The relationship between the library and the public schools; reprints of papers and addresses

Preface

This volume is the first of a projected series on the Classics of American Librarianship. The title is intended to show clearly the scope and purpose of the work. A classic is not necessarily up to date. It is not necessarily interesting reading at the present day. It is something that has marked a stage of progress; that has affected and altered modes of thought and methods of work, or has reflected in some way such alterations, thereby becoming of permanent -value. The papers gathered in these volumes will be in many cases out of date, but each, it is believed, has played its part, eitlier in making the modern library what it is or in chronicluig the changes that have brought it about, at the very time when those changes were made.

It is part of the plan of the w')rk 'o give the exact words of the various writers quoted. Extraneous matter has been omitted here and there, but such omissions are always indicated and nothing is given in paraphrase or abstract. Brief explanatory m\tter has been inserted where it appeared to be necessary.

Everything here reprinted is accessible somewhere to somebody, but there is a good reason for making it all accessible in one collected fomi to everybody. The classics of our profession are little read, for the reason that they are scattered. It may not be presumptuous to hope that an attempt, however inadequate, to collect and classify them, will meet the approval of librarians.

In response to what seems to be a general demand, this first volume of the series has been devoted to the relations 'between the library and the school. Upon the reception accorded to it will depend the further continuance of the enterprise.

I desire to acknowledge the kind advice and assistance of library-school authorities, and in particular the aid of Miss Effie L. Power, Supervisor of Children's work in the St. Louis Public Library, which has been of great value in the selection and grouping of the material.

Arthur E. Bostwick.