Page 112 - Training for Librarianship Library Work As a Career

TRAINING FOR LIBRARIANSHIP

library demand and secure high-grade ser-
vice within that field, a service which gener-
ally sets itself no limits of time or effort on
behalf of its readers. Zeal in such a library
does not degenerate into officiousness, nor
does proper reserve become indifference. The
librarians of a scientific laboratory, of an in-
surance company, of a research institute
know their limited clientele, anticipate their
wants, respond to their calls, serve intelli-
gently, and therefore successfully."
" Special libraries," writes R,. H. John-
ston, of the Bureau of Railway Economics,
" will become more and more a factor in the
solving of business, commercial and indus-
trial problems as well as civic and legis-
lative difficulties. They are no longer
an experiment."
Good education, wide informational back-
ground, organizing ability, breadth of vision
and the power to distinguish between essen-
tials and non-essentials, a degree of literary
capacity, and specialized training in the field
of activity in which he serves are essential
to the special hbrarian.
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