H.—32.

Reference and Research. During the last few years the amount of reference work required of the staff of the Library has increased very rapidly. Each day, during both session and recess, a variety of information is asked for and scarcely a day passes without the stafi being called upon to answer inquiries involving much more than the mere finding of a book. New and useful reference books are always being acquired, and the various indexes kept by members of the staff (e.g., current events, biographical, periodical literature, and economic) are constantly being referred to. Another side of the Library's work which has developed most satisfactorily is the students research branch. A constantly increasing number of students of history, politics, economics, and literature is making use of the "Library, and in quite a number of cases members of the Library stall act towards them in the capacity of directors of research. Almost any student working on a New Zealand subject, whether historical, political, literary, or economic, must sooner or later consult the sources available in the Parliamentary Library, and with the approval of the Chairman of the Joint Library Committee every effort has been made to accommodate them. The want of a public researchroom is sometimes felt during the session, but generally it has been found possible to provide facilities for students without encroaching upon the privacy and convenience of members. Recess Privileges. Owing to the short session early in the present year the privilege to use the Library during the recess had to be somewhat curtailed ; and in view of the large amount of work which had to be done by the staff in preparation for the main session the Library was not available to recess-privilege holders during the short interim between the two sessions. Nevertheless 804 persons recommended by members of Parliament made use of the recess privilege in the longer recess, and during that period the issue of books was as active as in normal years. Once more the recess-privilege holders showed their appreciation of the privilege by observing the rules strictly. The following meetings of the various Library Committees were held during the financial year : Legislative Council, 1 ; House of Representatives, 1 ; Joint, 1 ; Selection, 1 : Recess, 1. I have again to record my appreciation of the efficient work of the whole Library staff during the year, and of the unfailing and sympathetic co-operation of the Library Committee. The balance-sheet for the year, with the Auditor-General's certificate attached, is appended. I have, &c, G. H. SCHOLEFIELD, Chief Librarian.

LIBRARY FUND ACCOUNT. Statement for Year ended 31st March, 1931. Receipts. £ s. d. j Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance, Ist April, 1930 .. .. 417 6 3 By Purchase of books and periodicals inAnnual grant 900 0 0 United Kmgdom .. .. 627 3 4 Private Bill fees 150 0 0 United States of America .. ■;. « Refunds, unexpired subscriptions, &c. .. 19 10 New Zealand * J Australia .. .. .. 77 14 w South Africa .. .. . • 6 6 3 Canada .. .. ■. • • 1 18 5 Insurance on books .. .. .. 17 10 0 Petty expenditure .. .. ■ • 118 7 Bank charge, 15s. ; cheque-book, 10s. .. 15 0 Balance— £ B. d. At Bank of New Zealand .. 319 11 4 Petty cash .. .. 0 3 7 319 14 11 £1,468 16 1 £M 6B 16 1 G. H. SOHOLEFIELD, Chief Librarian. Examined and found correct.—G. V. C. Campbell, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approximate Cost of Paper.— Preparation, not given; printing (425 copies), £2 6s.

By Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington. —1931.

Price 3d.]

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