Page 55 - Training for Librarianship Library Work As a Career

TRAINING FOR LIBRARIANSHIP

without charge to the pubhc for reference or
for home reading. The public library is thus
an essential part of a broad educational sys-
tem and a preparatory school for service to
and efficient living within the state. A com-
munity without a good public library is an
indication of lack of civic consciousness and
pride. It is as disparaging as being without
a good public school. The lack of either is
not conducive to high civic idealism.
Between the school and the library as edu-
cational forces there is a definite distinction.
In the school, study is pursued more or less
under the will and guidance of the teacher.
Reading is done as an assignment. Author-
ity looms large in the public school. In the
pubhc library, on the other hand, study and
reading are carried on voluntarily, and,
whether for pleasure or for profit, the motive
emanates from the individual and not from
any outside force. It is apparent that such
reading and study have a more definite in-
fluence on character and ideals. But volun-
tary reading may not result in the wisest
selection of material, hence the need in the
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