KEEPERS OF THE BOOKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 913, 5 March 1930, Page 9

KEEPERS OF THE BOOKS

LIBRARIANS ASSEMBLE FOR CONFERENCE IMPORTANCE OF READING In an aimosphere of books and literature the seventh conference of tho Libraries* Association of New Zealand began at Grafton branch Library Hall this morning. Between 40 and 50 delegates from all parts of tiie country met under the presidency of Miss Ellen Melville, chairman of the Auckland City Council Libraries’ Committee. The hall walls were relieved by a comprehensive series of posters dealing with books of all kinds, advising what to read, where to find volumes *nd so on. Many of the placards were of striking design, the work of wellknown artists from many parts of the world. In welcoming the visiting delegates, the Deputy-Mayor. Mr. A. J. Kntrlcan, who spoke on behalf of the City, referred to the value of such conferences which were of importance from an educative point of view. Tho papers which would be read promised to be of wide interest to tho reading public. He took the opportunity to pay a. tribute to the public spirit of Auckland citizens, who had a real sense of the importance of civic amenities such as the public libraries. Many generous gifts had been given and delegates would have facility for seeing something of the aesthetic side of the City. Mr. Entrican outlined the City Council’s scheme for the provision of a motor-caravan library to serve outlying suburbs. Replying for tho visitors. Mr. 11. Tap ley. chairman of the Dunedin Library Committee, to the good which followed such conferences. Library problems were discussed and the public given improved service as a. result of the interchange of ideas. Ho remarked on the hospitality of Auckland people. Delegates were assured of a pleasant and profitable stay. PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

“We believe there is in our country, us in all progressive communities, a growing appreciation of the importance of libraries.’’ said Miss Melville in her presidential address. “Much depends on our idea of the true function of a library and the place of the library in education, not only in building up tho mental life of the young, but in offering opportunities for culture and knowledge to the adult.” Miss Melville continued. “I take it none of us would subscribe to the doctrine of those people to whom a library means merelv a place where they ought to be able to get the latest and lightest fiction at the earliest possible moment and at tho lowest cost to themselves. We can afl agree that the library should put freely before those whom :t serves all that is best in the world’s literature.'* The members of the Library Association were not content merelv to pass resolutions, but being practical idealists, they set about achieving their ideals by active work and propaganda. They realised that in spite of the restlessness and discontent which are so marked a feature of modern life. arld the fact that the. lives of many people seemed to be empty of all intellectual interests, th.ere was a great and growing demand for knowledge, and an increasing interest in the t’dngs of the mind. Without the stimulation and assistance which libraries and librarians could give, the desire for better things would remain largely unsatisfied. The mass of the people would be thrown back on their own resources, and a wonderful opportunity for the s-pread of culture would be lost. After drawing attention to the growth of libraries and reading in Great Britain and America the president said the great value of libraries as cultural and educational centres was being increasingly recogniseu by public men. STATUS OF PROFESSION The librarian must look to the library associations to uphold him in the responsibilities of office, and to maintain the status of the librarian in the community as a trained profess*onal worker. The two great pioneer library associations, the British and the American, with their thousands of members, were doing valuable work in these directions by demanding a high - of edl t cat ion and efficiency. We in Auckland require the members of our libraries staff to take tho examinations of the London School of i-Jbrarianship. We also require ens.rants to our staff to have the matriculation standard,” Miss Melville said ._ C .°" cludin S. the president remarked at seemed to her that the people of New Zealand were particularly in need o. contact with the minds of the ouls’ae world to help them to a wider point of view. Because of isolation the tended to become narrow and self-centred—and self-satisfied. On the motion of Dr. Guy Scholefield. - arliamontary librarian, the conferenro ™M iss Melville a hearty voto