Page 243 - Training for librarianship; library work as a career

TRAINING FOR LIBRARIANSHIP

out practice, nor practice without theory is
of much avail. Without a knowledge of
theory, practice is merely mechanical per-
formance; it may be obedience to another's
direction, to authority, accident or tradition.
It does not rest on rational purpose, on con-
scious aim or choice of plan based on thought-
ful weighing of all pros and cons. On the
other hand, without practice, theory is knowl-
edge untested by actuality. It lacks the con-
creteness and richness of meaning which
experience gives. The best combination of
both is to be desired.
As much preliminary educational training
as can be afforded should be obtained. High-
school graduation should be the absolute
minimum. At least two years of college or
university study should be aimed at; more
should be obtained if possible. The college
graduate invariably enters the school better
qualified for efficient, inteUigent work, and
gains more from his training than a student
less well equipped.
For efficient service, knowledge of and
proficiency in other languages is almost a
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