Page 91 - Training for librarianship; library work as a career

TRAINING FOR LIBRARIANSHIP

nearer to the officers who shape its policy than
the taxpayer does to his trustee. Therefore
he believes that he comes nearer to having a
part in shaping its course, and willingly pays
for what he might in a large measure obtain
at the public institution without a fee."
But there are other advantages. The pro-
prietary library is not only capable of serving
its users more closely, but can give them this
service under conditions which more nearly
approximate their wishes and tastes. Large
numbers necessarily create their own restric-
tions, restrictions of quiet, of space and of
access. The proprietary library can extend
to its patrons every privilege as well as every
convenience and comfort that they are willing
to pay for. It will be seen therefore that it
does not operate under the conditions that at
times circumscribe the work of the public
library with more limited funds.
Employment in a proprietary library has
certain advantages. Salaries are shghtly
higher than in similar public institutions and
meritorious service is more hkely to be appre-
ciated. In addition, work in a proprietary
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