while before moistened with glycerine and water or putting them in the reading apparatus rose water. so that moisture will not collect on the In some libraries the films are cut into films when they are exposed to the warm short strips of suitable length and are atmosphere. Films are easily and safely placcd in envelopes to be filed in vertical cleaned with cotton dipped in carbon files. No provision, however, is made to tetrachloride. When properly preserved, maintain the proper conditions of tem- film has a life expectancy the same as perature and humidity, but the dust that of 100 per cent rag or a-cellulose hazard is removed. paper.' A canning company finds it conven- It is not feasible to keep microfilm on ient to keep about 25 rolls of film in a open shelves and, therefore, it does not friction top can, each roll having a label seem necessary to arrange them accord- to denote the name of the article, etc. ing to subject material. Since they are The idea of storing films in an air-tight stored in groups in some sort of container, can appealed to us, and we decided to it is much simpler to add new items to adapt the idea to our needs. We wanted the collection at the end than it is to to arrange the films, which have from 3 interfile them. A card catalog with sub- to 50 frames, in some sort of order. For ject index is quite satisfactory, if such this purpose we have wooden spools information is given as the title, author, made % inch in diameter and a little source, number of pages, location of over 'I inches in length, with a flange at original, etc.' The cards are filed along the bottom or a disk slightly larger in with the general library cards but indi- diameter nailed on at right angles. The cate by a letter or some notation that the spool thus has a base on which to stand article is on a microfilm. upright, and the rolls of film do not slide We find that this system of keeping off. Each strip of film is rolled to an in- our microfilms meets our needs quite side diameter of inch, placed inside a efficiently as well as economically, and cylindrical strip of paper bearing the we can recommend it to any library title, etc., of the article, and five such having a large number of short films to rolls are placed on a spool. Twenty spools file. It is simple, effective and has stood are stood in a friction top can of about the test of use. May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES References J. R. Hill. Research paper RP 942, 1. Microphotography for libraries; pa- Journal of Research, National Bureau pers presented at the microphotogra- of Standards 17: 753-769, Nov. 1936. phy symposium at the 1936 Con- 3. Films for folios. Louis H. Fox. Li- ference of the American Library brary Journal 62: 361-364, May 1, Association. M. L. Raney, ed. 138 p. 1937. American Library Association. 4. Cataloging of microfilm at Stanford. 2. Care of filmslides and motion picture Albert C. Gerould. Library Journal films in libraries. C. G. Weber and 62: 682-3, Sept. 15, 1937.

Tools for Library Cooperation in the United States By Linda H. Modey, Librarian Industrial Relations Counselors, Inc., New York

(Continued)

TOOLSFOR COOPERATIVEDISTRIBUTION solution of a specific problem or furnish OF KNOWLEDGE certain definite facts that we turn to such In addition to the several kinds of tools general sources as associations, museums, for promoting library cooperation that foundations, research and service organi- have been described, there are in the zations, and to such individuals as editors, United States certain types of directories government officials,research workers and and guides, which, although not designed other speclalists in the pertinent field to assist cooperation, specifically between While the guides to such sources of in- libraries, do aid greatly in the cooperative formation are far from adequate there are assembling and distribution of knowledge many directories and classified or indexed between the several forms of information lists of organizations and individuals that gathering and research organizations. make information from authorities in cer- These tools extend the ability of the spe- tain fields reasonably accessible. It would cial library or information. bureau to act be impossible in this paper to describe all as a clearing house of information, and or even the more important of such direc- should, therefore, receive mention in any tories but a brief description of someof the discussion of the tools of cooperation in sources with citations for a few typical di- the United States. rectories may be acceptable. When special libraries seek information Associations carry on many functions that cannot be found within their own li- that make them potential sources of infor- braries or organizations it is natural to mation. Trade associations frequently turn first to other libraries. Often, how- havc statistical, research, legislative, in- ever, the desired information is so specific dustrial relations, marketing and other de- in character, or so recently discovered or partments, and the heads of these depart- released, that it has not yet found its way ments are usually rather well informed in into print. It is especially when there is lit- their special fields. Operating information, tle or nothing in print that will help in the prevailing policies and practices, and sta- SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 tistics are often assembled from members published a finding list of trade association on a confidential basis. No information directories4 Professional directories like- about an individual member is given out, wise report on the associations active in but total figures, ratios, and averages, as the fields they cover and many yearbooks well as surveys of prevailing practice are supply similar facts on the cooperative and obtainable through such association action organizational activities of the groups they when they cannot be discovered otherwise. represent. Most association officers, especially those Museums are important sources of in- whose membership is active in business, formation on certain subjects because they science, technology and the social sciences, have staff experts in many sciences, the know who are authorities in the several fine arts, and occasionally in other sub- aspects of their subjects and who are jects. The American Association of Mu- doing pioneer work, as well as what seums has compiled and published a hand- research projects and investigations are book = which serves as a guide to the inter- in process. ests of each museum. While there is no one guide to all kinds Foundations, through their research of associations, there is a great variety of programs, in which both permanent and directories or lists of associations in spe- special staff members participate, not only cific fields. Obviously the tools of this type contribute to the results of coijperative re- that give, in addition to name, address, and search which could not be financed other- officers, a summary statement of activities wise, but w,illingly coijperate with libraries carried on by each association, and have a in supplying information which they have subject index, are of the greatest value in assembled in connection with their re- determining which organization to apply search activities but have not yet pub- to for assistance on a specific problem. lished. The standard source of factual Some of these directories give a list of the data on the foundations in the United associations' publications, the journals States, now in its third edition, is prepared they sponsor, and a brief history of their by the Russell Sage Foundation." undertakings. A few state whether a li- "Service" organkations are used espe- brary is maintained. An excellent example cially by business corporations to obtain, of such a directory in the scientific and as quickly as may be, current information technical field has been published by the that is subject to frequent and irregular National Research Council and has been change, or to obtain advice on certain com- through several editions? The Public Ad- plex problems. These organizations must ministration Clearing House issues an of necessity assemble much information annual directory for its field which has a from widely scattered sources and employ broad coverage. Another annual in this specialists to organize and interpret it for group is published by the Russell Sage the benefit of their clients or subscribers. Foundation.' Most trade directories list As this type of organization is the subject the associations in their industries, and the of another paper at this conference it is Trade Association Bureau of the Special not necessary to comment on it -further, Libraries Association has compiled and except to mention the several directories of services published by the Special Li- 1 C. Hull, Hardbml of Scurli* ad Tdricd Socidiu and 1rsIilvliom.s in the Unilcd Slalu adCad, Wadng- Trad* Asnrcbliou ir fir Umild S&&r, New York, 1934, ton, D. C., 3d ed., Natlonal Raearch Cound, 1937,283 p. 20 p. 1 Orgarrrsalims in lhs Fwld rdPddw Admixrrhdh: a DC nHandbd of Amnuan Muteums, W~hIndon.D. C., r41Qy, Chlcago, Ill.. Annual. 1932.77 D. Social WdYm Bmk. New York Rucaell &c Fous- 'Amcr~anFouddiow, New York: RudSPge Founda- datlon, Annual, Past 11, "Mrstodea of AgcndH." tion, 1938, 66 p. May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 167 braries Association in 1924 and 1931,8 way, and all too often are not published and the third edition now in process of at all. Moreover, during the period of in- compilation. One tool directly aiding li- vestigation, the authors may have assem- t brary cooperation in this field is the bled data which would be invaluablc to Union List of Senn'ces in Thirty-four Li- the clientele of special libraries and which braries in Mc~nhattan,~which lists for each they would gladly release to aid in the so- of 118 well known services the libraries lution of problems of importance, if subscribing to it in the Manhattan section asked. The annual list compiled by D. B. or Borough of New York City where the Gilchrist IS for the past four years is a wel- greatest number of special libraries is con- come addition to many other partial lists, centrated. by university and by subject, of disserta- Government oficials are important tions in progress. Lists of theses are sources of specialized information as in- printed regularly by certain of the more dividuals as well as authors. The vast scholarly journals, notably the American amount of data assembled as a by-prod- Econmu Review," Journal of ,?3&ation uct of regulatory activities of governments Re~earch,~~the American Journal of Soci- can be tapped, if the proper official is dis- ology la and the Journal of Chemical Edu- covered. In addition,th&e is much more cation,'7 to mention a few of those carrying information assembled in federal, state such lists over a period of years. Additional and municipal offices than ever finds its sources for lists of dissertations are given way into print, and even the bulk of knowl- by Palfrey in his valuable bibliography.18 edge that is eventually printed has been Staffspeciolkts in research organiza- available in the office assembling it for tions and corporations and members of many months, or in some cases several university faculties are sometimes con- years, before publication. There is a great sulted on nonconfidential subjects for an- variety of directories listing officials car- swers to questions that are not found in rying on different activities, and there are print and can be obtained only from the also some more general guides. The most specialist or authority who is able to draw valuable of these are listed in the several reliable conclusions or make positive state- publications by J. K. Wilwx.'The United ment from a wealth of knowled~e- or ex- States Central Statistical Board's Direc- perience in a particular field. In tracing fory of Federal Statistkal Agencies,ll and individuals who are so qualified in partic- currently the Journol of the Americas ular subjects, membership lists and year- Statistical Associutiou l2 in its "Notes" on books of the appropriate professional, new research projects are other valuable trade, or other associations, may be found guides. in Association Membershi$ Lists.lgThe di- Doctoral dissertations and research rectory of Indwtrial Research hbora- projects similarly may not be published tor& of the United States 20 and. direc- until long after work on them is under tories of specific trades, which exist in 'EadM qf Cmmrrcid Idormalion Snoices, Wuh- 11 Doclmal DuruWim Acce~kdb Amnican Unhnriiies, inpton, D. C., 1924,96 p. New York: W~lwn,Annual. 8 BandboaL oj Cornmucid adFinawd Smitu. Rod- 1' Menasha, Wm.. Quarterly. dence, R. I., 1931,95 p.; Firs; Supplnned. New York, 1932, * Bloomlngton, IU.. Monthly. 17 p. Chcago. Ill., Bi-monthly. m M. M. Krhl, comp.. Nor York: Special Librnriea Asso- 1'Eaaton. Pa., Monthly. elption, 1134.12 p., mlmeograuhed. 18 Thomas R. Palfrey and Henry E. Coleman. Jr., Guidd lo 10 Unild Shlu R#funcr PubIirdioms. Boaton: Faxon, Biblioplaphws of Therar. Urild SWCJ ad Coda, 1931, 96 p.; and Wt Su$9hmU; "Recent Aid8 to Publlc American Library Aseafatlon. Chlca~o,1936.48 v. Document Uu," SPECIAL L~summ,Vol. 29, No. 67, W Mary E. Jameaon, New York: Special Llbden A- July-Aumt, and September, 1938. datlon, 1934,39 D. a Waahlng&n, D. C., 1935.S p. 10 C. J. Wcat and C. Hull. Washington, D. C.: Natlod P. 1. Wslhlngton, D. C., Quarterly. Rcscarch Coundl Bulletin No. 91.1933.233 168 SPECIAL L1 [BRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 great numbers, are also useful. The most edited by Winifred Gregory, 1927, p. 1581- recent list of such directories was pub- 1588.) JOSEPHSON,A. G. S. Bibliograbhy of uJon lished by the Special Libraries Associa- lists of seriak. Chicago, John Crerar ti~n.~~University handbooks and faculty Library, 1906.28 p. lists that give titles of publications written Library literature, 1937,450 p. ; 1936, 322 p. ; and research carried on by members of the 1933-35, New York, Wilson. 435 p., 1936- faculty serve as tools in finding academic 1938. Library literature, 1921-1932,Chicago,Amer- authorities. ican Library Association, 1934. 420 p. MUDGE,I. G. Guide to reference books. Chi- SOURCESCONSULTED IN PREPARATION OF THIS cago, American Library Association, 1936. PAPER 504 p. AMERICAN LIBRARYASSOCIATION. Committee Public ofairs information service. New York, on Resources of American Libraries. Re- Annual, 1915-1937. sources of Anzerican libraries. Chicago, Special Libraries: index. New York, Special 1935.32 p. mimeographed. Libraries Association, 1910-1937. BISHOP,W. W. "Union catalog." Library WINCHELL,C. M. Locabing books for inter- Quarterly, Vol. 7, p. 36-49. Jan. 1937. library loon. New York, Wilson, 1930. BROWN,KARL. "Lists-union, bibliography." 170 p. (In Ulrich, C. F., Periodic& directory, 1932, p. 27f3-279.) AUTHOR'SNOTE. -Since the pre$aralion of CANNONS,H. G. T. Bibliography of library fhis paper the valunbk list of " Union Card economy, 1876-1920. Chicago, American Catalogs in The United States," by John Van- Library Association, 1927.680 p. Male (Denver, 1938) has been published. This RASKELL,D. C. "Bibliography of union lists gives data on twenty-one union card catalogs of serials." (In Union list of serials in not mentioned in any ofher sources consulkdfor libraries of the United States and Canada, fhis paper. In addifion information is supplied "Laura A. Ealcs, cornv., Dweckries for the Busi#ess Man, about huenfy-jve libraries which maintain con- New York. 1938, 66 p. solidaledfiks of cards printed by several libraries.

Conference News

S.L.A. Pioneers to Help We feel sure that each and every member of Celebrate Thirtieth S.L.A. will welcome the opportunity to meet personally some of those farsighted men and Anniversary women who, thirty years ago, met at Bretton uly 2, 1939, Special Libraries Associa- Woods, New Hampshire, and in New York 0"'tion will be thirty years old and to help City later that year, and formed Special Li- celebrate the occasion the Baltimore Chapter braries Association. has planned a "home-coming" for the Charter A Charter Members' breakfast is to be given Members. on Wednesday morning, at which those present Invitations were mailed to these members will be the guests of the Baltimore Chapter. only a few days before this article was wntten, Dr. Horace E. Flack, Director, Legislative but several have already told us that they Reference Library, and one of Baltimore'a would attend and we hope that a large number Charter Members, will be host to this will be able to join us. group. May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 169

Public Business Librarians' Group, and the S.L.A. -On the Air! Student Loan Fund Committee are giving us A series of three broadcasts will be presented most interesting chart material. The Biological by Special Libraries Association over WFBR Sciences Group will present an especially during the forthcoming Conference in Balti- colorful exhibit, consisting of two large panels more. The directing committee consists of mounted with covers of twenty representative William F. Jacob, chairman, and Rebecca B. journals, illustrating the twenty types of Rankin, Caroline I. Ferris, T. V. Mounter, libraries within the Group. The whole will have and Laura A. Woodward. a laced, quilt-like appearance. The Montreal On Monday evening, May 22, a dramatic librarians are sending a beautiful large book skit written by Caroline I. Ferris, Librarian, telling the story of their Chapter. From South- Insurance Society of Philadelphia, will be pre- ern California we are getting both a large book sented. and a state map. From Cleveland has just A panel discussion, with Florence Bradley, come a very tricky map of the special libraries Marguerite Burnett, "Bill" Jacob and Ross within the district, with colored pennants in- Cibella participating, will be given on Tuesday dicating type of library, and an accompanying evening following the trip to Annapolis. The classification chart. final presentation will be that of "We - the The Illinois Chapter has sent us excellent photographs of some of their libraries and two S~ecial.~ Librarians." ~ Rebecca B. Rankin will act as interlocutor and twelve or fifteen other nicely mounted posters of forms. From the special librarians will participate in the pro- Milwaukee Chapter has come a large state gram, which will & given on Thursday eve- highway map showing locations and names of ning after returning from Washington. all S.L.A. members and decorated with Chap- All broadcasts will be given from the WFBR ter programs and favors, a most striking ex- Studio in the Lord Baltimore Hotel. The hour hibit. A mounted sky-line photograph of is not definite, but it is expected that we will Detroit is coming from the Michigan Chapter. go "on the air" at 10 o'clock, Eastern Stand- Space does not permit even a single description ard Time. of other fine material we have received. We hope that you will be in Baltimore toper- The Exhibit Committee has also arranged sonally attend these broadcasts. If you are not for a number of commercial and technical ex- so fortunate, tune in and then let us know how hibits. To date, one month from the Confer- you enjoyed hearing us. ence, ten local industries and institutions have accepted our invitation to provide displays. The theme we areJrying to emphasize in these is research. Conference Exhibits The third portion of our exhibits is a working The largest and most striking portion of the special library in miniature. One unit of it will exhibits at the thirty-first Annual Conference be devoted to a technical subject; the other, will be home-grown. This year the Association to a business subject, thus touching upon two will exhibit itself. vital aspects of Baltimore's economic activity. The amount of material being sent in by the The library will naturally not be complete, be- Chairmen of the Chapters, Groups and Com- ing intended principally as a suggestive nucleus mittees, has exceeded all our expectations and around which one could build a comprehen- every bit of it is tremendously worth showing sive, well-rounded collection. -much of it quite ingenius and clever. We With these plans in hand, the Committee have received a large collection of publications, feels sure that it will be able to provide a most such as directories, bulletins, bibliographies, stimulating and worthwhile series of exhibits. forms, periodical lists, publicity clippings, etc., For those of us who unwrap the packages as from many units of S.L.A. A number, like the they come in, every day is Christmas. Employment Cpmmittee, the Financial Group, ELSAVON HOHENEOFF,Chairman, the New York and New Jersey Chapters, the Exhibits Commitfee. 170 SPECIAL LIBWRIES Vol. 30, No. 5 Additions to 1939 Conference Program (For Tentative Program, see AflriZ issue, p. 123-126)

Tuesday, May 23, 1939 Vormelker, Librarian, Business Information 8:00 a.m. Bureau, Cleveland Public Library, Cleveland. NEWSPAPERGROUP - Informal breakfast. Thirty minutes of: "We Do This," a Free-for- all from the floor. 12 :00 noon "Get Acquainted Luncheon." Responses: (1) 12:OO noon Mary Jane Hendermn, Investment Librarian, Chapter Presidents' Luncheon - Edith Port- Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada, man, Chapter Liaison Officer, presiding. Montreal; (2) George Winthrop Lee, Concord, (a) "Arousing Community Interest"; (b) Massachusetts (Charter Member). "Union Lists of Periodicals." Wednesday, May 24, 1939 INSURANCEGROUP - Luncheon - Emily C. 8 :00 a.m. Coates, Chairman, presiding. Business meet- ing. Round table discussion. CHARTERMBMBERS - Breakfast - Guests of the Baltimore Chapter. Horace E. Flack, host. NEWSPAPERGROUP - Luncheon - Guests of the Baltimore News-Posl. Speaker, Louis NEWSPAPERGROUP - Informal breakfast. Azrael. Visit to the News-Post Library. PROFESSIONALSTANDARDS COMMITTEE - SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGYGROUP - Luncheon Breakfast - Mary P. McLean, Chairman, - Katherine Lloyd, Chairman, presiding. presiding. "Phases of Public Documents of Interest to 9:30 a.m. Scientific and Technical Librarians," by Ade- PROBLEMSCLINIC - Lucile L. Keck, First laide R. Hasse, Consultant, Works Progrese Vice-president, Special Libraries Association Administration, Washington. and Librarian, Joint Reference Library, Chi- cago, presiding. (a) " Dynamics of Catalog- ing," by Marianna Thurber, Librarian, Em- B1o~oc1c.a SCIENCESGROUP - Estelle Brod- ployers' Mutual Liability Insurance Company, man, Medical Library, Columbia University, Wausau, Wisconsin; Discussion: Virginia H. New York City, presiding. (a) "Selected Read- Meredith, Librarian, National Association of ing an Aid to the Patient's Recovery," by Manufacturers, New York City. (b) "Classifi- Elizabeth Pomeroy, Librarian, Medical and cation Schemes for Business and Public Ad- Hospital .%ME, U. S. Veterans' Administra- ministration," by Sophia Hall Glidden, Com- tion, Washington; (b) "Hospital Library In- piler, Public Administration Classification, terneship," by Mary R. Morrissey, Librarian, Leonia, New Jersey; Discussion: Mary Jane Sheppard-Pratt Hospital, Baltimore; (c) "The Henderson, Investment Librarian, Sun Life Patients' Library, Johns Hopkins Hospital," Assurance Company of Canada, Montreal. by M.Theodosia Chapman, Librarian, Balti- (c) "Slants on Subject Headings," by Hazel E. more. Ohman, Librarian, New York State Division of COMMERCEGROUP - Josephine I. Greenwood, Placement and Unemployment Insurance, Chairman, presiding. (a) ".Sources and Sig- New York City; Discussion: Marguerite nificance of Car Loading Statistics," by W. C. Burnett, Librarian, Federal Reserve Bank of Kendall, Chairman, Car Service Division, New York. (d) "To Clip and How to Clip," by Association of American Railroads, W~hing- Caroline Faltermayer, Librarian, Philodelphia ton ; (b) " Reciprocal Trade Agreements Pro- Record, Philadelphia; Discussion: Ruth Parks, gram of the United States," by Granville Reference Librarian, National Safety Council, Woodard, Economic Analyst, Division of Chicago. (e) "Building Basic Source Lists: a Trade Agreements, Department of State, Challenge to S.L.A. Groups," by Rose L. Washington. a May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBFURIES

INSURANCEGBOUP - Emily C. Coates, Chair- to go direct to the Department of Commerce; man, presiding. (a) "How Can a Research others will be dispatched to other parts of the Library Help in the Vast Movement of Con- city in accordance with the individual prefer- servation of Life and Prevention of Death?" ences as expressed on the Washington Day by Julien H. Harvey, General Manager, Na- Questionnaire. tional Conservation Bureau, New York City; (b) "Occupational Diseases -Their Control 10:OO a.m. and Prevention," by Dr. Wilmer H. Schulze, Arrive in Washington. (Morning to be devoted Director, Bureau of Environmental Hygiene, to visiting an exhibit of governmental and Baltimore City Health Department. non-governmental publications, libraries or MUSEUM GROUP-Visits to Museums - sight-seeing.) Margaret Fife, Acting Chairman. 1:00 p.m. NEWSPAPERGROUP - Frances E. Curtis, Luncheon, Hotel Washington - Toastmaster, Chairman, presiding. (a) "Backstage in Ralph Thompson, President, District of Washington," by Blair Moody, Washington Columbia Library Association. Guest speaker Correspondent for the Detroit News. to be announced. SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGYGROUP Katherine - 2:30 Lloyd, Chairman, presiding. (a) "Why In- p.m. dex?" by Vivian J. MacDonald, Librarian, Buses leave Hotel Washington for sight-seeing Aluminum Company of America, New Ken- trip around the city or for Arlington and sington, Pennsylvania; (b) "Patent Searches," Mount Vernon. Those who prefer may visit by Ernest W. Chapin, Librarian, Scientific libraries or the exhibit. Library, Patent Office, Washington; (c) "Pre- prints and Reprints from the Publishers and 6 :00 p.m. Printers' Viewpoint," by Edward M. Passano, First buses start for Baltimore. Those who Vice-president, Waverly Press, Inc., Balti- wish may remain in Washington for the even- more; (d) "Search Reports," by Elizabeth ing and visit the Library of Congress or other Joy Cole, Librarian, Calco Chemical Company, libraries that are open. The Department of Bound Brook, New Jersey; (e) "Food, Drug Commerce Auditorium will be kept open until and Cosmetic Law," by Frederic P. Lee, 10:OO P.M. so that anyone wishing to visit the Washington. exhibit during the evening may do so. 10:OO p.m. Visits to libraries. See map at Information Buses will leave Library of Congress and De- Desk (shows distances from the Lord Balti- partment of Commerce for Baltimore. more Hotel). Friday, May 26,1939 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Thirtieth Anniversary Banquet - Toast- NEWSPAPERGROUP - Informal breakfast. master, Christopher Billopp, The Ecmring Sun, Baltimore. Guest speaker, Sir Willmott Lewis, PUBLIC BUSINESSLIBRARIANS GROUP - Washington Correspondent for the London Breakfast - Adra M. Fay, Chairman, presid- Ths,"Phases of Democracy." ing. "The Education of a Librarian-The Survey," by Edith Varney, Fint Assistant, Thursday, May 25,1939 Applied Sdence Department, St. Louis Public WASHINGTONDAY Library. F. Stirling Wilson, Chairman 8:30 a.m. NEWSPAPERGROUP - Frances E. Curtiss, Special buses leave Hanover Street entrance of Chairman, presiding. "What the Newspaper the hotel for Washington. The Transportation Libraries in the West Are Doing," by Laura Committee will arrange for one or more buses McArdle, Librarian, Frcsno (Calqornk) Bee. 12* 172 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

Tamblyn & Brown, Inc., New York City and 9:30 a.m. Beatrice M. Howell, Librarian, Institute of SECONDGENERAL SESSION - Alma C. Mitch- Montreal, Montreal. Consultants: Mary ill, President, presiding. (e) Chapter Reports Louise Alexander, New York City and Dr. (Abstracted) and Reports on the Chapter Jolan M. Fertig, Librarian, Westinghouse Town Crier and Associate Members' Bullctin, Electric & Manufacturing Company, East Edith Portman, Chapter Liaison Bulletin. Pittsburgh. (b) "How Do We Know What We "Looking Backward and Forward- An Ap- Are Worth? - Salaries," by Margaret C. praisal," by Dorsey W. Hyde, Jr., Director, Lloyd, Librarian, Credit Company, Inc., Archival Service, National Archives of the Atlanta. Consultant: Ruth Savord, Librarian, United States. Council on Foreign Relations, Inc., New York City. (c) "Shall We Have a Yardstick?- 12:OO noon Standards," by Betty Barrett, Librarian, SOCIALSCIENCE GROUP - Luncheon - Isabel Editorial Department, IIargord Courant, Hart- L. Towner, Chairman, presiding. "Mobiliza- ford. Consultant: Florence Fuller, Librarian, tion of Facts In a Federal Bureau," by Mary American Standards Association, New York V. Robinson, Director of Public Relations, City. (d) "Should a Special Library Count Its U. S. Women's Bureau, Washington. Pennies? - Budgets," by Elizabeth B. Beach, Librarian, Household Finance Corporation, Chicago. Consultant: Geraldine Rammer, SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGYGROUP - Katherine Librarian, Hardware Mutual Casualty Com- Lloyd, Chairman, presiding. Business meet- pany, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. ing. Committee reports: (a) "Committee on the Need for a Central Depository for Scien- Saturday, May 27,1939 tific Publications," by Sarah Bradley Pruden, 8 :00 a.m. Chairman; (b) "Trade Name Index," by Ross INSURANCEGROUP - Breakfast - Emily C. C. Cibella, Chairman; (c) "Committee on Coates, Chairman, presiding. (a) "Sources of Publishers' Notices and Indices," by Henrietta Printed Material," by Mariana Thurber, Kornhauser, Chairman; (d) Nominating Com- Librarian, Employers' Mutual Liability Insur- mittee, by Elizabeth Joy Cole, Chairman. ance Company, Wausau, Wisconsin; (b) "Legal Material -State and Federal," by 8 :00 p.m. Miriam Fitts, Librarian, National Life Insur- BEGINNERS'CLINIC - Katherine Peoples, Li- ance Company, Montpelier, Vermont. Business brarian, Carnegie-Illinois Steel Corporation, meeting. Pittsburgh, Chairman, presiding. (a) "Put- 8:45 a.m. ting Knowledge to Work - The Function of NEWSPAPERGROUP - Frances E. Curtiss, the Librarian," Jean Norcross, Librarian, Chairman, presiding. Business meeting.

Making Up the Magazine V. And, in Conclusion

ITH this issue of the magazine, the issue and ending with this number. The WEditor concludes her five years of earlier articles have dealt with specific intimate contact with the problems in- features. In this, the final one of the volved in editing an association journal. series, the psychology involved in the These problems and the procedure that relationship of Editor, journal and Asso- has developed in their solution have been ciation membership in turn receives indicated in this series, "Making Up the attention. Magazine," beginning in the January In an Association such as ours, with May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES many varied interests, strong personali- ship to the national Association. Through ties and greater or less degrees of pro- "Letters to the Editor," through sym- fessional understanding, an Editor, to posiums, through contacts for contribu- carry out a constructive program, must tions, the members have grown to feel a have perspective, a sense of relative closer tie to their Association journal and values, responsiveness to progressive to take a more direct share in its growth. trends, an impersonal, objective attitude Discussion of the magazine's policies, toward pertinent criticism, and indiffer- definite information on costs of features, ence to any other form. To enable her to pros and cons for development along carry out a successful program, the certain lines - all have contributed to Executive Board must provide freedom, this sense of direct responsibility and all encouragement and support. To com- have increased the Editor's confidence plete the effective circle, the readers in the readiness of the membership to should be receptive and responsive, respond to opportunities for progressive awake to professional opportunity, and activity. eager to participate in creative activities. What is the future for the magazine? Given full development of these ele- What new editorial policies shall be ments, much can be expected of a developed? How best can the Association journalistic program. meet its needs for a magazine acting as Have the Editor, the Executive Board a record of constructive activities and a and the readers worked together as a stimulus to further progress? These are harmonious unit in these past five years? questions awaiting solution, and to find The Editor feels that she can give an the wisest answers will take serious unqualified "Yes " to this question. thought. But it is with the certain Interesting differences of opinion have knowledge that from the membership of developed. Occasional minor episodes of S.L.A. can come loyal and understanding misunderstanding, or short-sightedness, support for progressive action that the have added a spark of variety to the Editor relinquishes her task. Each of general plan of work. But in the broad these fifty issues has meant for her in- record of this period, the Editor can take creasing knowledge of the potentialities only pleasure in the responsiveness and for constructive action inherent in the cooperation shown by both readers and membership. Only these qualities, com- the Board. bined with the generosity and under- What have the past five years brought standing of the Librarian and Trustees to the magazine, and through it, to the of the Newark Public Library, and the Association? Perhaps the biggest change loyalty and co6peration of her own staff, has been the shift from group emphasis could have made such volunteer work to emphasis on the individual's relation- possible. M. C. M. We Do This Notes Gathered By Virginia L. Garland, Chairman Methods Committee Special Libraries Association

Regional Pam#hlet Material color orange for anything ~ertainingto Cal- N BINDING pamphlets or unbound books, DOROTHYH. MARTIN, 1 we use colors to signify the nature of Library of the Los AngeEes Musem, Ezposi- the subject matter. For example, we use the tion Park, Los Angeles, Calif. 174 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

Form for Inkr-library Loan Journal...... Volume...... Page...... Year...... Author...... Title...... Source...... Requested by...... From...... Received...... Value...... Sending charges...... Returned...... Parcel Post. .... Express...... "This form gives the entire history of the been used successfully for sealing leaks in ap- loan and is kept to compile an annual record paratus, notably vacuum distillation, and of material borrowed from other libraries. sealing bottles against moisture. It is a good "The Librarian also keeps a one-year file of library pasf. since it does not wrinkle paper, all letters requesting references or information. and it may be also used to cement pieces of This file is a great time-saver for the library glass together." - From Lange's Handbook oj and the professional staff when several people Chemistry, 1937, p. 1422. request the same reference months apart. The EDITHPORTMAN, first person who requested it may have an Mellon Institute Library, Pittsburgh, Po. abstract or notes containing all the information needed by the second inquirer." Routing Periodicals EDITHJOANNES, Librarian, "At the request of the librarian each de- Abbott Laboratories Library, Chicago, Ill. partment has chosen one of its employees to be responsible for the circulation of periodicals. Cement and Lacquer The representative keeps a record of when the "Taylor (The Chemist-Analyst, Vol. 20, No. periodicals are received, sends them to mem- 4, p. 10, 1931) finds that an excellent label bers of the department, and has them ready lacquer and general utility cement may be to be returned at the end of a week. prepared from the pyroxylin handles of dis- "Before periodicals are routed, the librarian carded tooth brushes. The bristled end is has photostats made of articles which will be broken off and the handle dissolved in enough of interest to several members of the staff of a solvent such as butyl acetate, acetone, or and notes the fact on the periodical. Prints ether-alcohol to give a glycerine-like con- are then sent to any of the staff who requests sistency. About 300 cc. of solution usually re- them. Other articles are photostated on the sults. The color of the original handle is unim- request of readers." portant since even the darkest ones give an HELENBASIL, Librarian, almost colorless film. The lacquer so prepared Research Luboralories of The Crane Co., is not only useful for protecting labels, but has Chicago, Ill. Letters to the Editor

The Employment Question! editorial of the New York Sun (issue of March BSERVERS who keep informed on the 17th) the annual report of the Employment 0 rise and fall of opportunities in jobs have Comniittee for 1937-38 is far less heartening. The lately reported a brighter outlook in library work. Professional Unit of the New York State Em- Numerous special libraries are being improved ployment Service had fifty openings for library constantly in the offices of business corporations positions during the whole year, of which they and other private institutions, and trained special filled only twenty-eight, and there remained two librarians have fewer difficulties in finding work hundred and eighty-three hopeful applicants than do the more generally equipped workers in seeking employment. the field. One experience cited is that of a college When the Association selected the atate organ- graduate traincd in chemistry who was successful ization to act as the clearing-house for library in drawing 100 replies to an inquiry for a library positions, the members heard encouraging reports post sent to 200 companies. of the wider opportunities which would be open By comparison with this abstract from an to them through the continuous effort0 of field May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 175 workers of the Bureau. Them workera would be Mr. Jesse E. Powers, our Baltimore Port Repre- endeavoring to educate more executives to the sentative, will welcome librarians and will be needs and advantages of library organizations happy to tell them about the work of the library through their contacts with numerous corpora- and some of the very special problems which it tions and private organizations not represented involves. in the membership of the Special Libraries Asm The American Merchant Marine Library has ciation. placed approximately 3,800,000 books on Ameri- Isn't it about time we remove the rose-colored can Merchant ships during the 18 years of its glasses and admit that the employment situation existence. Crew libraries are exchanged and kept is not being adequately met under the present up-to-date on more than 1,200 American ships by arrangement? In many cases our own members dispatch offices in New York, Boston, Baltimore, have not chosen to list their openings with the Philadelphia, New Orleans, Seattle and Sault state organization. Occasionally such psitiona Ste. Marie. Each of them dispatch offices main- have been filled through personal contacts, hut at tains a library from which individual seamen other times the commercial agencies have been may borrow books for use on shore or aboard called upon. Through perwnal inquiries I have ship. A technical library is maintained in each of ascertained that a considerable number of busi- the port offices, the largest collection being in the neea organizations are not willing to call upon the headquarters office in New York. Many of the Professional Unit because of previous unsatisfac- officera of the American Merchant Marine have tory relations with other divisions of the employ- obtained their license through the study of nauti- ment organization. cal books made available to them through this I am aware that the office has been through a Association, and our files are replete with letters period of reorganization (with rumom of still from seamen in ports all over the world expressing another reorganization soon to be started) which their appreciation of the service. has hindered its efficiency. In -me instances, If special librarians, who spend a large portion however, the situations which have occurred of their time cataloging and indexing their re- cannot be blamed on that and yet are of the sort eources, would like to see how a very large library to cause annoyance that will eliminate persona functions and performs a rernnrkable service, from the list of potential employers. The com- without even cataloging its books, they have the mercial agencies have become particularly opportunity to do so while they are in Baltimore. adept at weeding out for the employer all appli- HERBERTL. HOWE,Librarian, cants who do not meet the basic requirementa The Amnican Merchant Marine L~brary specified. They have also acquainted themselves Associatwn. with the name of the pereon to be contacted, the salary and other pertinent facts about the posi- A Statement Questioned tion which will be useful to the applicant. Through PECIAL LIBRARIES,February 1939, p. 44, con- efficiency in these two aspects the chance3 of S tains the following statement: offending an employer or of causing needless em- "Libraries in which unions are now functioning barrassment to an applicant are practically elim- include: University of Washington, Washington inated. State Library, Butte, Chicago, Milwaukee, Cleve- Perhaps I am wrong in my opinions, but I do land, and the Library of Congress." feel that with the conclusion this June of three There is no union functioning in the Washing- years under this present arrangement, the mem- ton State Library, nor has there ever been. bers should be aaked whether it has been satis- If the other statements made in the article factory, a credit and advantage to the Associa- from which the above given quotation is taken tion, or if it should be dincontinued. My own are no more accurate than that pertaining to the answer would be better no affiliation than an un- Washington State Library, the whole article is of satisfactory one. considerably less value than the paper on which A NEW YORKMEMBER. it is prioted. MARYLEE HALL, Library Invitation Washingtan Slate Library. IBRARIANS attending the Annual Confer- I-4 ence of the Special Libraries Association in A Misinterpretation Corrected Baltimore are cordially invited to visit the Balti- T SEEMS that some readers of SPECIAL more dispatch office of the American Merchant I L~RARIE~have misinterpreted the following Marine Library Association, which is located in sentence from my article on page 44 of the Febru- the basement of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. ary iasuc: "Libraries in which unions are now 176 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5

functioning include: University of Washington, wholly or partly with hbrary work For example: Washington State Library, Buttc, Chicago, During the past ycar, from a third to a half of staff Milwaukee, Cleveland, and the Library of Con- (full-time employees) in the State Library have gress." been members of lmal48, American Federation of I feel that the misinterpretation is probably in Teachers. This local is composed of membere of connwtion with the term "functioning in." It the State Department of Education, under the was not intended that this should indicate that all jurisdiction of which comes the State Library. or a majority of the employees in each of the Similarly, some members of the University of libraries named are organized in unions devoted Washington Library etaff belong to the campus entirely to library matters. I used that phrase to local of the A. F. of T. In some other libraries, indicate that in each of the libraries mentioned the entire membership of the local is composed of there is a greater or lesser number of professional library employees. and non-professional employees who arc members W~LIAXP. TUCKER, of a union, the interests of which are identified Stab Librarian, Olympia, Wash.

News Notes Sun Francisco's Fine Record. . . . Through esting talk by Miss Cecelia M. Houghton on some bad luck the bulletins of the San Fran- her visit to Mexico. cisco Chapter did not reach the Editor of New York's big occasion for April was the SPECIALLIBRARIES until March 1939, so Benefit Party, where everybody had a swell there has been no opportunity to refer to the time with games of all sorts, riotous floor show, well-edited publication and the enlivening and general gaiety. The party was an over- meetings of the Chapter, and the stimulating whelming success from the standpoint of a good comment in these monthly, printed, four-page time, and did a lot for the Student Loan Fund. leaflets. Meetings in San Francisco have varied The last regular meeting of the season for from those on methods to San Francisco's the Pittsburgh Chapter took place April 27th World's Fair and the progress of the A.L.A. at the Mine Safety Appliances Company The bulletin has had interesting news of Library, Rosemary Hanlon acting as hostess. activities of membcrs and has shown a con- Besides election of officers for the coming year, structive attitude toward related activities in the meeting included talks by Edith Portman the vicinity. San Francisco can be congratu- on "Patent Sources," and by Ross C. Cibella lated both on the quality of its bulletin and the on "What the National Science Technology work of the Chapter as indicated in that Group Is Doing." publication. New Jersey followed Connecticut in moving Chapters. . . . The Chapters are all busy. its attention from the present to the past. The Connecticut had a meeting for nonmember April meeting dealt with "Aviation, What It librarians and business heads from surrounding May Mean to Industry," with representatives towns and cities in conjunction with Chapter from the Wright Aeronautical Corporation, the members at the Hotel Elton in Waterbury on Burden Library of Aeronautics, and the New- April 19th. The speakers were Dr. Donald ark Airport as speakers. In May the Chapter Cable, technical librarian, U. S. Rubber Com- visited the National Historical Park at Morris- pany, who discussed "Digested Information as town and historical places in the neighborhood, an Aid to Workers in the Rubber Industry"; and heard talks on the relation of Revolu- Julian A. Sohon of the Bridgeport Public tionary activities to Morristown, and through Library, on "The Technology Department of that to the present day. . . . The New Jersey a Public Library and Its Relation to a Business Chapter joined in another historical event Community"; and Miss Chloe Morse, of when it took part in the program of the New Chloe Morse, Inc., on "Is It Your THINK Jersey Library Association, celebrating its or Your KNOW?" . . . The Albany Chapter fiftieth anniversary at the meeting in Atlantic had an open membership and business meet- City on April 22nd. ing, March 6th, at which they heard an inter- April found the Connecticut and Boston May-June, 1939 SPECIAL LIBRARIES 1'17

Chapters holding a joint meetingat theworces- volumes of periodical files, the original cards ter Historical Society, where Captain George for a long bibliography on economics and labor I. Cross, executive director, gave an informal problems, and a collection of several hundred talk on the city's history and the collections of sample copies of contemporary American labor the Society. Worcester is particularly fortunate papers were lost. The library proper and the in its historical collections, between the office and workroom, both in separate build- Worcester Historical Society and the American ings, were not damaged. Antiquarian Society, a nationally known in- The lossconsists largely of older filesof trade- stitution particularly rich in American imprints union and other labor periodicals, some of them before 1820 and early American newspapers quite scarce, which had been stored pending and manuscripts. the building ol add~tionalshelf space. The Southern California took "The Origin and destruction of this material will not seriousIy Use of Rubber" as the subject of its April interfere with the current program or projects meeting, with a session at the Firestone Tire for the i~nmediatefuture though, of course, will and Rubber Company. Through the courtesy later be a serious handicap for research and of the management, the members had an op- bibliographical work. portunity to make a tour of the factory. This The building was not covered by insurance, should have been particularly interesting to being located in a rural area under conditions many of the members who had had a chance to where it is practically impossible to secure fire read "Industrial Valley." . . . The Montreal insurance. Special Libraries' Association and the Quebec Those who know of the scholarly and original Library Association had their annual joint bibliographical work done by Henry Black can dinner, April 27th, at the Queen's Hotel. The appreciate the extent of the loss of these guest speaker of the evening was Mr. Robert records. George, whose address was "This is a poet - Gebing Around. . . . During the seek of Ernily Dickinson." May 28-June 3, 1939, Georgetown University Here and There in Print. . . . The April is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and the issue of Fortune had an interesting article on Riggs Memorial Library is taking a prominent the development of the Dixie Business Book part in the program through its exhibits. The Shop. The many special librarians who have history of the L~brarybegins at the small found Robert Smitley a help in timeof need and school at Calverton Manor, in southern Mary- a friend at all times will enjoy this appreciative land, conducted by a Jesuit Brother from 1640 note and be glad to hear that a new supply of to 1659. Its collection of some 250 books was his "Selection for a Business Library" is avail- moved to Georgetown, and formed the nucleus able on request. . . . The Publishers' Weekly of a collection which now numbers 200,000 for April 1, 1939, in an article on "Technical volumes. Strong in rare Americana, the Riggs Book Sales Triple Gross Volume," has a pleas- Memorial Library has on its shelves more than ing comment on the Technical Book Review half of the items listed in the Rcv. Wilfrid Index. . . . In Saniturilm, a magazine started Parsons' recent and definitive "Early Catholic last fall by the National Association of Sanita- Americana: A list of books and other works by rians, a section on library notes is headed Catholic authors in the United States, 1729- "Bibliographies or source materials, which are 1830." prepared by the Special Libraries Association, Loss LO the Muserrm Workl. . . . Miss Chie Southern California Chapter, Biological Sciences Hirano, fellow for research in Chinese and Group, Prudence Winterrowd, Editor." The Japanese art and librarian in thc Asiatic Ckuehnder for April 1939 carried an illustrated Department of the Boston Museum of Fine article, "Business Information, Please," on Arts, died April 4th in Japan, of pneumonia. the work of the Business Information Bureau Miss Hirano was educated at the Peeresses of the Cleveland Public Library. School, the High Normal School for Women in Disaster. . . . The annex of the Common- Tokio and Tsuda College She taught for a wealth College Library, Mena, Arkansas, was time at the latter institution. Also, she had destroyed by fire caused by lightning, April studied librariansllip at Simmons College. She 16th. The equivalent of about four hundred returned to Japan recently aftcr publication of 178 SPECIAL LIBRARIES Vol. 30, No. 5 her work, "Kiyonaga, a Study of His Life and Louisiana State University to take up her new Works." Her will bequeathed all her American duties in the Library School. Miss Agnew, ap- dresses to relatives in Japan and all her Japa- pointed to this position in the fall of 1938, wae nese dressis to friends in this country. unable to assume her duties at that time, due to Broadcclsling Again. . . . Through the cour- illness. tesy of Rebecca B. Rankin of the Municipal From Pittsburgh comes word that Kathryn Reference Library, and Station WNYC, the Peoples became Mrs. John Stutsman on March New York Chapter is giving two radio broad- 31st. . . . TheengagementofHenriettaKorn- casts on special libraries: one the night before hauser to Dr. Oscar F. Hedenburg has been SLA World's Fair Day (Tuesday, May 16th, announced. . . . Miss Charlotte Ley will be at 8 P.M.) and the other actually at the Fair first assistant to Miss Portman at the Mellon (Wednesday, May 17th, at 6 P.M.). Cordial in- Institute Library beginning April 17th. Miss vitations are extended to all members to see Ley isat present in the Catalogue Department, the actual broadcasts, both at the Fair and in Carnegie Library. the WNYC studios. World's Fair Day. . . . Special Libraries Peopb Here adThere. . . . Mr. E. Lome Mation Day is May 17th at the World's Tracey has been appointed to the administra- Fair. The New York Chapter is planning to tion of the Montreal Board of Trade Library, have a dinner there, with a nationally known succeeding Dorothy Humphreys, who recently speaker and time for all sorts of sight-seeing. retired. . . . Janet Agnew, former instructor . . . The Municipal Reference Library is the in Book Selection and Reference in the McGill only special library on the grounds, and will Library School and a member of the Montreal have an exhibit and will man the Information Special Libraries' Association, has gone to Desk at the City Exhibit Building.

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