IL LINQI S · 2012-05-05 · budget for 1930 necessitated a 40% decrease in the book fund, and the...
Transcript of IL LINQI S · 2012-05-05 · budget for 1930 necessitated a 40% decrease in the book fund, and the...
HIL LINQI SUNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
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University of Illinois atUrbana-Champaign LibraryBrittle Books Project, 2012.
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In Public Domain.Published 1923-1977 in the U.S.without printed copyright notice.
This digital copy was made from the printed version heldby the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
It was made in compliance with copyright law.
Prepared for the Brittle Books Project, Main Library,University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
byNorthern Micrographics
Brookhaven BinderyLa Crosse, Wisconsin
2012
I qo30131tY/ROYAL OAK PUBLIC LIBRARY"
ge w NINTH ANNUAL REPORTof the Librarian1U
June 1930 -- May 1931 tu
To the Library Board of the City of Royal Oak . .
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The year's activity has centered round the endeavor to give tothe people the very best service possible with a reduced income.The motive power of any library lies in strength of book collectionand efficiency of personnel.
The personnel of the Royal Oak Public Library staff has beencarefully selected and is composed of people trained for the work,and with good educational qualificationsa Their whole effort iscentered on making those qualifications effective in giving expertservice. Users of the library sometimes apologize for what theyfeel is the trouble they have caused in asking for information.That is. an entirely mistaken attitude, and is deplored by all rightminded librarians. The only reason for which library assistantsare employed- is to give service, and they are happiest when theycan feel that their services have been helpful. Much statisticaland technical work must be done, but it is always consideredsecondary to work with the people.
Next in importance to the efficiency of the workers is thebook collection. The effectiveess of a library is largely determin-ed by the adequacy of its book supply. Books are the sinews withoutwhich library service must surely suffer. A book collection needscontinually to be kept up to date. A radio expert recently statedthat all books on that subject published before 1926 should be dis-carded as useless. This statement could be made with equal truth inregard to most technical and scientific subjects. Out of date refer-ence books in all lines must be replaced by newer editions if thelibrary is to maintain its position as a reliable source of infor-mation. The latest material in economics and politics, the newerpoints of view in history and sociology are necessary to a modernup-to-date library, to say nothing of the always insistant demandfor the latest books of fiction on the part of the public. In belleslettres alone are the standard books of past years the indispensablerequisites of to-day. Uith this in mind it is unfortunate that thebudget for 1930 necessitated a 40% decrease in the book fund, and thebudget for the coming year carries a still further decrease.
A more cheerful outlook is the indubitable fact that the libraryhas been a source of helpfulness and enjoyment to an ever increasingnumber of people during these times of stress and of anxiety. Menand women visit the library not for a casual moment but to spendlong hours in reading or study-. Students in colleges and extensioncourses depend more and more upon the library's resources. The
-2-
reference work increased 44;'' this year. The circulation of booksrose from 9.7 books per capita of population in 1929/30 to 10.4 in1930/31. This is a record of circulation rarely achieved. Theaverage per capita circulation for 34 cities of Michigan which fallin the same class as Royal Oak is 4.9 books. An average of 37 smallpublic libraries throughout the country as surveyed by the AmericanLibrary Association gives 5.2 "book per capita.
The following graph shows the record of adult circulation andexpense of operation of the Royal Oak Public Library during thepast three years.
186,000
15, 000
14, 00 0i-
13,000
12,000
11,000
S Monthly adult,10,oo I ciraculatio
9,000'
80,000 I '-------
7,000 .
6, ..... 00 0i ..
5, 0001 I 4- -t- -[2,000 2 F I -- - -,. .
The juvenile statistics are not included in the graph as the seasonalwork of the school stations and their dependance upon various localconditions makes any fair comparison difficult. Could they be in-cluded it would increase the monthly circulation by an average of7,600. Careful management has made possible an increased volume ofoperation with a decrease in expenditure. To a certain extent thisis a legitimate saving. It has resulted, however, in increasing theload on each assistant. It is generally conceded that a yearlycirculation of sixteen to eighteen thousand books per assistant isall that can be done without dtnger that reference work will be over-whelmed by a flood of routine incidental to circulation. Royal Oakcirculated 23,000 books per assistant last year. Beyond a certainpoint there is danger that a library may lose its educational purposeand become a mere factory for the circulation of books. Mass pro-duction applied to library work would make a sorry failure of whatshould be discriminating helpfulness for the citizens in the choiceof reading and in the search for information, enlightenment andculture.
Notwithstanding the heavy calls on the strength of the staffdue to the increased circulation the work of serving the public hasopened out in several new directions. Heretofore very little hadbeen done to develop the music collection. With two conservatories,four choral societies, several church choirs and many music teachersthis city offers a challenge for better service in this direction.During the last two months music for the cornet, saxaphone, cello,flute and clarinet has been added for the first time. In the fallit is expected that music scores will be available for the use ofchoirs and music societies. Already the library has complimentarycopies of published <and unpublished music which will aid choirloeaders in selecting music for their groups. The library is indebtedto choir loeaders and heads of conservatories for their aid and co-operation in starting this work.
Another activity which seems to be meeting a public need is themoving picture information service,--an effort to evaluate forparents the films that are being shown in locl thectres. The FilmEstimate Service of Chicago and the reviews appearing in the Prent'sMagazino are used as reliable authorities in this field. They featurethe suitability of films for children, young people and adults. TheParent Teacher's Association and directors of the theatres are co-operating in the work. Information is given by telephone to manypeople while others come in and look over the file,of moving picturetitles kept in the reference room. This file gives under each play Ia brief description, the names of the leading actors, and its suit-ability for children, young people and adults. The library is alsofurnishing the articles which appear each week in the Monday issueof the Daily Tribune under the heading "Movie Corner."
CHILDREN' S WORK
The routine work of the Children's Department including thesupervision of the school stations has occupied the entire time ofthe Children's Librarian and left little opportunity for specialactivities. The school reference work has increased appreciably.Some projects already started have been brought to completion.Through the kind assistance of Mr. LaVorne Brown a purchase planfor a music collection for the children has been prepared. It ishoped that at least a part of the books may be secured in the fall.The need for them has boon felt for some time.
An unusual set of posters for the bulletin boards were designedby one of the young patrons, Donna Boyette. She has made with cutpaper twenty six characters from children's literature, enough forthe thirteen bulletin boards. Those wore lottored with legends fromthe various stories and make a unique set.
Reading matter for the adolescent boy and girl has long been aproblem. There seemed to be no room to house a special collectionfor them. At last we "took" space which we did not have and pro-vided a "Young People's INook" for this group of readers. The sectioneontains books from both adult and juvenile departments. The experi-ment has thus far proved successful and won the approval of both theyoung people and their parents.
The vacation reading club is once more functioning with about100 members.
STATIONS
Books are now circulated through ten agencies aside from themain library. Five school stations open during the school year, twoschool stations open for twelve months, and three deposit stations.Of the latter one is in Carpenter's Drug Store, one at the MichiganBell Telephone Company and one at the Oakridge-school. These agenciesserve to bring books to people who do not live near the main library.
The value of a library is axiomatic to all who are engaged ineducational work,--to librarians, to students and to regular librarypatrons. That the modern library is a vital influence in the intel-lectual development of a cormmunity is recognized by all who come intouch with it. It is an indispensable concomitant of all moderneducational work. In these times of economic depression its valuecan scarcely be over emphasized. Mr. R. B. House of North Carlinain speaking of the value of books and reading and the significanceof increased library circulation says:
"I don't believe increased expenditure in business will overgive us better brains. But I do believe increased expenditure onbrains will give us better business.., for after all vwealth mustbe created by intelligence... But business or no business I believemore expenditure on brains will deepen and enrich the quality of life."
Respectfully submitted,
ibrrian
STATISTICAL TABLES
TABLE I
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Balance on hand June 1, 1930....................
Receipts.
City tax ...................... ........ .......
Fines, fees and refunds...............(Transferred from petty cash)
Total..........
374.74
$29,545.001,210.00
.... ........ $31,129.74
Disbursements:
Books................................. ,....1 6 ] i n - 1 n F,• a 0 0 it -0 a - 0 a 0 0 0 0 a a v 0 a 0 . 0 0 0 0 v 0 •
Rent..... ......... ......... ......Janitor service ...........................Ligh t... .. ... ... ..*. ... . ... .. ...Periodicals...............................Permanent improvements..... ........Postage, freight and cartage. 0.............Printing............... ............ ...........
Salaries................. .......Supplies............. 0 0................ .....Insurance .................................Sundries..............................
$ 3,994.891,413.684,575.00
900.00322.94339.60297.61128.3026.00
16,837.86571.96237.76263.78
Total....9...... ........... 29,909.38
Balance on hand June 1, 1931.............................. 1,220.36
TABLE II
PETTY CASH REPORT
Cash on hand June 1, 1930.......................
Receipts:
Fines .............. ... . .........Prental collection................Book refunds..................Non-resident fees...... ..........Reserve post-cards ................Miscellaneous refunmds.*........... .
1,397.01143.84192.93250.0026.8763.64
Total ............ $2,074.29
Disbursements:
Postage 'and freight ............Supplies...........................Books....................
Periodicals.......................Refunds............................Telephone....................Messenger ..........................Laundry.................... ........ .
Sundries...................... .......Transferred to' budget account.....
141.57111.4593.59
161.9424.20
129.5754.533.00
175.531,210.00
Total............
Balance on hand June 1, 191 ........ .........
$2,105,38
$ 34.31
65.40
TABLE III
RENTAL COLLECTION 'C I'UN'DS
Balance on hand June l, 1930.................Receipts by rental...............................
Total.........
S8.36143.84
W....,,..... $152.20
Applied on book fund............................. 01.19Applied on binding fund........................ 41.60
Total.... ................. 1l42.79
Balance on hand June 1, 1931........ ............. .......... $ 9.41
TABLE IV
BOOK ACCESS IONS
Number of volumes June I, 130... ..................... 25,094
AddedBy purchase. .. ...............By gift........................By binding.....................From duplicate pay collection..To school collections ..........
Total accessions.....
WithdrawnWorn out.................. ....Lost and paid for..............Not returned by borrower.......IMissing at inventory..........From school collection........
Total wi thdrawals....
2,15419513496
451....... 3,030
36381
100122278
...... i 944
Net gain.................. ......... .. 2,086
Number of volumes in library June 1, 1931............. 27,180
Miscellaneous material
No. on handJune 1,1930
Added Discarded No. on handJune 1,1931
Pamphlets..........Clippings.........Pictures ...........IMaps...............
5,0823,3776,840
227
676697
1,11330
7649
9
5,6824,0257.,953
248
TABLE V
BOOK ACCESSIONS AND WITHDRAJLS BY CLASSES AND COST
MAIN L IBRARY
Accessions Withdrawals Net gain
ADULT
General works...Philosophy ..... .Religion........Sociology.......Philology........Science..........Useful arts.....Fine arts.......Literature......Travel..........Biography.......History..........Foreign books...Fiction.........
No,,
42''30'177
746
131226124
93938219
724
Value625.4666.4946,28
256.3412.10
114.21273.62417.96
.211.23.309.81257.70179.08
3.*40907.59
No.2
.35
4421.14
636
549
Value$ .50
8.60. 75
13.742.36
12.0294.3833.2215.9217.3510.339-.70
383.25
Total...........1,962 $3,681.27
Ac ce ss ions
JUVENILE
General works...Philosophy......Religion........Sociology......Folklore... ... ,Philology.......Science.........Useful arts.....Fine arts,.....Literature......Travel..........Biography......,History.........Fiction.........
Total...........
No.95239
292624273727172124
362 ;
617 $
Value28.902.574.03-15.8140.1814.9129.6241.3.550.8335.8430.4729.4944.71476.60
478 $ 609.12
Withdrawals
No,1Sa w
111514
12312
134
Value$ 6.00
13.518.821.206.104.01
13.934.541.801.34
$ 153.33
845.31 188 $ 214.58
1,484 $3,072.15
Net gain
No.8239
181123233315142022
228
Value22.902.574.03
15.8126.67
6.0928.4235.2546.8221.9125.9327.6943.37
323.27
429 $ 630.73
td
S-No.
34-27163
441
S87205-11087907619
375
,Value617.9657.8945.53
242.609.74
102.19179.24384.74195.31292.46247.37169.38
3.40524.34
TABLE V (Continued)
OOK ACCESSIONS AND JWITHDRAWALS BY CLASSES AND COST
SCHOOL STATIONS /
JUVENILE
General works...Philosophy......Religion........Sociology.......Folklore ........Philology.......Science.........Useful arts.....Fine arts.......Literature......Travel.........Biography ......History.........Fiction. .....
Total............
Accessions
No.
11095
923
1512
6276
Value
1.75
9.759.75
52.228.5529.054n..1315.3214.14
6. 64282.96
451 $ 425.26
Wi thdrawal s
No. Value
239
78952
5
.3147
2.201.719.16
44.817.332.732.70
13.533.23
21 68113. 73
'278 $ 203.81
Net gpin
No.--- $
1
-2* I'17
18
129
7
173 $
Value
1.75- 2 20
- .96.59
7.411.22
26.321,431.79
10.91
3.96169.23
221i 45
SUMMARY
Accessions
No. Value
Wi thdra wal s
No. Value
Net gain
No.
Adult........Juvenile........Schools ........
1,962617451
$3,681.27845.31425.26
478 $ 609.12188 214.58278 203.81
944 $1,02 7.51
1,484 $3,072.15429173
630.73221.45
Grand Total..... 3,030 $4,951.8,4
Value
22086 "'32924*333
TABLE VI
NUMBER AiD VALUE OF BOOKS BY CLASSES
ADULT
General works...Philosophy......Religion........Sociology......Philology.......Science.........Useful arts.....Fine arts..q....Literature......Travel. .........Biography.......History.........Foreign books...Fiction.........
Books & ValueJune 1, 1930
No.1,065
392306
1 ,173136443
1,272999.
1,661708594873104
6,071
Value$ 3,580.67
638.88472.08
2,189.60226.17854.60
2,522.452,080.472, 55.031,780.001, 548. 291,804.49
44.208,182.31
Net gain
1663427
1634
4187
20511087907619
375
Value617.9657.8945.53
242.609.74
102.19179.24384.74195.31292.46247.37169.38
3.40524.34
S Books & ValueJune 1, 1931
No.1,231
426333
1,336140484
1,3591,2041,771
795684949123
6,446
Value$ 4,198.63
696.77517.61
2,432.2Q235. 91956.70
2,701.692,465.2*2,710.342,052.461,795.601,973.87
47.698,706.6
Total...........15,797
Books &
JUVENILE
General Works...Philosophy......Religion........Sociology.......Folklore........Philology.......Science...... ...Useful arts.....Fine arts.......Literature......Travel........ .Biography.......History..... i..Fiction.........
$28,419.24 1,484 $3,072.15
Value Net gainJune 1, 1930
No.S981893
110688562475351305730440297487
4,643
$pValue302.0117.24123.71138.72763.40334.12503.63431.793986.94
1,079.66453.14347.55549.83
5,578.83
No.8317192823413415212025
357
$Value22.904.321.83
14.8527.2613.3529.6461.5748.2523.7036.8427.6947.33
492.50
17,281 $31,491.39
Books & ValueJune 1, 1951
No.1062194
117707590498392339745461317512
5,000
Value$ 324.9
21.5125.54153.57790. 6347.4533.27493.3447.1 p
1,103.36489.9p375.24597.1
6,071.3)
Total........... 9,297
Grand Total.....25,094
$11,022.57 602 $ 852.03
$39,441.81 2,086 $3,924.18
9,899 $11,874.60
27,180 $43,365.9p
TABLE VI I
IBooks (repNVENORYacement valu ....................... 43,365,99
Books (replacement value)......................... 43,3599
Furniture and fixtures:Shelving....... .................Tables and chairs.............Office desks.. .. . . .Charging desk..........Filing cabinets................Other furniture and fixtures....
$2,927.46816.0493.27
589.63943.75
1,313.18
Total... ................... .... 6,683.33
Card catalogs and shelf list:Material........................ 1,629.14Labor. . ...... ............... . .. ,077.00
Information file................. ............ .....
Picture collection ..............................
$ 5,706.14
730.55
238.59
Total valuation June i, 1931............................ 56,724.60
TABLE VIII
CIRCULATION STATISTICSAdult Juvenile
General works....... 3,417Philosophy........... 1,989Religion............ 4 904Sociology & folklore 2,614Philology........... 360Science ............. 1,555Useful arts.......... 4,337Fine arts. .......... 4,040Literature ......... 4,416Travel...... ....... 3,060Biography. .......... 1,985History............. 2,942Fiction. .......... 104,266Foreign books....... 183Pamphlets...... ..... 888
Total................ 136,956
47046
2422,9893,0741,1661,2901,6371,3681,114
8001,250
29.,011
12
44,474
BY CLASSESSchools Deposit
Stations333 -
20 8181 16
3,140 265,5931,154 61,024 12
714 241,711 241,314 102
524 411,146 13528,752 9,288
1I- -
45,607 9,682
Pictures............Sheet music.........-Trade exhibits......
OTHER CIRCULATION585 ---..
21 ------- BaB 5
15
REFERENCE STAT I ST I CSReading room attendance............... 50,778Reference questions ....,.......... , 9,611Aids in book selection ................. 15,060
Total
4,2202,0631,3438,7699,0273,8816,6636,4157,5195,5903,3505,473
171,317184900
236,719
60021
5
TABLE IX
CIRCULATION STLTISTICS 3Y MONTHS
June.... .... .. .
August...... .September......October........November. .....December.....January........February.......March.,........April .........May.. .. ........
Adult8,309
10,14610,08510,44711,92411,39812,18414,74513,06213,74511,1269,785
Total........,. 136,956
Juvonile4,2054,5974,321
2,6393,2913,5733,5783,8813,8463,9833,3273,433
44,EI474
Schools743462579
3,5946,1775,2414,1884,9425,4356,2236,001,923
45, 07
-DepositStations
779880873744867721824833721766898776
9,682 236,719
TABLE X
REGISTRATIONAdul t
Number of borrowers regis-tored during year......... 2,298
Total number of registeredborrowers.... . . . . . . . . . .. .. 5,419
Jv enile
1,,369
4,275
TABLE XL
CLERI CAL WORK
Books cataloged....................Cards written.....................L.aC, ards use .............Reserve cards sent.....,,.,....Overtime cards sent................Letters written,.............. ....Books mended.... .................Bulletins distributed.....,,.....Lists mimeographed..,,,.,,..... ...
1,7476,0763,8771,2909,1171,4125,98130oo6,000
Total.14,03616,08515,85817,42422,25920,93320,77424,40122,86424,71721,45115,917
Total
3,067
9,694
This book is a preservation facsimile produced forthe University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
It is made in compliance with copyright lawand produced on acid-free archival
60# book weight paperwhich meets the'requirements of
ANSI/NISO Z39.48-1992 (permanence of paper).
Preservation facsimile printing and bindingby
Northern MicrographicsBrookhaven BinderyLa Crosse, Wisconsin
2012