ORGANIZATION AND ADMINlSTRATION ~
OF sure LIBRARY Assumes _

m‘fhosil for-flatworm of M. A.
MICHIGAN STATE comes A '
| John G. Lorenz
.1951

 

This is to certify that the 'g;
P thesis entitled ‘ ‘
i Organization and Administration '2' .(. .
' " rl . ’1

2 of State Library Agencies if)?“ .. . ‘

   
 
  
    
   
   
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
  

        
  

   
 
   
  
  

 

 

 

‘5 presented by 2. "C .3: 24
I; John G. Lorenz
i t
:1 has been accepted towards fulfillment " ._ '5
F‘- of the requirements for ‘1
if M. A. degree in Public Administration
‘ 1
, :
- a
Datemfl: 1951 ' F:
' l
i
. - . '1
' 1' 1 l' ,, ' ‘ ' 3
-.‘.“‘ " l :2 . "2‘ a I O
”7; fit 2- 3,3: 3232'... . >153; - 2 2
' \.-'i.."~l,"_‘ '4.’ ',' .. ‘
'cfl‘l‘ 14' .I'Bfi)‘. - k‘fi‘t‘fil‘f ‘3 ‘ {'5‘ ‘
232'Mam5219-2222274"- " W " '- ‘
2%.; 1% [1' Li‘hwa {$61193 3% 'fl
‘l 4"; Nikki}; . I'LV,‘7“Q:§::3§1¢%V “3",! . a" ' - fl - J.
‘- t. 11‘ r l .‘ “ " .. ,T .' ' ' -
~yr'1....w-,-w-r\ WM “.F'w'“ " ‘
. v , . _ . r . .._ .. J
'1 A ’gfifiwwt ' '9‘ '- V .i" ’ 2.
:ufiu " ' J
2 . .

 

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTEPIION
OF
STATE LIBRARY AGENCIES

By

JOHN G. LORENZ

A THESIS

Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies of Michigan
State College of Agriculture and Applied Science
in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of
MASTER'S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Department of Political Science and Public Administration

1951

THE

’1‘)

I
l .

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
\ I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

II. Historical Development of State
Library Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

III. Major Types of State Library Service . . . . 12

A. General state library service . . . . . 13
E. State library extension service . . . . 16
C. Archival and/or historical
library service . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
D. State law library service . . . . . . . 18
E. Legislative reference service . . . . . 19
IV. Organization of State Library Services . . . 21
A. General library service . . . . . . . . 30
B. State library extension service . . . . 39
C. Archival and/or historical service . . 45
D. State law library service . . . . . . . 54
E. Legislative reference service . . . . . 61

V. Administrative Problems and Needs
of State Library Agencies . . . . . . . . . 69

.. Small size of individual agencies . . . 69
‘. Multiplicity of library agencies . . . 71
. Problems of integration . . . . . . . . 72

o o o 75

‘. Need for stronger staff

service agency . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
. Need for changes in

library legislation . . . . . . . . . . 82

A

b

C
X’*D. Lack of leadership . . . . . . .
. l_E
't

F

VI. State Reorganization and
State Library Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . 86

VII. Changing Patterns of St‘
Library Organization .

0 Q3
c+
0 (D

VIII.’\Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
A~ppend ix 0 O 0 O o o 0 o o o o O o o o o o o 123

Bibliogra-phy O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O .0 314

255913

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A recent survey by the Social Science Research
Council called the Public Library Inquiry has pointed
up the importance of the role of state library agencies
in the future development of library service in the United
States.1 The survey also disclosed how much need for de-
velopment there is. 0f the findings these are some of
the most important: (1) 35,000,000 Americans, most of
them living in rural areas, have no access to library fac-
ilities; (2) Two-thirds of all villages under 5,000 pop-
ulation have no public libraries; (3) Of 7,408 public li-
braries in the country, two-thirds are too small to serve
their communities properly; (4) Only ten percent of pub-
lic libraries have sufficient budgets to provide "fair"
to "goodflservices. These conditions are a natural con—
sequence of the fact that libraries depend upon local in-
itiative and funds for their establishment and support,
the report states. To remedy the situation, the Public
Library Inquiry proposes consolidation of present public

libraries into 1,000 well-equipped, well-stocked, well-

 

1A survey of public libraries in the United States
begun in 1947 by the Social Science Research Council with
a grant of $200,000 from the Carnegie Corporation. Dr.
Robert D. Leigh headed the survey which resulted in the
publication of six books, his own book being the summary
volume.

2

staffed systems to operate on a regional, county, or even

state-wide basis.1

To effect these changes and bring library service
to every citizen of every state will require state-wide
planning, changes in state legislation, stronger state li—
brary agencies, and increased state aid to libraries as
well as federal aid which would be administered by the
state library agencies. The Public Library Inquiry con-
eludes:

0ur studies have indicated that libray
expansion cannot be achieved entirely
through the initiative of independent mu-
nicipal or county units. Nor would it seem
likely that there will be a voluntary con-
federation of the libraries in metropoli-
tan centers to provide a complete service
to those areas. State participation in
providing local library service, in some
form, seems necessary . . . . Some states
have demonstrated the value and practi-
cability of larger units of library ser-
vice by temporarily granting state funds
to one or more demonstration areas. A.L.A.
(the American Library Association) has
proposed that funds be granted by the Fed-
eral Government to finance library demon-
strations under state auspices. But if
Congress passes an appropriation bill for
this purpose, its effectiveness will de-
pend directly upon the efficiency of or-
ganized and professionally-manned state li-
brary agencies. Thus, the state agency
remains the strategic center for public
library development in the immediate future.2

To accomplish the needed changes and become more

effective as state agencies, state libraries must become

 

lRobert D. Leigh, The Public Library ig the United
States. (New York: Columbia University Press,]950),

passim.
21bide, ppeppo 131-320

 

3

more capable and influential units within state govern-
ment. Just as the local library gains better community
support and becomes a more important community agency be
giving better service to its community, so the state li-
brary agency must develop its service to state government
and in this way build its prestige and strength.

How are these state library agencies, which are
so important to the future development of library service
in the United States, now organized under their various
state governments? How have they developed? What are
some of the most important problems facing them today?
Does their organization follow any significant pattern?
What kind of organization and administration would promise
the greatest advantages? These are some of the questions
which this study will attempt to answer.

Some of the state library agency organization
charts in the Appendix and the tables on organization are
taken or revised from the results of a survey made by a
committee of the National Association of State Libraries,
which is also concerned with the question of state library
organization.1 To further indicate the current interest
on this subject, the Executive Board of the American Li-
brary Association has recently approved a request of the

Library Extension Division that foundation or other funds

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Com—
mittee on Organization of State Library Agencies in the
structure of State Government, Tentative Report. (Al-
bany: New York State Library, 1950).

 

4

be sought to do an intensive study of state library
agencies. The reasons advanced for the study are:

l. The dearth of current information;

2. The important role the state must play, ac—
cording to the Public Library Inquiry, in future library
development.

3. Questions raised by reorganization studies in
twenty-eight states on the place of the library function
in state government.

In commenting on this request, Mrs. Loleta D.
Fyan, president-elect of the American Library Association,
said:

Actually, the profession as a whole

has neglected to give much thought to

the functions of the state library agen-

cy, either as a direct service institu—

tion or in its relations to other li-

braries. There is such a dearth of in-

formation about the library services

now provided by the various states that

the committee recommended at the recent

A.L.A. Midwinter Meeting that immediate

steps be taken to obtain foundation or

other funds for a comprehensive study

of state library agencies as a basis

for settipg standards and strengthening

services.

This study is an attempt, then, to bring together
the most recent information available on the organization
and administration of the state library agencies in the
forty—eight states with the hope that it may provide some

groundwork for more intensive analysis. The study is

 

lLoleta D. Fyan, "Some Standards for Library
Demonstrations," A.L.A. Bulletin, XLIV (1950), Ill-12.

5
mostly quantitative although some qualitative material has
been included.

One of the features of the study is the division
of state library service into five main functions with
the analysis of organization based on this division. An-
other feature is the analysis of each of the five functions
by the branch of state government under which they are
performed.

The general impression among librarians has long
been that no other state service is organized in as many
diverse patterns as state library service. Just how
varied these patterns are, this study will analyze. It
will also discuss some of the problems and needs arising
out of present state library organizations and make some

recommendations for change.

CHAPTER II
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF STATE LIBRARY SERVICES

Nearly all civilized countries have had some sort
of a government library. In the United States, shortly
after the adoption of the Constitution, there arose a move-
ment among the states for the interchange of laws and leg—
islative journals. Later, cOurt reports and other state
publications were included. The care and custody of these
books required the formation of a state library. From the
character of the books and also because of the fact that
the idea of the tax—supported public library had then
hardly been thought of, it was natural that the library
should have been simply a law library for the use of state
officers. This was the beginning of the state library
agency. The use of the library also was largely seasonal
and so the work of the librarian was generally taken on
by some other state officer in addition to his other du-
ties. As a result, he showed little initiative, perform-
ing hardly more than the duties of a watch-dog. In Mich-
igan, for example, the janitor, who took care of the leg-
islative chambers, also served as librarian for several of
the early years. oftentimes the library was not heated in
winter or even lighted and, in fact, was without any sched-
ule of regular hours for opening.

New Jersey's state library came into existence

before 1800; the state libraries of r’ennsylvania, Ohio,

7

and New York followed in the first two decades of the 19th
century, and by 1840 practically all states had state li-
braries. The territories organized since 1836 received
appropriations from the United States Congress for the pur—
pose of establishing libraries which should serve the Leg-
islature and Supreme Court. When these territories were
admitted to the Union, the territorial libraries became
state libraries.l

Founded purely for reference use, the state li-
brary for many years restricted the loan of books, which
were mostly legal texts, to state officers. A report in
1860 on the New York State Library, for example, stated
that: i

The library, during the session of the

Legislature, should be regarded, chiefly, as

an appendage of the Senate and the Assembly

rooms, and the admission should be confined

to the State officers and Members of the
Legislature, and persons introduced by them.

2
Similar restrictions still exist in several state library
agencies today.3

With a broadening of interest and activity in the
states, other state library services developed. This de-

velopment came very slowly. We don't have to go back too

far to find the first state library agencies beginning to

 

1Harrison J. Conant, "The Evolution of the State
Library,” A.L.A. Bulletin, xx (1926), 330-33.

 

2Report 9: the Joint Library Committee on the State
Library (N.Y. Senate Document 67, Vol. I, 1860), p. 3.

 

3See Appendix.

8

work in two additional fields, state archival and histori-
cal work or general reference work. As late as 1899, Mel-
vil Dewey, librarian of the New York State Library, was
still able to say that state libraries "were little better
than ciphers." But as state officials demanded more infor-
mation and books, some states developed general reference
and research service, either adding it to the law library
service or establishing another agency. The books being in
the library, the next step was to make them available to
the private citizen. A further development of this idea
allowed the books to circulate throughout the state and
made the state library a reservoir from which the local
public library may draw in.case of need. Some idea of this
kind was expressed by Mr. Dewey when he also said that the
great function of the state library was "to break down the
barriers between the citizens of the state and any good
book which they wish to read."1

It was in the 1890's, too, that state library boards
were first organized to carry on library extension activi—
ties and encourage the establishment of libraries. As so
often happens with a new service, most of these boards were
set up independently. A former librarian of the New York
State Library analyzed the reasons for this development as
follows:

It is interesting to note the reasons
for this uneconomic multiplication of the

 

lConant, 92, cit., p. 331.

 

9

state's library agencies. The root of it
lies in the old, original idea of the nar—
row function of the state library, and be-
yond this, rather a logical result of it,
the political control and management of
the state library.

This political connection put place-
hunters in our state libraries, me who in
many cases (though not in all, for there
were eminent and honorable exceptions)
were looking for the fewest books for the
fewest people with the least work. To such
men, library extension was repugnant.

When the library commission movement began
in the early nineties most of the state
libraries and their custodians were either
indifferent or actively opposed to under-
taking this new work of stirring people up
to want something they never had heard of,
and they did not want the library commis-
sion attached to the state library any
more than the pioneers themselves of li-
brary commission work wanted it there.

As a result a movement took place to
create other and new agencies apart from
the state libraries, which the pioneers
in library extension were either unable
to interest or feared to intrust with the
new work, and consequently there has grown
up this multiplication of agencies whic
we now deplore. -

Library extension work has had the most rapid de-
velopment of all the state library functions. It was not
until 1949, however, that Arizona became the forty-eighth
state to provide for state library extension work in its
laws. The law is a model one, but it has not, as yet,
been implemented by funds and staff.2

Although the movement to promote more state re-

sponsibility for their archives began over fifty years

 

1James I. Wyer, The State Library (Chicago: Amer—
ican Library Association Publishing board, 1915), p. 5.

 

2See Appendix under Arizona.

10

ago, there are still a number of states that have not set
up central depositories and assigned responsibility. In
those states taking action, the general trend has been to
turn the permanent preservation of records and historical
materials over either to state historical societies or
state libraries. In some states where publicly supported
state historical societies were already in existence, as in
Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska and Utah, they
were made official depositories. Only a few established
independent administrative agencies.1

We have already noted the initial and traditional
service of state libraries as primarily that of law li-
brary service. The fundamental need for this service in
statepfovernment continues in all of the states. However,
several of the states have developed little beyond this
point and their state libraries are really only state law
libraries.2

The most recent library service development on
the state level, allied to but differing rom law library
service, has been the legislative reference service cre—
ated as a result of legislative demand for more technical
library assistance, specialized research work and bill

drafting. This service, originating in Wisconsin in 1901,

 

1Charles M. Gates, "The Administration of State
Archives," American Archivist, I (1938), 131-33.

2For specific information about state library or—
ganization and administration in individual states, see
Appendix under the names of the states.

11
has also in most states been created as a separate agency.
This summary will illustrate the fact that state
library services have not grown simultaneously or uni-
formly but on the contrary, have begun separately and at
varying times and have also differed in their subsequent

development from state to state.

CHAPTER III
MAJOR TYPES OF STATE LIBRARY SERVICES

The five major areas of state library service
with which we are concerned here do not, of course, cover
all of the library services offered by state agencies, but
they do include the most important types which are per-
formed in most of the states in various degrees.1

some examples of state library service not system-
atically covered in this study are specialized departmental
libraries, usually found under the administration of the de-
partments served, institutional library service, and distri-
bution of books and records for the blind. Nor has a great
deal of attention been given to the school library extension
program except as it is related to public library extension
service. Private, semi-official or administratively es-
tablished state library agencies have been included in
this study only when they wholely or partially perform
one of the five major library functions. If they dupli-
cate or overlap considerably the work of an official state
agency, they have in most cases been omitted. Most of the
private agencies included are in the area of archival and
historical library service.

Library extension service offered by some state

 

1See Appendix under California for typical exam-
ples of work performed under these five functional divi-
5 one.

,0

 

13
universities have also been omitted. These services are sel-
dom legally established. They are usually begun by univer-
sity administrative divisions as a service to their alumni
or in connection with the extension courses of the univer-
sity. Service is limited by the demands made on the library
collection by the university student body and faculty who
naturally receive primary consideration. Borrowing is also
limited to alumni, other libraries and established groups.
This does not provide for the state resident who has no
local library to borrow for him. Then, too, the character
of a university library collection would not coincide and
comply with the demands made upon a general state library

collection now described.

A. General State Library Service.

This is probably the most difficult to define and
is also the broadest type of service, hence the term "Gen-
eral." It is also the area of service in which there is
the most variety among state library agencies and also the
greatest need for study and improvement.1

It involves general library reference service not
only to state officials, state departments and state em-

ployees, but also for libraries and schools out in the

 

lLeigh, 92. cit., p. 69.

14
state and state residents without local public library
service. The service includes having a general reference
and loan collection which can supply answers to most
questions received. Supplying specific books, periodicals,
documents, pamphlets, clippings, pictures, and other audio-
visual materials needed by state personnel, libraries or
residents without libraries are also a part of this gener-
al library service. It usually includes the more tradi-
tional function of exchanging, distributing and collecting
state documents as well as developing authoritative col-
1ections on state government and state history.

This service should be a translation of the best
kind of local public library and special library service
to the state level. It would necessarily be based on a
large, well-rounded collection of books to serve the in-
formation needs of all state departments and supplement
the collections of public and school libraries. It would
also require a well-trained staff of professional librar-
ians to select, prepare for use, and translate the mater-
ials into the answers requested.

Not often included as one of the elements of gen—
eral library service is the library service which has come
to be known as the traveling library service. It has a
long history as a state library service and involves the
sending of collections of books, usually set collections
of mostly recreational books to small libraries, rural

schools, community groups where there are no libraries,

15
state institutions and any place where some reading mater-
ial or additional books are needed because of lack of lo-
cal provision or resources. It is usually a case of some
books being better than no books. Without direct contact
between librarian and reader, it can only be hoped that
the books will fit the interests and the reading levels of
the recipients. That is why a usual set of books would
include a wide variety of types with heavy emphasis on low
reading level and recreational reading.

The general philosophy behind traveling library
service is that communities receiving this service will
develop a greater interest in books and eventually improve
or develop their own community or county-wide library ser-

1 The service can also be considered a form of state

vice.
aid. For these reasons, state library extension agencies
in many cases operate it. The point made here, however,
is that it would operate more efficiently under the gener-
al library service which is already dealing primarily with
library materials and has the staff to select, process,
prepare and distribute those materials.

In brief, a good point of administrative division
between two divisions or two agencies is that one handles

the materials of library service and the other handles the

consultative, advisory, supervisory aspects which are

 

1Frank A. Hutchins, Traveling_Libraries (Boston:
Houghton, Mifflin & co., 1900).

16
essentially the area of library extension. The tools of
library extension work would, of course, have to be ex—
cepted.
Debate on this question might well provide the
lever which would cause administrative combination of

state library general and atension service.

E. State Library Extension Service.

Good public and school library service for the
entire state is the primary concern of a state library
extension agency. This requires a sound foundation of
state legislation; a program to bring library service to
all residents through county and/or regional libraries;
administration of state grants-in-aid and encouragement of
local appropriations for libraries; administration of
standards of service; certification program, in-service
training, placement service to achieve higher quality per-
sonnel; advisory and consultant service on library prob-
lems through visits, conferences, publications; collecting
statistics and publishing of reports; coordination of ser—
vices of state and local libraries with other agencies, en-
couragement of citizen and rustee interest in libraries;
publicity and public relations program for libraries; co—
operation and coordination with other state library agen—

cies and national library agencies.l

 

1American Library Association, Library Extension
Board, The State Library A enc (5th ed., Chicago: Ameri-
can Library Association, 1945 pp. 3-4. (Mimeographed).

17
C. Archival and/or Historical Library Service.

Most governments of size and importance, special-
ly if they have been operating for a considerable period
of time, have a recognized archival agency or public rec-
ords office. The idea of such an agency, briefly stated,
is that the noncurrent records of enduring value of all
branches and offices of the government should be assembled
in the legal and physical custody of a specialized agency,
preferably in a building constructed and equipped for the
purpose, so that they may be protected and given special
care, be administered by professionally trained personnel,
and be readily available when needed by officials of the
government, scholars or others who may have a legitimate
need for information in them.

A government, no matter how it may be divided into
departments or offices for current administration, is es—
sentially a unit, and it is an advantage to have its non-
current records centralized so that there is but one place
to go for evidence or information in such records, no mat-
ter in what department or office they may have originally
accumulated. Either before or in the course of the retire-
ment of records to the archival agency a screening process
is carried out by which records of no further value are
systematically eliminated, thus saving space, money and
the intolerable confusion that almost inevitably arises
from an unpruned growth. An efficient archival agency

serves the government, the scholar and the citizen, and

18
is worth many times its cost to the taxpayer.

The stress then, here is on the evaluation, col-
lection, preservation, arrangement and indexing for use of
state archives, the official public records of all state
departments of government. Along with this should go the
job of advising and counseling with other units of govern-
ment to do a good job with their official records.

Many state archival agencies are combined with
state historical libraries, the materials written about
the state or by persons born or residing in the state.
These, too, are materials which should not only be pre-
served but should be available and arranged for use.

These materials are certainly needed to answer many cur-
rent questions andcxn.contribute much toward giving peo-
ple of a state greater appreciation of their heritage.
Both the archival and historical libraries might very well
be included with the general library service but particu-
larly the latter. This state historical library function
also entails the responsibility of advising and encourag-
ing local, county and regional communities to do a good
job of collecting pertinent and valuable historical mater-

ials locally.l

D. State Law Library Service.

This is the original and traditional state library

 

1Charles M. Gates, "The Administration of State
Archives," American Archivist, I (1938), 130-41.

19
service, beginning with service only to the Supreme Court
and Legislature, then to the state departments and offi-
cials and finally to judges, lawyers, libraries, students
and laymen throughout the state. It involves the collec-
tion, use and interpretation of state, federal, local and
foreign law publications together with the necessary per-
iodicals, services and indexes giving the latest legal
information. State law libraries are usually developed
through the exchange of the laws of a particular state
for those of all the others. This exchange of law publi-
cations might very well be included with the general state
document exchange which is usually carried on with all
other states and foreign governments by the general state

library agency.l

E. Legislative Reference Service.

This specialized state library service has devel-
oped rather recently as a result of a desire for better
government through better legislation based on intelligent
study and research and accompanied by bill drafting by
trained personnel. The service provides legislators and,
in many cases, other state officials and departments with
ready access to accurate, complete and unbiased sources

of information needed for legislative purposes.

 

lSumner Y. Wheeler, "Law Libraries and the Ser-
vice Which They Render," A.L.A. Bulletin, XX (1926),

20
Forty-five states have made some provision for
legislative reference service to assist their legislators.l
Following are some of the examples of services provided
by some or all: Factual research information, indexes
and digests of legislative material, up-to-date reports
on the content and status of pending legislation, surveys
of state services, comparative study of legislation in

other states, statutory revision and assistance in draft-

ing bills.

 

1Council of State Governments, The Book of the

g I...”

States, 1950-1951 (Chicago: Council of State Govern-
ments, 1950), pp. 125, 128.

 

CHAPTER IV
ORGANIZATION OF STATE LIBRARY SERVICES

How have the forty-eight states organized their
state library services and how are they now being adminis-
tered? Since the five types of state library service de-
scribed all concerned books and other informational mater-
ials, their distribution and usage, and since all like func-
tions should be integrated and administered by one state
agency,1 a naive political scientist might assume that in
the forty-eight states there would be forty-eight state li-
brary agencies, one in each state. An idealist might also
suppose that in each state the governor would appoint a pro—
fessional librarian with good training and experience to
be the state librarian and he would administer all of the
five divisions of service with a staff, all qualified under
a civil service system, an excellent collection of mater-
ials, a good annual budget with which to give service and
develop the collection in a modern, spacious building with
the best library tools and equipment.

Nothing could be further from the truth as Table
No. 1 will show. This chart gives the names of the agen—
cies in the forty-eight states performing the five state

library services with the number of individual agencies

 

1A. E. Buck, The Reorganization of State Gov-
ernments in the United States, (New York: Columbia
University Press, 1938), p. 17.

 

22
under which the services are organized.1 In some cases
two different agencies each perform part of one service.
For example, under the general state library service,
there are several states in which one agency will per-
form only the reference aspect of this work and another
that will do only the loaning of books and materials.

The important fact shown by this chart is that in
the forty-eight states there are 137 separate state li-
brary agencies as administrative units carrying out state
library functions. In one state, South Carolina, these
Ifive services are decentralized among five different agen-
cies. In fourteen states, four different agencies are
required: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Lelaware, Illin-
ois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Tennessee.

In seventeen states, three agencies perform them:
California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, 1ndiana, massachu-
setts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New lexico, Okla-
homa, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, West
Virginia, and Wisconsin.

In nine states, the five functions are separated

 

lInformation derived from: James C. Poutts,
American Library Laws (2d ed.,-Chicago: American
Library Association, 1943); National Association of
State Libraries, op, cit., pp. 9-21; American Library
Association, Library Extension Board, 92. git., pp.
21-41; reports by and about various state library agen-
cies and state laws governing them cited in Appendix
under individual states.

23
into two administrative units: Connecticut, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Oregon, Rhode island, Texas, Vermont, Wash-
ington and Wyoming.

In only seven states, all the services are cen-
tralized in one agency: Arizona, Iowa, Maine, New Hamp-
shire, Nevada, “ew Jersey, and New York.

An analysis of the administration of all state
library agencies shows a picture like this: Of the 137
agencies, 129 are under or connected with some kind of
board, commission, committee, bureau, or a state court
is included in their administrative organization. The
balance have appointive heads, either by the governor,
secretary of state, or attorney-general. Training and
experience requirements are the exception rather than
the rule for the heads of state library agencies. Most
of the agencies are not under a civil service system and
political influence determines appointments in many cases.
Collections of books and other materials have not been
evaluated for years in the great majority of state li-
braries and lack of space for materials and staff is a
tremendous general problem. Low budgets for new mater-

ials and trained staff also hamper most agencies.

24

.mHCO mofi>pom mommpmmmm I m .maco mow>pom Smog a q .moa>pom mmpflaflq I *

Smoasm mumppwq
m mocmnommm .mmq padoo maopdzm mpmupflq mpmpm hpmunflq mumpw *mpmpnfiq mpmpm .mam

mamazm scammHaSoo scammaaaoo AuCOHmmHaaoo
v mommaoumm .mmq humppflq mpmpm mm>H£op< .psm mamapfiq mampan .Hmm

m-spasnag mumpm.
A.mpaa oo.>aov qufinaq ao.>aav
N sampnaa mpmpm snappaq mpmpm asappaq mumpm .am no .pamo .em mo .pamo.H .csoo

moaaao maanpaq 3mg sumaoom A.am mo.pamov *A.am uo.pamov

# mocmpmmmw .mmq unsoo mamhmsw HmoHHOpmHm mpmpm mpmnpfiq mumpm mpmpnaq mpmpw .oaoo
Haoqzoo .mmq mamppaq A.mnaq ao.>ao A.mpaq uo.>ao A.mpaq uo.>ao
mo moaauo.m pasoo mamaasm.m .am ao.pamav .am oo.pamov .am mo.aamov

m semapaa mumam.a samanaq mpmpm.a samgpaq mumpm samanaa mpwpm spmapaq mpmpm .uaamo
aflomsoo mmwpnfiq *Coammfisaoo *GoammHBEOO *QOHmmHSBoo

v o>wpmamammq upsoo mampqsm mMOpmHm hampan mpmpan .xp«
*mm>fi20h¢ a *mo>H£0A< a *mm>H:op< a amo>Hnop< a *mm>finop¢ a

H .pao no .pamo .nag mo .pamu .nag no .pamo .naq mo .pamo .paq no .pamo .Napa

oofi>pow zpmnnfiq pafioo mnoumfim mam .>HD ooa>pwm
a .umm .mmq mgwnaSm mpwum mmsaaopa ao.pamo .paq .nsm .waa

moaoCmm< mocwpmmom
mo .02 m>HpmHmeoq 3mg mm>HSop< :oflmCmpxm Hmpmcmu

monHosz wm<mmHA ma<am
QZHEmommmm mmHozmo< ma<em

H .02 mam<a

25

mowocmm<

samppaa mumpm

scammHEEOQ

.Upmop oaofimmouxo oco nova: madmspammoo HH<

mamnan 3mg

mo>a£op¢ a

mopmmmom .moq mumpan mo.pqmm

HfloCSoo
m>HpmHmHmmq

mpmpnfiq
amq mpmpm

Smwmdm
.mmm .mmq

smmnsm
.umm .qu

samppaq mpmpm

mocmpmmo:

m>prHwfiwmq

ssmspaa mumpm

mhmnnfiq
3mg mpwum

mnmnnfiq zwq
pesoo mBoHQSm

mpmhnflq
pasoo mampdSm

mamnnfiq
panoo mEopdSm

spannaq mpmpm

snappaq mpmpm

mw>Hnop¢ a

spwnpaq mpmpm

mmpanop¢ a

mumppwq mo.paoa mpmpnfiq mo.pamm

.naq sumaoom
HmoaHOpmHm mumpm

mm>H£ou¢ £
mpopwfim mo.pgmm

sampnaa mpmpm

mo>finop¢
-snmhnaa mumpm.m
.pmam-spwnnaq
Haoaaopmam .pm.a

mpoaoom
HmoaaOpmHm mpmum

.>ao snopmam

a mo>finoa<

mm>wnoa<

*COHmmHaaoo

.naq mcaamsaaa

*mnmnnflq mnH
uam>mua opmpm

saapnaq mpmpm

spmapag mawpm

GOHmmHaaoo
snmnpaa mumpm

AoOfibnmm
.naq a moon
-pxme mo.>aov
.cm mo .pamm

noamcmpxm

samppaq mpmum

mm>H£op¢ a
humppfiq mo.uamm

*Q ICOHm m HEEOO

.paq wnHHmswpa.m
*mo

ssmgnaq mpwum .H

*spmbpaq
mcHHo>wua oumpw

mgmapaq mumpm

mpmppfiq mpmpm

sofimmflaaoo
sampnao wpwpm

musamnnaq mpmpm.m

AsAoOH>pmm
.QHA a #009
-rpxoa mo.>aov
.am no .pamn.H

Hmanoo

.cwm

maoH

.UGH

.HHH

onmaH

.mo

a
H

moflocmm¢

.HO

spwapaq mpaum
spapnag maspm
HHoQ:oo .wmq

mamhnaq
Bog mumpm

mumpnflq

.mmm .mmq
spanpao mpwpm
moppflaaoo
nonmmmom .mmq

Smoadm
sopmmmmm .wwq

samspaa mpwpm
oodmpmmmm

.mmq mo .pomm

spannao mpmpm

mocmaommm
o>wpmamflwmq

spannaq mumpm
mpmunaq wpmum
spannaq mumpm

mnmnnaq
3mg mpmpm

mamanaq 2mg
undoo mampqzm

mampnaq mpmpm

samppao mpaam

samppaq mpapm

samppaq mpmpm

sampnaq mpapm
sampnaq mpmpm

3mg

*mymnpaq mumpw

.oom Hmownopmflm

mpmnpfiq .omHE

a HwoaaOpmam

mpmfloow

Hmoaaopmam .pm

snowmam a

mm>H5op< mo.pmmm

mpmwoow

Hmofinoamfim

scammaaaoo

‘

HmoHpOpmHm

spamoazoaaoo

mo mumpmpomw

sowmmaaaoo

moaoomm mo Hamm

mm>anoh¢

spmgpao mpmpm

*sgwpnaq mpaam

.aaoo homunflq
scammflHSoo
coamcopxm.nflq
samanao mumam
scammaaaoo

mumpnflq

A.>Ho .naqv
.am no .pamo

mnmanflq mpmpm

A.om mo.p1oav

mmaumnnflq

oaansm mo.>fim
AGOHmCmpxm
.DHA Ho.>HQv

.om mo .pamm

sswanaq muapm

doamcmpxm

spannaq mpapm

*mnmppaq mpapm
*a-.aaoo samunag

*qucOHmmHaaoo
nonmampxm .paa

spannaa mpmpm

qa.aaoo mumpnflq
m-spmpnaq mpmpm

.A.>ao .paqv
qu.am uo.aamg.~
m-samnpaa .pm.H

spannaa mpmpm

q+A.am uo.agmov
.naq.nsm oo.>ao.m
musnmnnaq .pm.a

qu.am mo.pamo.m
musaappaq .pm.a

mamanaq mamam

Hmamnou

.m .z
.>mz

.sz

.pcofi

COS.“

.mmam

.acam

.soas

.mwmm

.62

oflamfi

27

mmfiocmm¢

sampnaq spasm

Swwhdn
.omm mamam

humpnflq mpmpm
samapaq mampm

zmmndm
mocmhmmmm .wmq

cofimmHSSoo
sonmmmmm .mmq
.nsm mo .>HQ

A.am oo.pamov
spapnaa mpapm

ssmnpaa spasm

A.©m mo.pamov

hnmhpag
3mg oumpm

A.em mo.pamov
sasupaa mpmpm
hamppag
undoo mampazm
spannaq mpmpm
hampnflq 3mg
ppdoo osmpmsw
mnmpnaq 3mg

mampnflq
upsoo osmpasm

A.am ao.aamov
sasppaq mpapm
sasapaq mpmpm

A.am oo.pqmov

.ame a mm>anoaa.pmam a mmsanoaa

.nfiq.um mo.>HQ

mocmpmmo:

.oz o>HpmHmeoA

.nfiQ.pm HO.>HQ

3mg

sawsnag mpapm
.naq asmmss

a mpopmfim.m

ssmspaq mpmpm.a

samppaq mpapm

spanpaq mpwpm
.oow Hwofinopmfim

.oow Hmoflpopmwm
HmcfimoaomSop<

hpoaoom
HmoHAOpmHm
saaunaq mpapm

A.aa uo.pamav
spannaq mpmpm

mpmppflq
admmsm mpmpm

A.am no.pamov

samanaq mpapm

A.am oo.pawov
spsanaq mpapm

spapnaq mpapm

.8800 mamanaq

A.em ao.pawov
snappaq mpwpm

coammflaaoo
mpmgnaq mum m

.8300 mamanfiq

A.am oo.pamov
mpwapflq mumpm

mofl>pwm.pxm
spmapag spasm

A.om no.9amov

.pmams mm>asopa.pmam a mm>anon<

.an.um HO.>HQ

mo>fisom¢

.n«4.pw HO.>HQ

GOHwCopxm

spsanao waspm

A.am mo.pamov
spannaq mumpm

zpaanaa mpmum

4|.aaoo mawhnfia.w
mumnmpnaq mpmpm.a

A.am ao.pawov
spspnaq mampm

coammfiaaoo
saaspaa waspm
*spagpaq mpmpm

A.am ao.pamov
spannaq mpsam

*a-moa>amm.pxm
sasspaa mamaw

A.am uo.pamov
.pmam a mm>anopa

.nflq.pm wo.>flm

HQR®C®O

.ccod

.mp0

.waso

OHLO

.Q .2

hamapfiq

mw>flnop< a

cofimmHESoo

m 3mg mpmpm shepmam oo.pamo maeapaq mamam .> .s
m sumsnaa mpmpm .paa 3mg mpmpm samanaq mpaam spmgpaa apmpm spaanfiq mumpm .nmms
wafipwspm
mam noammmmm mpmaan
m mumpm ao.>ao gag mpwpm ssmanaq mpmpm spanpaq wpmpm sampnaq mumpm .m>
AaGOflmmflaaoo
. .oow Hwoapoamam .asoo spaapaq .paq .nsm mmsa.w
m spaapaa mampm sysapaq mpapm -suapnaq waspm unansm mans m-samnpaq mpmum.a .p>
mnmnnfiq mpofioom
m Hfiocsoo .mmq @9500 mampadm HmoHMOpmHm.pm now:
%Hwhpfiq
N zpmhpfiq mumpm padoo waanSm hamanflq opmpm mhmhpaq mpmpm mumppfiq mpmpm mmxoa
A.am mo.pgwov q-Hmempma
A.am oo.pawov moa>amm .ppmcH mo .>ao.w
smmpdn :ofimmflaaoo mo>flnom¢ a .naq a .pmfi mumm>finop< a
q mocwpmgmm .mmq hampnfiq 3mg .an .pm mo.>fla .upmcH mo .>HQ .DHA .pm mo.>HQ.H .QCme
mpmunfiq qu A.oom HwOHHOpmHmV doammaaaoo A.cpqv an.aaoo
m panoo maonqzm mMOpmflm ho.pqoo aamunflq mmpm hpmanfiq mmpm .Q .m
A.apgv quapmom
mamanfiq moammHEEoo cpmom mhmhnfiq opwpm.m
m aflocsoo .moq upsoo oBmHQSm HwoaAOpmam.pm mammpwq opmpm mamhwnnfiq mumpm.a .0 .m
mmfiocom< mommaomom
mo .02 m>prHmHmmq 3mg mo>w£op< cowmcmpxm Hmnmcmu

29

bma

m

spannaq mpmpm

scammfiaaoo
mpmanflq owam

m®H0Cmm< monouoamm

Q0

.02.

m>apmamwwmg

samunaa wpmpm

sbwapaa waspm

3mg

UHmOfl
HmoaaOpmam.pm snmanao mumpm

mpoaoom scammHBSOO
Hmofipoamfim.pm hymnpflq moan

mmbanop¢ GOHmCmpxm

*sawpnao mumpm

cowmmHEEOQ
mpmhnaq moan

HmRmCmo

.Omfi

.MH5

30

An administrative analysis of each of the five
types of state library service in the forty-eight states
follows. Since the appendix includes a brief description
of state library administration and organization in each
state plus a chart of that organization, this will be a
general rather than specific and detailed analysis to see
if there is any administrative pattern governing each

type of service agency.

A. General Library Service.

The study indicated that the most poorly organ-
ized and ineffective of all the state library services is
the general reference and loan service. Although some
states are doing a superb job, in others the service is
very weak or lacking entirely. This is how Dr. Leigh sum-
marized state library service in the Public Library Survey:

The state library agencies, like muni-
cipal and county libraries, vary enormously
in budgets, book stock, and personnel - from
musty, poorly organized, inadequate collections
in charge of untrained librarians to large,
well-housed central libraries with profession-
al staffs exercising vigorous leadership among
public libraries throughout the state. The
latter are in the minority.

As public services have multiplied and the inter—

2

ests of state government broadened, so have their needs

for information. State library services developed in the

 

lLeigh, 22- cit., p. 69.

2Austin F. Macdonald, American State Government
and Administration (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company,
1948), pp. 26-270

31
tradition that the only needs of state government were
legal and documentary materials and even these books were
often kept in locked cases or locked rooms for the use of
a special group. Most of the locks have come off the cas-
es and the use of reference collections expanded but there
is still a great need for the further broadening of col-
lections to include books and materials to meet all the
information needs of state departments. The more progres-
sive state libraries have found that these same materials
are of interest to the residents of the state either»
through their public libraries or to borrow direct if they
have no libraries. In fact, the broader and deeper that a
state library agency makes its collection, the better ser-
vice it can give not only to state government but to the
entire state. So more than taking the locks off, in some
states the state library materials not needed specifically
and immediately for reference use in the state capitol are
free to go on loan anywhere in the state where they are
needed or requested.

But, as has been pointed out, this is an ideal
situation existing in only about one—third of the states.
In others, this kind of general reference and loan ser~
vice is not available at all or else is performed in a
limited fashion by two different agencies, one usually do-
ing only the reference aspect of the service for state de-
partments and the other (usually the library extension

agency) loaning books not only to state personnel but also

32

mailing books to answer questions or sending titles spe-
cifically requested to libraries and residents without
libraries out in the state. Quite often extension agen-
cies will do this in conjunction with their traveling
library service for rural libraries.1 This would in it-
self limit the amount of information service that could be
given from the collection since books for traveling librar~
y service are not usually the informational type and would
not make up a collection with a wide bibliographical choice.

Judging from library laws, reports from the vari-
ous state library agencies and available figures on their
book stock, staff and budgets, we find that there are three
states where practically no general library service is of-
fered. In four states, only the general library loan
function is performed with no general reference service at
all. In twelve states one agency performs both functions
in a limited way. In eleven states, it requires two agen-
cies to do both general reference and general loan work
and often both of these have limited value. The eighteen
states doing an adequate to excellent general library ser-
vice job are all states that include good library exten-
sion program in the same administrative unit.

Table No. 2 analyzes the organization of the gener-
al state library function by the branch of government un-

. der which it is organized, and the kind of board, commit-

 

lLeigh, Qp. cit., p. 69.

33
tee or department it is headed by.

The results show that it requires fifty-six state
agencies to carry out general state library service in
forty-five states. Only six of these agencies are organ-
ized under the legislative branch, six under the judicial.
The balance are executive agencies, showing the prevalence
of this type of organization among state library agencies.
All except one of the eighteen agencies giving good or
better service are under the executive branch. The excep-
tion is the New York State Library which is under a Board
of Regents elected by the Legislature. This board is sim—
ilar to a state board of education but the organization of
it is unique with New York State.

The board form of administration dominates the
general library service picture heavily. Of the fifty-
six agencies, forty—eight have some type of board or com-
mission in a governing or advisory capacity. The other
eight are under the governor or some other executive
officer.

Thirteen of the fifty-six agencies are under de-
partments of education, three with their own advisory com-
mission. Of the eighteen more successful agencies, nine
are under independent commissions, five under education
departments and four in the executive branch. There is in-
sufficient evidence to indicate the preferability of any
of these types of organization to administer general

state library service.

34

.maco moa>pmm monopmwom I m .zaco mofipnmm smog I A .mofi>pom

.wm mo .pqmm

.am no .aaao

.Um mo .pama

mm>wzon< m
.naa no .aaaa

 

Newspammma

venom hawnnaq mpapm o>fiudowxm *mnmhpfiq opmpm

QIQOHmmHSSOO

QOHmmHaaoo m>flp50oxm mamanaq
GOfimmflaaoo

spasnaq aaaaa asapafiaaaaq mIspaapaq aaaaa

gIA.naq mo .>HQV
m>ap50oxm .om mo .pdmo

*A.aa mo .paaqv
:ofipmoswm mo osmom o>epdooxm ammunflq mpmpm

A.apaa no .saa

 

 

 

soapaosom .od mo .pdmav
mo wnmom wpwvm m>HpSooxm humunaq mumpm
*COHmmHaaoo
soammfiaaoo m>wpsomxm mnmnnfiq
mpahpfiq mpapm wo mm>enou<
apoaapso no .am asaaaaanaaq a .naq ao.paao
psmacnm>oo

omppflaaoo no mpmom mo socmnm Ndcmw« no oewz

ZOHHUZDM Mm<mqu A<mmzmo mo ZQHH<NHz<omO
N .02 mamaa

Umpfiaflq I *

mUHHOHm

mhmsmaoq

unoflpomccoo

ovmnoaoo

NHCRO.HHHwU

mmmcmxn«

macawaq

wampmaa

apaam

.Um mo .uamm

mo>e£op4 a
mpmanfiq mo .udma

upsou maopddm

35

opwpm
mo hamponomm

.Um mo .meQ

coaumosmm mo Unmom
moupaaeoo humane;

mpmsofimmfiaaoo e0 wawom

:onmHeaoo
venom mnamnaq mpapm

Upaom meaapflq

upaom HmoeAOpmHm

Una hhwnpaq mumpm

.aoo mpOmw>v4 humuan

sonmHeaoo

.aoo sycaasa<.naq.pm

coaumodvm

no aaaom aaapm

o>epdooxm
o>ap30oxm

m>apdumxm

o>wudomxm
m>apdomxm
mpaaoaudw
hsmaoawsh

Haaoaasaw

o>ap30mxm

m>fip50mxm

o>HpSomxm

m>ap5ooxm

m>wpaowxm

meapdooxm

 

 

 

pcmaupmmmm

moppflsaoo no cumom

pcmacnm>ow

mo nocwum

o-.am no .aan
mnsaapnaq asapm

spasnaa aaaaa

spasnag aaaaw

mmpfinous a
mpmunfiq go .udmm

*QIconmaaaoo
.pfiq wcaao>wua
amusaasnaq aaaam
*mumaan
mafiam>mna opmpm

spappnq aaaam

stapnaa asaam

scammfiaaoo

anagram aaaam

mIspaapaq aaaam
QIA00H>uom

hnmnpaq a x009

Ipxma mo .>HQV
.om no .uqu

 

NoQom¢ mo msmz

vcma%am2

mcmwmfisoq

AxoSpcwm

mmmCmm

NKOH

mnmwosH

mHocHHHH

oaaaH

wfimpomo

apapm

36

.Um we .uama

.Um wo .pamu

.wm do .pmma
HHSOQ osmnazm

.am no .aaao

scammHEEOO

Hwoqsoo mpoma>o<

scammflaaoo
noammwaaoo

Coammwaaoo

scammHanu
meson x90mfi>b¢

QOfimmwsaoo
scammHano

coaumozcm
mo oaaom mumpw
moflamuan
how Unmom mpmum

mpchfimmfiaaoo

mamppfiq moan no Unmom
mompmdna mo bpmom

m>fip50oxm

o>HpSomxm
o>Hpsooxm
m>fipaomxm

hamHoHUSh

m>ep5omxm
m>Hp50mxm

o>fipsooxm

o>fipmamwwwq

o>apdomxm
mpmflowwdh

m>HpSomxm

o>wp50oxm
mpfipSUmxm

 

 

 

pumeumemQ

moppfiaeoo no Upwom

Mdmachobou

Ho nocmpm

AI.>pmm coamCmpxm
spaunaq aaaam

A.am mo .paaav
hu0pmwm a mm>e£on¢
.DHA .pm no .pwm
ssaanaq asaaa
*saasnaq asaam
*gI.eaoo mnwnnfiq

*AICOHmmHEeoo
conCopxm hamppaq

shamans aaaam

AI.EEOU mpwpnaq
mIspaunaq aaaam

A.>Ho..naav
a-.am no .aaaq
mIssasnaq aaaam

snappaq apapm
quaaaaaupaq

unansm go .>Ho
masaaapaq aaaam

 

Monmw¢ mo memz

coaxwfi swz

mmmpoh smz

onflzmaamm 3oz

mwm>mz

mxmmpnmz

muOmmGCHH

camnzoaa

mpummDSQmmmmm

aaapm

37

.am no .paan

.am no .aaao

mpmpw mo .%.omm

sowuoSHpmsH
oHHQSm .aaan

.am no .pqmo

meSppmme
.cm mpmuw

Hmmappmmmm

CowumoSGM mo vamom

coepwosvm mo upmom

GOflmmHsaoo

myopomnfia mo vamom
mmmpmzafi mo Unmom

venom mpmanaq mumpm

COfimmHano

Unaom mnaapflq mumpm

coasasaaaaaeaa
mo Upwom

coammfleaoo

madmmmm mo venom

 

moppwaaoo no venom

m>ap50oxm

m>wu50mxm

m>epsomxm
o>wpdooxm
m>HpmHmammq

m>ep§omxm

m>audomxm
mpepSooxm

mpapfiomxm
mnaHonSh

m>HpSooxm

m>HpSooxm

o>HpSomxm

m>HpaHmHmmq

 

pnoacuw>ou
mo nonmnm

gIaaaHsapas
.apmcH mo .>HQ
mIaasaaosa a
.paq .am ao.>na

A.apqv
uIQonmwaaoo
mpmpnfiq woam

A.aagv auaaaom

anagram apapm

anagram aaaam

spaspaq aaapa
meannfiq mpauw

QI.aaoo memenfiq
musnappaa apaam

snappaq aaasm

*soammfiaeoo
spannaq aaapm

ommmocsoa

aaoxaa aasom

maspappaa asaam acaaoaao gasom

wcmamH mcozm

mflnm>Hmmsnmm

sowmpo

aaocaaxo

onao

apoxam naaoz

asaapnaq asapm acHHoaao spaoz

A.am mo .paaav
snanpaq aaapm

 

moamm< mo mamz

know Roz

asaam

38

coammfiaaoo

Cowmmaeaoo

venom hnmhnflq mpmpm

Coemmfieaoo
mompmSHH mo bmmom

:ofimmfieaoo
hpoamfim a %pmpnaq

 

 

unwavpmmma mappfiseoo no Uamom

m>ep50oxm

o>wp50oxm

o>HpSomsm

m>flpdomxm

m>ep50mxm

m>HpmHmHmoq

o>HpSomxm

 

pcmanpm>oo
mo nonmnm

*snasnaq apaam

soammaaaoo
mpapnflq omen

anagram aaaam
spannaq apaam
AIcOmeaeaoo

.naa oaapsm aaaa
musaasnaa aaaam

humapwq opaum

 

NMQMM¢ mo mamz

wcfleoma

Camcoomfls
aacaaaa> same
cepmcwnmms

aflowwpfl>

pcoapm>

Smpb

mwxma

aaapm

39

E. State Library Extension Service.

This state library service was begun in the early
1890's and in most cases was first organized under inde-
pendent state library commissions or boards according to
the "practice of making every new activity the excuse for
a new agency to administer it . . . ."1

Although there have been many changes in organi-
zation in individual states through the years, the Com-
mission or board form still dominates in the state library
extension field. Some of the boards have taken over some
of the other state library functions, particularly loan
and reference work of the general library service but
there are still thirty-one independent boards or commis-
sions heading state library extension work. As one of
their functions, Table No. 3 indicates that sixteen states
have independent agencies doing libraly extension, occas-
ionally with some book loan and general reference service.
Thirty states include library extension work under an
agency charged with other functions. Twelve of these are
under state departments of education. Two others are
under the Secretary of State and one under the Supreme
Court. Alabama's unusual organization is described in
some detail in the Appendix.2 In the case of Utah, li-

brary extension work is mentioned in the law of the state

 

lMacdonald, g2. cit., p. 311.

2See Appendix under Alabama.

40
but no record of current implementation of any kind was
found so the service was omitted from this account.
The recent changes of state library extension or~

l 2 seem to both fol-

ganization in New Jersey and Missouri
low and indicate the trend. In both these states, changes
in state constitutions resulted in the abolition of the
independent library extension boards and the placing of
the service along with other state library services under
the state department of education. In both cases, advis-
ory boards for the centralized state library agency were
set up. In New Jersey the law actually carried over the
same library extension board as the new advisory board.

To indicate the trend still exists, a legislative
committee studying reorganization in Michigan, introduced
legislation in the 1949 session to abolish the State Board
for Libraries which administers the general library ser—
vice, extension and law library service. The functions

of the State Board for Libraries were to be transferred

to an elected State Board of Education.3

 

1New Jersey, Annual Report Qi the State Board of
Education and the Commissioner of Education to the Le"-
islature 1946, pp. 75-80.

 

2Missouri, Proposed New Constitution Adopted by
the 1343-1944 Constitutional Convention 9f Missouri, 1944,
pp. 54'570

3Michigan, House Bill No. 6, 1949, p. 1-2.

 

41

coepmosom
mo pGoEpmmqoa

scepmosom
mo pumapamdoa

moapmosom
mo pcoappmdma

Cowpmoswm
mo pumappmdmm

mo>Hzop¢ a
mpmnnfiq mo .pooo

suopanm a
mo>flnop¢ mo .umoa

 

pumappmmom

.mpamso CoeprHCamao m.opmpm mom I *

coemwfieaoo

Coepmodom mo
opmom opmpw

whoop
suauoaq oaaaa

GOHmmHSSoo

doapmoflom
mo Unmom

coapmosum
mo aoaom oeaam

QOfimmfiano

.QHA .pm we
mMOempSo mo.wm

whoop
o>ap500xm

 

moppaeaoo
no venom

*m>ap:ooxm

o>wpdooxm

o>Hpsooxm

o>fludoosm

m>HpDooxm

o>HpSooxm

o>ep50oxm

m>eu50oxm

m>fluaamflmoq

o>apsooxm

 

pcoacno>oo
no nocmpm

coammfiaaoo
seasons oaaom

COHmH>HQ humpnflq
a moom pxoa

meanan mumpm.

Coammfieeou mamanaq

aoauauoaq no .eae

humpnaq opmpm

suaupaq ouaem
Goemmweaoo mpwupwq

mo>ޣop< a
mamhpflq mo .pdoa

Gowmw>fln o0H>hom
seasons oaanum

 

.Nocmm¢ mo mama

ZOHHOZDA ZOHmszNH mo ZOHH¢NHz<me

m.:oz mqm¢a

oeaaH

aawuooo

aaaooaa

mamsmamo

psoepoossoo

oomaoaoo

aaeeoeaaao

mmmcmxn¢

acoNHa«

mampmag

opaem

42

80wmma8800

coapmosom

.am no .peou no auaom oeapm

moanwaan
pom cpwom mumpm

.8800 snapped

.om mo .uqoa mosh Ho ohmom

.am mo .peoa uoapaosam do aaaom

maoConmH8800
mo Unmom
mo>a§op¢ @
mamapaq 00 .quQ
pado0 o8mpd3m *COHmmw88o0

oaaom mamapwq

venom Hmoflaoumem
a suaenaa oaaam

moppa88o0

oeaam no s.oom suoaasaa .naq

 

 

u8o8ppmmom ooppw8800

no cmmom

o>ap50oxm

o>apdooxm

o>Hp50oxm

opfipSOoxm

o>Hp20oxm

mbflpdooxm

o>Hp80mxm

o>HpSomxm

mamaoawsw

mamwofiUSWIooxm

o>ap50oxm

*opauSooxm

 

p8o8dao>oo
Ho goawum

GOHmmH88o0
mamppfiq wpmpm

Goemfl>wo mnanpfiq

spasms: oeaam

amaeauoaa
oaanse. no .sao

scamsmuxm
mnmnneq mo cofimfipfim

suaepaq apapm

mnmppaq opmpm

mo>wnoh< a
mnwnnflq ho .pdom

808mme8800
meannfiq mcaao>mna
mamunflq m8aao>mua

seaepai oaaam

seaunaq opapm

 

quww< wo.o8mz

neeaaaaaaas

mpOmoccHE

sameness

mppomSSommmmH

ocmahpmz

ouaas

QOHmHSoq

axozpcom

mmmcmx

MSOH

asaeosH

mH08HHHH

weaem

43

GoepoSppmcH soapmoscm
oflansm .pmoa mo Hwoqsoo
venom

snapped opmpm
soemmfi88o0

unmom
.am no .ueao suaooaq aeaam
coaaauaaaeaeaa .am

moemmfl88o0

.aeoe .am .pm apuomam do anaom

80Hmwfi8800

808mmfl8800
Goammw8800
808mmfl8800

808mma88o0

80HmmH8800

.am no .aeoo *aeaom suoaasea

 

 

pso8phwmom omppa8800

no camom

o>HpSooxm

o>flu50ox8

o>apdooxm

o>apdoosm
o>Hp00oxm
*o>wp3oosm
o>HpmHmHmoq

m>epdooxm

o>apdooxm
m>audooxm
o>audomxm

o>apfiowxm

o>HpSooxm

m>audooxm

 

08088n0>00
mo nosmnm

seasons oeaam

suaenna oeaem

GOflmmH8800 mammpwq

mnmuan obapm
.8800 mnmapwq ouapm
808mmfi8800 muunnaq
suauoaq aaaam
.8800 hnmnnfiq opwum

kHOpmfim a mo>H£on¢
.seauoaq oaaam .saa

suaepaq aaaea
season: oaaem
soamma88o0 humane;

sofimmw88o0 .pxm
seasons oaapm

haompaq mumpm

 

h08om< 00 m8mz

meum>amm80om

cowmao

aeoaaaso

oflso

aaoxao apnea
mswaonmo Speoz
snow 3oz

ooexog 3oz

hompoa smz
opachEmm soz
m©m>oz

mxmmpno:

mcmpsoz
Hadommefi

44

80Hmmw8800
CowmmH8800

808mmfi88o0

unmom meanan mumpm

.am no .eeoa

opwum mo .m.oom

 

psospammom

80flmmfi8800

.8800 mpopmflm
8 mpwmnaq

Goepmodom
00 Upwom

scammfi88o0

mHOpooHHQ
mo cumom

o>ap50oxm

*o>Hudooxm
o>Hpaooxm
o>wpsooxm

o>wpdooxm

o>flu50oxm

o>ep$omxm

o>wpdooxm

m>fip800xm

o>apdooxm

*o>Hp:ooxm

 

 

ooeeasaoo
no cnmom

pno88mo>00
mo noamhm

seauoaa oaapm

Gowmmfl8800
memnpfim oopm

soamme88o0 hpanpflq

suaenaq oaapm
seaupaq aaaam

80Hmmfl8800

mumpnflq ofiansd omen

humane: opmpm

.seom.oaq a aaaaoopas
chowpoSppmnH mo.>Hm

.8800 hnmnnfiq ompm

unwom humaneq opapm

suauoaq apaam

 

.Nosmw¢ mo o8mz

w8H8om$

camnoomflg
aaaamuas paos
nopacaeaaa

aauaaeas

p808ho>

rap:

mmxoe

oommocqma

aposao easom

wQHH0pa0 npsom
aeaHaH oaosm

oeaum

45
C. The Archival and/or Historical Library Service.

The archival library function has been considered
the more important aspect of the two services here since
it involves a more specialized service than the histori—
cal library service and one that is probably more essen-
tial to the efficient management of state government.
Then, too, much historical material has either been in-
cluded in the general reference library collections or in
private societies and university collections.

The organization of these services presents a con-
siderable variety. In some states where publicly support—
ed state historical societies were already in existence,
such as in Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Utah and Wisconsin, they were made official repositories.
In other states, state commissions or departments were
created, usually under the executive branch. ThuS Ala-
bama, Georgia, Mississippi and West Virginia have their
Departments of Archives and History, and Delaware, Mich-
igan, Pennsylvania and South Carolina have their Commis—
sions. Other states have legally included the achives
and historical services in another state library agency
in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois,
Indiana, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina,
Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington. Only
in a very few cases, notably Delaware and Maryland, have

archives been set up as independent administrative agen-

46

cies. In tvo states, Massachusetts and Rhode Island,
archivists have been appointed in the Secretary of State's
office but these are not broad, state-wide programs.
When you consider that three archival programs are in di-
visions of departments of education, New Jersey, New York,
and Tennessee, you begin to realize how varied the picture
is.1

What will the future bring? Reorganization $ud-
ies will doubtless bring greater emphasis on state record
management to increase management efficiency. It would
seem advisable for state library agencies already in ar—
chives work to expand into a complete records management
program if not already doing this work.2 Since reorgani—
zation recommendations are also emphasizing increased ex-
ecutive and administrative control over state agencies
and stressing the need for fewer departments of state
government, it is very likely that the importance of the
private or semi-private historical and archival libraries
will decrease and their functions transferred to another
existing agency. The same fate may be in store for the
independent state agencies performing the archival and
historical function alone. In New Jersey, these services

were put under the Department of Education as a division

 

\lGates, 9p. cit., pp. 130-41.

2Margaret C. Norton, "Organizing a New State
Arghives Department," Illinois Libraries, XXVIII (1946),
49 “503 o

47
of the department.1 The same effort has been made as the
result of reorganization sudies in at least two other
states, Connecticut2 and Michigan.3 Legislation to put
archives and historical work as well as general library
and library extension service under education were de-
feated in both.

A more advisable alternative to these recommenda-
tions would be integration of all state library services
in one agency. Work with archives and historical mater-
ials requires many of the same techniques used in library
work. These materials have great value in general refer-
ence work and are often indispensable to state libraries.
Even in the area of extension, there are similarities in
the state library, archives and historical agencies, all
working to encourage local communities to do a better job
in their respective fields. Since these agencies and
their interests are more closely allied to each other
than either of them are to the schools and their interests,
one strong library and archives agency would result in
better state agency organization.

There has actually been a move in New York to sep-
arate archives from the state library agency. This change

was made on the federal level several years ago, National

 

1New Jersey, _p. cit., p. 76.
2Connecticut, The Report, 1950, pp. 92-93.

 

3Michigan, gp. cit.

48
Archives being set up independently of the Library of
Congress. In 1948, the State Librarian of New York was
able to say:
I do note with pleasure that the ar-

chivist of the United States has been con-

verted to the library point of view, that

there is a fundamental unity in records

of our civilization, be they printed or

manuscript, be they official or unofficial.

At the present time, thirty-one archival and his-
torical agencies are in the executive branch although
executive control is rather remote in some cases. Two of
these agencies are in Illinois, one having the archival
function under the State Library and the other the his-
torical function under the Historical Society. In eight
states, private societies supplement the work of two legal—
ly established state agencies, one legislative and one ju-
dicial. In five additional states, the archival function
is under the legislative branch. In Iowa there is a com-
bination of executive and judicial control.

4 Of a total of forty—six of the states performing
archives and historical work (Maine and New Hampshire
lacking) there are forty-nine agencies, with a great ma-
jority in the executive branch but more private agencies
than found for any other state library service. Again

there is a preponderance of boards and commissions includ—

Ed in administration of the state agencies, there being

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Pro-
ceedings and Papers, 1948-49 (Rochester, N. Y., 19495,
p. 35.

1+9
thirty-nine out of a total of forty—nine. A total of

five are under education departments.

50

.pan0 Coflpmmflcmmao m.opwpm wow I *

mooumsaa 00 0nmom

mumpw mo .%.oom

camon mammpeq oumpm

80Hmmfi8800

.8800 assumed opmpm

.am no .aaoa soeaaosaa no asaom

soapwodom

.am no .aaoo do asaom oeaam

80Hmma8800

mm>a£op<
a .naq .paoo

seasnaa oaaem do
mnOpmpso 00 venom

 

 

shoemfim
a .noh4 .pqu moopmSHB mo camom
p8o8pmmmo0 moppa8800
no memom

o>au80ox8

0>Hp50oxm

opapdooam

o>Hp50oxm

o>HpmHmeoq
*o>ap:ooxm
o>eu50oxm
0>Hp30oxm
m>HpmHmeoq

o>epdooxm

 

pso8cnm>oo
mo nocmpm

mpowoom
HmoHQOpmHm mumpm

seassaq .aaaa
a mm>flnon¢.pdom

season: oeaam

80Hmm88800
mosasoua oaansa

humane: mpmpm
mpoaoom
HmoHpOPmHm opmuw
seaspaa oaaaa

scamma8800
Haoasoaaaa .xsa

mobfinops
a seasnag .peoo

mnopmfim
a mm>H80h< .pqom

 

monmmm mo o8mz

ZOHHUZDm AdonoamHm Qz¢ A¢>Hmom¢ mo ZOHH<NHz<omO

v .oz mqm¢a

osaaH

mflwpooo

aaasoaa

ohmsmamu

adoflpooscog

oompoao0

aausoeaaao

mmmCmMs<

mGONHp¢

mEman<

spasm

anamosno88oo
no mnmsonoom

mm>H£0n<
I. a ssassss .sesm

5

opmpm no .hsoom

 

pam8nnmmoa

80Hmm88800

Conmmn8800

mnocofimmfi88o0 no Unmom

mnosoonnu no enaom

unmom mnmnnnq

vnmon HmOHnOpmHm
a mnannnq spasm

.8800 mnOmH>0¢
nsassss ssasm.m

enaom HmonnOpmHm
a snassss ssasm.s

 

sssssaaoo
no enmom

*QQQ>HHE

m>HpSooxm

o>npsomxm

o>ns50oxm

m>np50mxm

o>asdooxm

*mpwpanm
*mnmaowwdh
Io>npwooxm

o>np50oxm

onfinSQoxm

 

pno88no>oo
no nonmnm

muonoom HmoHnOpmHm

mnOmoccHS

.8800 HmoHnOpmnm

8mmH£0HE

Snaaosso8800
no mnmpmnoom

mno80flmmfl8800
mwnooom no Hamm

nsansss ssasm

mo>nnon¢
a mnmnpna .udom

mponoom
Hmonnonmnm spasm

mo>nnon<
a nsosssm .seso

nsansss ssasm

mo>H£on«

nsassss .sm.m
hpofioou

naossosssm .sm.n

 

Nonmmm no o8mz

mp0mo88H?
sameness

manomSSommmmr

wnmahnms
sense

meHmHSOQ

axe:QCom

mmmCmm

mSOH

acmaccH

mfiocwdaH

ssasm

52

figwom

mnopomnnm no Unmom
enmom

.sasm .am .sm ssssmsm no asaom
mnComom no enaom

.am no .saso Hsossoo nsosssaa

80nmmH88o0

mcapcoa no
nsssoom Haossosssm
no mmopmsna no Unmom

momumdne no unmom

 

 

unmennmaoo oopnn8800
no Unmom

owm>nnm

oum>nnd
o>np50oxm

o>apdooxm

o>nn50oxm

o>np50oxm

o>np50oxm

*msm>nnm

*m>npdooxm

*mpm>flhl

opa>nnm

 

pco8snm>oo
no noamnm

.oom Hmonnosmnm

0cm .£0n¢ OHQO
muonoom

HmonnOpmnm spasm mpoxmm Spnoz

nsasssq ssasm aesnosam sssoz

neassss ssasm anon asz
mnmnnnq

88om52 spasm oonxoa smz
.pmflm a .Son¢

mnmnnfiq .pm no .>HQ homnoh 3oz

mnnnmmamm soz

hnmnpnq mnmum m©m>oz

mponoon HmonnOpmHm

mxmmnpoz mxmmnpmz
nnmnpnq
muoommaaoomas

a Hmoanoumfim mCmeOS
hnoaoom

HmonnOHmHm mumpm HnSOmmHS
nsosssm

mmm>nzon¢ .pdoa Hadnmmflmmnfi

 

Ndcmww mo o8mz mumnm

53

.am no .seso

onmpm no .msoom

 

Mdo8snmmwa

mnOpand0 no onmom
Conmma8800
mnmom mnmnnng

mnonmnso no unmom
moopmsna no wnmom

Honpcoo no Unmom

.8800 HmoHnOpmam
a nsansss

Conpmodwm no Unmom

mpmwoom HmonnOpmnm

vnmom

:onmm88800

onmom mnmnnnq spasm

 

sssssesoo
no unwom

o>nu800xm

mumbanm

o>np50oxm

mbflpfiomé

o>npdooxm

opa>nnm
o>npmamnmoq

o>HuSooxm
o>np50oxm

m>HpSooxm

assssanssmss

o>numamnmoq

o>nudooxm

o>np50oxm

m>nu500xm

 

M0o8Qno>oo
no nosanm

.wm HmoHnOpmHm .pm
mumnoom HmonnOQmHm

nsosssm a
.sosa no .snsm

nnansss ssasm
nnansns ssasm

muonoom
Haossosasa.m
nsansss ssasm.s

muonoom
Hmonnosmnm osmsm

nsassss ssasm

mo>nnon< m
nsassss ssasm .snm

mnopmwm no .pdoa

nonmmw8800
Haosnosssm ssasm

nsassss ssasm

.8800 85om53
a naosnosanm

nsanssm ssasm

 

Manama no o8mz

08H80ma

nnmsoomng

assnmsss sass

80pmcH5mmE

mHCHmnH>

pcoeno>

sass

mmxoa

ommmocsoa

asoaam assom

msnfionm0 gadom

asansn saosm

mnnm>fihmncmm

agosanso

ssasm

54
D. State Law Library Service.

This is, of course, the original and traditional
state library function andzil of the forty-eight states
now offer some degree of law library service. In many
states, service and use of the collection is still re-
stricted to state officers but,in general horizons of ser-
vice have broadened even though staffs and budgets may
still be limited.

In nineteen states, when many of these law librar—
ies were established, there was little intention that
there would even be any other state library service of—
fered. As a result, many of them were called the state
library, and nineteen of the state library agencies giv—
ing law library service today, and in some cases, only
law library service, are still called the state library.
This causes a good deal of confusion and a few states
have gone to the trouble of officially changing the name
of the state library to the state law library.

It wasnflzuntil 1946 that Louisiana finally passed
a legislative act changing the name of the State Library
to the Law Library of Louisiana and the name of the Li—
brary Commission, which actually gives the general library
and extension service, was changed to the State Library.
This did help to clear up the picture tremendously and

the right mail is now delivered more often to the right

55
agency.

The judicial branch of government dominates the
administration of state law libraries with the supreme
court most often directing activities and the clerk of
the court, in many cases, acting also as the librarian.
This form of organization is one of the reasons many law
libraries are limited in their services. The Justices
of the court and also the clerk would naturally have many
other responsibilities and duties, nor can such person-
nel be expected to have the interest and technical train;
ing to administer a law library effectively.

In thirteen states, law library service is now in
the executive branch of government. These law libraries
tend to have stronger collections. In several states
such as Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan and New Jersey,
the law library service is part of a larger state library
agency which gives broad general library service as well.
In California there are two state agencies, both giving
law library service, the State Library under the executive
bfanch and the Supreme Court Library under the judiciary.
The State Library in this case has an excellent collection
with a professionally trained staff giving the best type
of law library service. The Supreme Court Library is

probably a small agency, not even being mentioned in the

 

lLouisiana, Twelfth Biennial Report 9.1”. the
_ppdsiana State Library, 1946147, 1948, p. 9.

56

latest directory of American libraries.1

The legislature now is responsible for law librar-
y service in only five states. Iowa is an exception with
its combination of executive and judicial organization.

Again in law library service, board organization
dominates because in this type of service the supreme
court, in so many cases, acts as the library's board,
determining the rules and regulations for the library.
These probably should be considered ex—officio boards
since the judges are members by virtue of their office

and they serve primarily another official function.

 

1American LibragyDirectory (New York: R. R.
Bowker Co., 19487.

 

57

pn500 o8onqsm

pn500 o8onn3m

undoo oaonmsm

pndo0 o8mna5m

pn500 oaonmsm
.0n no .pqoa

pn500 o8onmdm
mo>nmon¢ a

mnmnpnq .nmoa

pn500 o8onmsm

 

pno8pnmmoa

.pnms0 conpmmnsmmno msosmnm mom I *

.8800 mnOmn>@¢
nsansss ssasm

.eoo snasssm .sm

.am no asaom ssasm

nsassss .sm no
mn0pmnd0 no .0m

 

oopun8800
no onmom

ananonwsh

mnanonwsh

.nnq undoo o8ona3m

.sns sas ssasm

o>nn50oxm hnmnpnq spasm

mnanonozh
o>npdooxm
o>npmamnmog
mnonoHUSh
man0H05h
o>wp30oxm
nnmaoaodh

opnumamnmoq

HmHOHUSH

 

pcm8Cno>oo
no nocmnm

.nnq undoo o8onasm
snansss ssasm
nsassss ssasm

.nnq pn500 o8onmsw

.nnq undoo m8onadm
nsassss ssasm

.nnq unsoo o8onQ5m

mobnnon< a
mnmnnnq .pmoa

hnmnpnq pnsoo
o8onasm osmnm

 

wwsow< no o8az

onBOZDm wm<mmHQ.3¢q no ZOHH<NHz<omo

.oz qu<a

anosnnnn

osaan

mnwnooo
monnoan
mnmsaamm
unonnoocco0

oomnoaoo

ancnonssao

mmmcmxnm

acounn<

m8apma<

ssasm

58

anoo oaonQSm
*pn800 m8onadm

snooo o8onmzw

Pn500 o8mnmfim

mOHPWSH. .HO 0......ng

mm>flCUH¢< 8

phfiOO mfimhgdm

PHSOO wamhmflm

 

uflwfiuhwng

EOHmmHEEOO
assososnno no .am

*Unmom

unmom mnmnpaq .um

meHMHQHA
.HOrH Uusom mpwpm

moonmsna no .0m

*sfifioo hHmHDHQ

mompmdna .DHA 3mg

thom hhfihpfiq oPm

o>npdooxm
o>np§ooxm
manOHUdh
hnmfioflwdb
hHMfloHfiDh
*mbwumamflmmq

m>flu30mxm
o>wp50oxm
mbflpdomxm
m>HpSomxm

*m>H#SO®NW

m>deomNm

onmom mnmnpaq *mnmfloncshIooxm

 

mmupfiafioo
no unmom

 

pno8qno>00
MO SOGMHm

hnmnpfiq mumpm
mnmnnflq mumpm
mnmhnwd mQMpm
mnmnnflq 3mg opmpm
pndoo mamngfim
snansss ssasm

nsassss ssasm

mnmnpflq onmnm
hnmnpfiq mpmpm
snassns ssasm
hnmnpflq mpmpm

mnmnan 3mg

mm>H£UH¢ d
mnmnpnq .pnom

hHMHDHQ m#mpw
nnassns sag ssasm

QQHqH DZHHHOO @BmoHQdm

 

mdnmw< no o8mz

thflmQEwm 3&2
m0m>oz
meMRflmz
mflm#EOH
HHDOmmHH
Hamflmmflmwflfl

anomoscnfi

samssonm
mpfimmfiflomwmmfi
Unmamnmz
sonas

mamHmHSOA

axofipmmm
wwmfiwm
NSOH

meanesn

 

ssasm

sass

59

pn300 o8onmdm nnmnonvsh .pnq pn500 oeonQSm maxon
*nnsoo o8onm3m .8800 mnannnq sag nan0H05h monnwnnnu 3mg oommoQCoa
unannnq
unso0 o8onazm nnmnoncSH sou unsoo o8onq3m asoxmm apnom
unso0 oaonmom manOHUSH .nnq unsoo oaonQSm acnaonmo cssom
pnsoo oeonmsm mnmnonodh mnmnpnq sou opmpm wnmamn moonm
nonposnpmcn
onHQSL .pmoa .0m no Anonsoo opnpdooxm mnmnpng opmnm mnnm>anmsnod
pn300 o8onn5m mnmnonosh .QHA unsoo o8onm5w nomono
mnmnonvdh mnmnnnq opmpm m8onmaxo
nnanpnq
pnzoo oaonnsm mnmnonosh 3mg unsoo o8onm5m Onso
sssoo sessasm snanonasm nsassns ass asoxam ssnoz

pnsootoaonasm manOHUSH .DHA unsoo o8ona5m m8aaonm0 nunoz

 

 

 

 

 

.nnoa .om .pm mpnowom no cnmom o>nnmamnmoq mnmnnnq onmnm xnow 3oz
pn500 oaonQSm moonmsnn no wnmom nnmnoncdh unannaq onmnm oonxos 3oz
nnossnm a .non<
.om no .pmoo anoqzoo nnOmfipcs o>npsooxm amnmnpnq opmpm.>na nomnoh soz
p8o8nnmnom moppn8800 pso8dno>00 NddoM¢ no o8mz oumuw
no vnmom no nosmnm

6O

*pn800 o8onm3m

unsoo o8ong5m

*pndoo o8onn3m

pn500 o8onQSm

 

pso8nnamoa

moonmsnn no unmom
Conmmn88o0
mnannnq 3mg mumpm

moopmSnn no onmom

 

ssssneaoo
no onwom

o>ns50oxm
nnmnoncsw
nnmnonoSh

nnmnonodh
nnmnonndh

o>npmamnmoq

 

pdo8¢no>00
no noomnm

nsansns ssasm

nnansns ssasm

nnanpnq 3mg

nnmnpnq sag
nnmnnnq sag opmpm

seasons ssasm

 

Nwdowm no o8mz

mnn8ona
camcoomnn

ansnmnn> sass

cosmunsmaa
ansnmnn>
pno8no>

mpmpm

61
E. Legislative Reference Service.

This is the most recently developed of all the
state library services. The Wisconsin legislature estab-
lished the first of such services in 1901.1 Today forty;
five states have this service. Twenty—two created new
agencies and twenty-three assigned legislative reference
work to an already existing one.

The state legislative reference agencies vary in
their organizational structures as well as in their speci—
fic services. A majority of them are subordinate branches
of the state library or state law library. This method of
organization is most common when the bureau does little or
no bill drafting. In several states where drafting is a
major activity - notably in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Ohio, and Pennsylvania - the bureau is independent of the
library. Special arrangements which exist in a few states
have placed the legislative reference function in the at-
torney-general's department in Colorado and in the secre-
of state's department in North Carolina.

In recent years the organization of legislative
reference functions has been affected measurably by the
development of legislative councils. The Council of State
Governments reports:

Most of the legislative council laws adopted

 

lHorace E. Flack, "History and Growth of Legisla-
tive Reference Libraries," Special Libraries, XXXII
(1941), 294.

62

since 1943 provide in one way or another
for coordinating the legislative council
and legislative reference functions and
activities. The laws in several states,
including Arkansas, ‘lorida, Kentucky,
Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota,
South Carolina, and Utah, integrated these
facilities in order that all members of
the legislature might be served. hMinneso-
ta, reference services are given by the
Legislative Research Committee; in sever-
al other states the legislative reference
activities have been coordinated with the
programs of legislative councils.l

It is possible that with good leadership more
funds and staff, most of the legislative reference and
legislative council services could have been assigned to
existing state libraries or state law libraries. As has
been noted, many of them were so assigned since the li-
braries were already performing similar service. The sub-
ject is by no means settled as evidenced by the fact that
at the 1949 meeting of the National Association of State
Libraries the New Jersey State Librarian warned:

There is a real and present danger that
many of the states which are contemplating
the idea of establishing legislative coun-
cils will, in some instances, by-pass already
existing facilities that might be employed
to provide the needed legislative research.
To be more specific, I say that unless our
state libraries are alert to this possibility
and take the initiative in providing effec-
tive reference service to their legislators,
they may find themselves withering on the
vine, in so far as legislative reference is
concerned. It behooves all of us who be-
lieve that legislative reference forms a
keystone of legitimate state library activ—
ities to take positive action on this matter

 

1Council of State Governments, op. cit., p. 128.

63
in our respective states.1

In setting up independent legislative reference
service, some state legislatures may have felt the need
of an agency over which they could have full control.
1his need is reflected in part of the law setting up the
Virginia Division of Statutory Research and Drafting.

Neither the Director nor any employee

of the division shall reveal to any person

outside of the division the contents or

nature of any such request or statements

except with the consent of the person

signing the request.2

This kind of caution is not general since, in
twenty—three states, the legislative reference service is
included in other state library agencies. California, for
example, has a good legislative reference section in its
State Library but also has an Office of Legislative Coun-
sel that works directly with the legislature. Thirteen
state legislatures have assigned the service to their law
libraries and six have, more unusually, assigned it to
their general library service agency. The California,
New Jersey and New York state libraries which have all of
the state library services including legislative refer-
ence are also all under state education departments.

The dominant trend and pattern, however, is that

legislative reference services be established under the

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Pro-
ceedings and Papers, 1948:49 (Rochester, N.Y., 19495, p. 8.

2See Appendix under Virginia.

64
legislature either independently or in conjunction with
legislative councils. The primary function which they
perform which is not usual in state law or general library
service is bill drafting. This, however, should not make
it impossible to include this service in a strong, inte-

grated state library agency.

65

Hmpoooonmocaopum

.Ufl mo .pamQ

mm>Hsou¢ a
mempnag .paom

 

unmappmmom

.pmmno coflpmmflcmwuo m.opmpm

moppflaaoo mpOmH>o<
sasspag mpwpm

Aflonsoo o>HumHmHmoq

.800 mpmpnfiq opwum

Qoflpmosom

no aaeom mpmsm

saaanaq mampm no
mAOHmnfio mo onwom

Haoqsoo m>HeonHwoq

 

omppaesoo

no opmom

o>apdooxm

o>HpmeHmmq
o>flpwamflwmq
o>apmamamoq
*o>flp:ooxm
w>HemeHmoq
o>Hp50mxm

m>aumamammq

o>apmamwmoq

o>HpmHmamoq

 

pcoacnm>oo
no nocmnm

0 .oz mqm¢a

mom I *

samapaq mamam
smmnsm .mom .wmq
smmpnm .mmm .mmq
ssmapag mpmpm

moaaao
.aam asaamfimawmq

Haunsoo
.mmq no moauao
a samanaq mpmpm

Hwocsoo o>Hpmameoq

mo>Hnon< a
mpmnpfiq .paoa

oofi>nom
.mom o>apwamwmog

 

Noamwm mo wamz

moH>mMm mozmmmmmm m>HB<quomq mo ZOHH¢NHz¢omO

osmUH

mwmpooo

moflnoam
mamSmHoQ

pSoHpooscoo

oompoaoo

masaoaafimo

momcmxpm

muonah<

mamnma<

 

mpmpm

66

*ppnoo maanSm

ppzoo memegsm

mo>Hmon¢ a
mpmupflq .pdoo

 

pamsppmmma

m>HpmHmHmmq HHocsoo o>HpmHmHmoq

zpmnpflq Bog mpmpm

nonmmmom m>apmamammq

HHoCSoo
*onmom mpmHoHUSh
moppfiaaoo m>wpmamwmmq
ommom mamnan mpmpm *m>apmamwwoq
m>HpmHmemq

onmom m>HpSomxm
*opmom upOmH>o¢ o>HpmHmeoA
moopmsna mo oamom m>H950mxm
obfiudomxm
m>wp50oxm
.aeoo mo venom m>ap50mxm
o>HpmHmHmoq
o>fiumamammq

opmom mnmunflq *mmmHoHUShnooxm

so moppweeoo

snmanaq mpmum

)

.EEou :onmmmmm .moq

downsm ooflbnom .mmq

sampnaq msmpm

.umm .mmq .pamo

samanaq mnmpm

samapaq mpmpm

.Esoo nonwomom .moq
Hfloqsoo m>prHmHmmq

mumynfiq 3mg opwpw
sowesm o>apmamfiwmq

Smmusm .mmm .woq

 

 

 

wo>HpmHmammq

dowefim .mom .woq m>HpmHmHmoq
moppaseoo unoacnm>oo

no omoom mo nocmmm

chmw¢ mo mawz

mxmmhpoz

mcmpcom

Hanommfla
Haaammammaa

mpomoccfifi

camaeaas
mppmmsnommmmfi
onwampmfi
mufimfi

mamHmHSoq

axoounom
mmmnwx
«30H

mcmHoQH

maonHHHH
mampm

67

mpmpm mo .m.omm

mpopm mo .m.oom
.pamo .em opmpm

upsoo mampmzm

 

pCmEupmmoQ

:onmHssoo
mAOpmHm a zpmnpfig

onmom mmmenflq opopm

opmom .mmm .qu

mpcwwom mo Unmom

mompmnne mo onmom

Hwonsoo mpoma>o¢
.8800 mpmaan owmpm

scammHSEOQ

 

mmppassoo
no onwom

o>fip5ooxm

opflpmamflmmq

m>fipmamflmmq
m>wu50mxm
m>prHmeoq
m>HpSomxm
mpmfiofioSh
w>apmamflqu
m>HpmHmemq
*m>deooxm
m>HpmHmfimoq

hemaoaooh

O O r

o>au5omxm
mpapoomxm

m>apdooxm

 

pqwecpm>ou
no nocmnm

mpmpnfiq opmpm mmxoe
Smondm .mmm .mmq mommeCmH
mpoxmo :pSom

Hausdoo m>apmamammq msflaoumo npdom
samsnaq mpmpm aemamH macaw

somndm .mom .wmq mamm>azmnc6m

mumpnfiq mpmuw commao
mhmppaq mpmuw maonmax
dmmpsm .mmm .mmq oflno

.Eoo nonmomom .woq mpoxma cppoz
mcoapmoHHQSm .>HQ quHopmo genoz
mpwpan mpmpm xpow aoz
muwpnflq mumpm ooflxog aoz

snowmam s .noaa
mpmnnfla mpwum.>fia mmmpmh Boz

mnmpnfiq opopm whammmsmm 3oz

humnpflq mumpm mom>oz

 

Nacwm< go wawz mpmpm

68

.ano apmpnflq one;

scammflsaoo

mompmsna mo unmon

 

 

pnoappmqoo moppfleaoo
no opmom

m>wp50mxm

m>HpSooxm

w>Hp50oxm

*o>flpmamfimoq
o>fipmamawoq

m>wpwamwwmq

 

pmmadpm>ou
mo zonmnm

sampnag mamam

.8800 humpan mmpm

mpmnpfiq mpmpm

mcapmmnm a goeommmm
saoaspapm no .pao

samanfiq spasm

Hwoqoog m>HpmHmHmmq

 

Nowwa Mo mamz

wCH80ha
camsoomfla
chHmnH> 9mm;

QOpwcflfimma

maaampa>
pcosmm>

amp:

 

mpwum

CHAPTER V
ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF STATE LIBRARY AGENCIES

A report prepared for a national advisory commit—

tee on education in 1938 concluded that:
A general appraisal of the record of

the states in library service must conclude

that they are the weakest link in the chain

of library development. Not more than ten

or twelve states have succeeded in estab-

lishing state library services of first

rank.l

Although progress has been made, fundamentally the
situation remains the same today. In the face of the
trend toward reorganization in most of the states today,
what are the important problems and needs facing state

libraries today?

A. Small Size of Individual Agencies.

This is the factor which makes state library
agencies most vulnerable in state government today. The
trend toward larger and fewer state departments threatens
to absorb or eliminate them.

There are some state library agencies, particu-
larly those giving only law and limited general library
services with annual budgets of less than $10,000 and a
staff of only one person. The state library in South
Carolina, for example, has only the state librarian as

staff. In I948 the total budget for this library was lit-

 

l . .
Librar§ Service "Staff Study " N . 1 re-
pared for he visory C6mmittee on Educatgon IWaghington.
Government Printing Office, 1938), p. 20

7O
tle more than the librarian's salary and the total collec—
tion consisted of 140,000 volumes with no change in quan-
tity reported since 1945. The only legal qualifications
for the position of state librarian are:". . . any woman,
resident of the State two years, who has attained the age
of twenty-one years."1 The legislature still elects and
re-elects the state librarian every four years. She op-
erates under an ex-officio Board of Trustees consisting
of the governor, secretary of state and superintendent of
public instruction. it is rather easy to understand how
relatively minor and unimportant this agency would seem
in the total governmental picture in South Carolina.

But even the largest, most integrated, successful
and progressive state library agencies have not as yet ap-
proached annual appropriations of a million dollars over
and above state aid appropriations, nor have total staff
members of any agency much exceeded one hundred. Consid-
ering the multitude and importance of the functions such
centralized agencies should be performing, one million
dollars would not seem like an unreasonable budget. How-
ever, there is no doubt but that these larger agencies
have ahieved a much more secure and respected position
in their respective states and, in general, can keep
their appropriations more in line with increased costs

and services.

1South Carolina, Constitution, 1868, art. XIV,
sec. 1.

 

71
B. multiplicity of State Library Agencies.

lour or five small independent agencies all per—
forming some kind of state library service would certainly
cause any state reorganization expert to_recommend elimin—
ation, combination, or integration of these individual
agencies.

South Carolina can again serve as a good bad exam-
ple. In addition to the State Library just described, there
are at least four other state library agencies each bidding
for funds from the same state budget. There is a State
Public Library Association under a Board of Directors which
administers library extension work. A third agency is the
Supreme Court Library which is in the custody of the clerk
of the court who employs a "suitable" person annually to
attend to it. Fourth is the State historical Commission
which handles the archives and historical materials. Fifth
is a Legislative Council which does legislative reference.
In addition to these five, the state education department
would be looking for funds to support its school library
consultant function.

There is also a sixth state gency which gives li-
brary service to the public libraries of the state unoffic-
ially because of the inability of any other agency to do it.
That is the library of the state university which sends out
books in answer to specific requests. In several other
states, where there is a similar lack of good general library

service in a state library agency, the state university or

72

sometimes the public library in the largest city fills the
gap. Two more examples of this are the University of Colo-
rado Library and the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah.

Other states that also have a hodge-podge of library
agencies are Delaware, Kansas and lVorth Dakota. All of
these are characterized by weak programs and low budgets.
The Kansas State Library is under the Supreme Court serving
as directors. The law still specifies the title and salary
of every position in the library. The Supreme Court also
appoints the members of the library extension board on
which the state librarian serves as ex-officio chairman.
In addition there is an Historical Society and a Legisla-
tive Council in the state.

The need for fewer state library agencies is ob-
vious. Several states, including Kansas and Tennessee,
are now officially studying their state library organiza-
tion and will recommend changes in organization to their

legislatures.

C. Problems of Integration.

Integration of state library agencies is the ob-
vious way of getting larger state library agencies and
eliminating multiplicity.. If the integration is well-
planned it should also result in a stronger agency, more
efficiently organized and administered.

This is how the American Library Association sees
the problem:

The trend in recent years is clearly
away from many scattered ibrary agencies

toward one strong agency. Reorganization

73
has come on the initiative of library
leaders or as part of a general reorgani-
zation of state administration or on the
recommendation of a surveying or research
agency. It is a trend to be welcomed,
provided the consolidation is wisely con-
ceived. Operation of intimately related
functions by several administrative agen-
cies is contrary to the best governmental
principles, and conflicts and overlappings
are inevitable. One strong agency can in
general have higher standing and better
financial support than a number of smal-
ler ones.1

There are many natural obstacles in changing or
integrating any state service. Years of tradition as an
independent agency; the intrenchment of agency personnel
and governing bodies; political considerations; special
influential friends of the several independent agencies;
the lack of proof that the change will really bring im-
provement; the difficulty of revising state laws; or, as
in Mississippi, the necessity of changing the state con-
stitution to change the organization of the State Library.

Integration in itself, is, of course, not the
entire answer. Combining two understaffed and under-sup-
ported agencies into one with the same disadvantages ac-
complishes little, if anything. The Iowa legislature, for
example, took four state library agencies in 1939 and put
them all under one ex-officio board consisting of the
governor, a member of the Supreme Court and the superin-
tendent of public instruction. This board appoints the

four librarians heading the agencies and makes and enfor-

 

1American Library Association, Library Extension
Board, The State Library A enc (5th ed.; Chicago: Amer-
ican Library Association, 1945 p. 6. (Mimeographed)

74
ces their rules. In 1948, the librarian of the State
Traveling Library reported:
At the time of the consolidation of

the libraries, there were twelve on the

Library Commission payroll and nine on

the State Library payroll. The work is

now being done by nineteen people . . . .

The amount of money appropriated to the

State Traveling Library is niggardly and

justifies deserved criticism of people

in the library field and others concerned

with the value of good library service to

the state.1

The Michigan State Library is an example of a well—
integrated agency having the distinct advantages of gener-
al reference, law library, and extension services in one
administrative unit. The extension division needs mater-
ials to work with for exhibit and promotional purposes, in
addition to their need for all professional tools. The
traveling library collection is also used promotionally in
giving newly organized county libraries a start with a
collection and permanently supplements county libraries in
the low tax valuation areas of the state. In North Caro-
lina, for example, the Library Commission and the State
Library both maintain book collections which must dupli-
cate each other to a considerable degree. The same dupli-
cation can result when a state law library is not coordin-

ated with the general state library service.

The library extension agency can also be of con—

 

1Iowa, Twentyefourth Report pf the Iowa State
Traveling Library, 1948, pp. 5-6.

75
siderable assistance to the reference and circulation ser-
vice in selecting materials which they find are needed and
wanted out in the state. The channels of communication
and coordination would be lacking in separate agencies
which are often not even located in the same building or
even in the same city. In Maryland, for example, the
State Library is in Dover and the library extension agen—
cy is in Baltimore.

Centralized administration can also eliminate
much expensive duplication of personnel and equipment be-
tween separate agencies, particularly in accounting, cler-
ical, and public relations work.

One state library agency for all library functions
can also be used easier by the public who cannot be ex—
pected to understand and differentiate between the differ-
ent types of services offered by one agency as against
another. Centralization makes referrals of the public
from one separate agency to another unnecessary and makes
it more certain that they will get the service they are

looking for more promptly and expeditiously.

D. Lack of Leadership.

Lack of leadership, either within state library
boards or by heads of state library agencies, is another
general problem. This is particularly true of agencies
headed by boards composed entirely or largely of ex—of-

ficio members who "lack either the time or the inclination

76
to give much attention to board work or devote much energy
to it."1 The results usually show in the lack of accom-
plishment in their programs. The State Library Commission
in Idaho, for example, is composed of the attorney-gener-
al, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruc-
tion and president of the State University. How much at-
tention could such a board devote to a state library agen-
cy and how much positive leadership could they give it?
The state library board that has charge of all the state
library services in Iowa is composed of the governor,
superintendent of public instruction and a member of the
Supreme Court. In Kansas, the justices of the Supreme
Court comprise the library board. Montana, Nevada and
South Dakota are other states whose programs have shown the
ill effects of ex-officio board members. Three members of
the South Dakota Free Library Commission are nominated by
three different state-wide groups, and appointed by the
governor who is one of the ex-officio commission members.
The superintendent of public instruction is another ex—
officio member but also chairman of the Commission. This
power in an ex-officio member is also poor administrative
practice and difficult to circumvent if and when necessary.
The Director of the Public Library Service Division in
Alabama has stated her definite preference for a state

library board made up of "five citizens, non-librarians,

 

lW. Brooke Graves, American State Government (Bos-
ton: D. C. Heath and Company, 1946), p. 426.

a:

a. A

77
with no ex-officio members."l

Another disadvantage of ex-officio board members
is the indefiniteness of their tenure on the board since
they are members by virtue of their elected or appointed
office. They may change every time there is a political
change in which case they would not be able to learn much
about or contribute much to the work of the board. On
the other hand they may be political fixtures in the state
government and stay in office indefinitely in whidhcase,
as appointed board members came and went, the fixed ex-
officio member or members would be in a position to domin-
ate the board. The very uncertainty of their tenure is a
disadvantage in itself.

Specific, legal requirements of training and ex-
perience for heads of state library agencies are still the
exception in state library laws rather than the rule, al-
though requirements are becoming more prevalent in recent
legislation. This is how the situation was summed up at
a University of Chicago Library institute in 1944:

In professional education the quali-
fications of heads of state library agen—

cies appear to be definitely inferior to

those of librarians of public libraries

in cities of 35,000 or over. The record

of professional experience of the state

agency officers is also not of the best;

many are relatively new in the library

field. In order to be effective leaders
and advisers to local groups, the state

 

l"Who Should Make Up the Membership of a State
Library Board," Tennessee Librarian, II (1950), 12.

 

78

agency must be greatly strengthened pro—

fessionally. The library extension heads

should be the library leaders in their

states. Their general education, pro-

fessional training, experience, personal~

ity, ingenuity, vision, and executive

ability must command the respect of the

library profession and of co-operating or-

ganizations in their respective areas.

They must have broad social viewpoints,

fearlessness, and must be able to push

toward their goal with unflagging tenacity.

In several states political considerations still
dominate in the appointment of an agency head.. This can
be especially true in states in which the governor, or
some other executive officer appoints or the legislature
elects the librarian in the absence of specific training
and experience requirements. At the 1949 meeting of the
National Association of State Libraries, the State Li—
brarian of Wyoming said: "I think, perhaps, I should be
embarrassed. I am the seventeenth State Librarian from
Vyoming, and I visualize you shrugging your shoulders and
saying, 'another State Librarian'."2 Wyoming is by no
means unique. Other states have had the same experience.
This spoils system, however, often results in having as

heads of state library agencies people having little ad-

ministrative or professional ability in positions that are

 

1Paul A. T. Noon, "The Role of the State Agency
in Library Extension," in Carleton B. Joeckel, ed., Li—
brary Extension Problems and Solutions (Chicago: Univer-
sity of Chicago Press, 1946), pp. 165-66.

 

2National Association of State Librarians, Pro-
ceedings and Papers, 1948—49 (Rochester, I. Y., 1949),
p. 19.

79
vitally important to the development of library service
in the state. Sometimes these appointees do not even
have the confidence or the approval of the librarians or
the library association of the state and as a result gen—
eral progress is temporarily blocked. Occasionally state
library associations try to correct the situation by seek-
ing legislative change. It was in 1939, after almost a
decade of rapidly changing political appointments in Mich;
igan, that the Michigan Library Association managed to re—
place the library law allowing the state librarian to be a
political appointee of the governor with a new law estab-
lishing a State Board for Libraries which appoints a li-
brarian with library training and at least four years of
administrative experience.

Under its reorganization program in 1945, New Jer-
sey went even further to take politics out of the state
library service. The Director of the Division of the
State Library, Archives and History, who supervises all
state library activities, is under civil service and the
Commissioner of Education must choose one of three top
names on the civil service register.

At the meeting of the National Association of
State Libraries in 1949, the State Librarian of Plorida,
appointed by.a board, did not agree that boards, particu-

larly in his state, necessarily did away with political

 

lMichigan,-Public Acts, 1937, Act No. 106, Sec. 5.

80
appointees. He added:

When I went in as State Librarian
in 1927, as Secretary of the State Li—
brary Board, most of the memters of the
Florida Library Association were op-
posed to it. That is no secret now.
They are now my best friends. I do not
know what caused it. I have tried to do
my duty in any way I could. I did not
know anything then, and I don't know
anything yet.

In 1941, one of the leading professional journals
applauded the unusual action of the Governor of Maine in
appointing a trained librarian to head the State Library:

From our earliest years we have been
familiar with the expression so often
heard around election time: 'As Maine
goes, so goes the nation.‘ Whatever its
accuracy as applied to politics, would it
not be splendid if we could feel that
Governor Sewall's important step in ap-
pointing a proiessional librarian to the
post of State Librarian would set an ex-
ample that every state in the Union would
follow as opportunity offers.

Compare the good name that the New
York State Library possesses today, after
half a century under the guidance of
trained librarians, with, for instance,
the poor name the Michigan State Library
has carried for years, and still carries,
under political appointees. May we re-
mind Governor Van Wagoner of his pledge
to the Michigan voters before he was
elected last fall, that "I promise the
Michigan Library Association a definitely
non-political organization, and I will
carry out the letter and the spirit of
the Michigan Library Law, passed in 1939
and still neglected."

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Pro-
ceedings and Papers, 1948-42 (Rochester, N. Y., 19495
p. 17.

 

81

Why is it necessary or important to
place a trained and experienced librarian
at the head of a State Library, or any
other public library? Why cannot a pol-
itician, trained, for example, as a dog
catcher, do just as efficient a job? The
answer to that question would answer all
questions raised these many years as to
why any sane person would devote four
years to college training and one year in
an accredited professional library school
to learn the science and ideals of the
library profession.

Given an active state library, with

an alert extension agency, a dynamic

state library association, and a trained

librarian in charge, it is being con-

stantly proved that progress in the ex-

tension and enlargement of library ser—

vices will make rapid strides.

This states the case and sums up the point very
well. Accomplishing these goals, unfortunately, is not

as easy as stating them.

E. Need for Stronger Staff Service Agency.

Another general state library problem is the need
for further development as a strong and effective service
agencytn state departments and staff. As the work of
state legislatures and state departments becomes necessar-
ily more complex, state library agencies must adapt them-
selves to the information needs of state government.

State libraries must not only meet the needs but in many
cases foresee the needs if they are to give valuable ser-

vice.

 

l"As Haine Goes, 80 Goes the Nation," Library
Journal, LXVI (1944), 164.

82

A great deal of the prestige and the influence of
state library agencies rests on their ability to meet the
challenge of the changing times. If they do not meet the
challenges, they will be by-passed. The services needed
will be sought from other agencies or new agencies will be
created. Records administration is a new service, the
need for which has been stressed by many reorganizations
studies. This is a logical extension of archival, histor—
ical or even general state library document work. Unless
state library agencies already engaged in archival work
show an interest and an ability to do it, they will lose
a great opportunity and their prestige and possibly their
budgets will drop accordingly.1

In reporting on this area the Public Library In—
quiry said:

Most libraries still have not devel-

oped an effective service to public ad-

ministrators. This is a significant

vacuum, for public policy is formed large-

ly and probably increasingly at the ad—

ministrative level. Every library can

serve local, and some can serve state

officials. The research suggests the

hypothesis that all librarians will find

such service politically important.

F. Need for Changes in Library Legislation.

Just as most states need integration of their

 

lChristopher Crittenden, "State Archives and the
Future," American Archivist, VIII (1945), 185- 93.

2Oliver Garceau, The Public Library in the Polit—
ical Process (New York: L«olumbia University Press, 1949),
p. 150.

 

83
state library agencies, so do their library laws need re-
codification and modernization. Most states have some
legal provisions which either hamper their library agen-
cies or else must be ignored.

The Maryland State Library law, for example, pro-
vides for a State Librarian appointed by the governor who
"shall hold office during the term of the Governor . . . .
His salary shall be fifteen hundred dollars a year . . .
and no appropriation shall be made by law to pay for any
clerk or assistant to the'bibrarian."l

The hentucky law sets the salary of the state li—
brarian at $3,000 per year. These salaries may have been
adequate when the law was written but it is obvious how it
would limit recruiting for these positions at the present
time. hentucky has also set the most minute and detailed
laws for its Law Library, specifying the hours and days
the library shall be open and listing the books and series
which shall constitute part of the library and which books
certain officials may take out of the library. This li-
brary is a division of the Department of Library and Ar-
chives with a State Librarian appointed by the governor.
Over the one division, the Law Library, the law superim-
poses a board of trustees consisting of the Judges of the

Court of Appeals and the Attorney General to “see that

 

lAnnotated Code of Maryland, 1939, Vol. 1, p. 126.

—-L——_

 

84
the Law Librarian properly discharges the duties of his

1 There are many other such examples of dual and

office."
triple responsibility in state library laws as pointed
out in the Appendix.

The laws governing the Wyoming State Library offer
a prize example and are worth summarizing here. The State
Librarian is appointed by the governor by and with the
consent of the Senate. The judges of the Supreme Court
make the rules and regulations on the loan of books. The
librarian reports to the legislature at the beginning of
each regular session. The law also gives the librarian
legal responsibility for the labeling and classifying of a
cabinet of geological specimens.

Another common holdover in state library laws
which is ignored in Michigan and probably in most of the
other states having it, is the provision that legislators
cannot receive their pay until they have a clearance from
the state librarian they have returned all state library
books.

Laws applying to state library agencies are scat—
tered all over the law books in most states. A re-study,
re-evaluation and codification of them would most likely
take many of the outdated and restricting provisions off
the books. Having them all drawn together after confer~

ences involving all the agencies plus the state library

 

lCarrol's Kentucky Statutgg, 1936, p. 2489.

85
association would probably result in many improvements
and this process would, in itself, be an influence toward
integration and cooperation between the agencies.

The more recent state library laws are much broad-
er and general in defining the functions of the agency.1
They do not constrict the progress and development of the
agency and allow the board or the head of the agency to
exercise a great deal of administrative discretion. This
is as it should be. I

Another problem regarding legislation is not unique
with state library agencies. That is the problem of good
legislation which lacks the implementation of staff, bud-
get and physical facilities to put it into effect. The
Washington State Librarian has said: "We are very proud
of the library laws of Washington. If we ever catch up

to our laws we will be an awfully good library state."2

 

1See Appendix under Arizona and Missouri.

2National Association of State Libraries, Pro.
ggedings and Papers, lags-1951 (Rochester, N. Y., 1947)
p. 22.

CHAPTER VI
STATE REORGANIZATION AND STATE LIBRARY AGENCIES

Reorganization surveys in the states have, in
most cases, followed these principles:

1. Concentration of authority and responsibility.

2. Departmentalization or functional administration.

3. Elimination of boards for purely administra-

tive work.
4. Coordination of the staff services of adminis—
tration.

5. Recognition of a governor's cabinet.1

As might be suspected from this trend toward the
integration of administrative departments, state surveys
have usually recommended the consolidation of the state
library agency or agencies with the state education de—
partment under the administration of the education de-
partment. The_over-simplified premise is that libraries
are educational institutions and that state departments of
education are concerned will all facets of education. Ed-
ucation is, of course, accepted as one of the major state
functions and since the reorganization goal is usually a
small number of departments, many nearly related functions
must be tucked under every large department.

This is the way one of the leading students of

library government has described the relationship between

 

1A. E. Buck, 9p. cit., pp. 14—15.

 

87

libraries and schools:
Little or no evidence of a real phil-

osophy of public education, broad enough

to include the library, has been shown by

the boards of education in any of the

cities here studied. This seems to have

been true of the easier days of the past

as well as of the depression years. The

attention of the board members and school

executives alike is so closely focused on

the schools that there is as yet no indi—

cation of the emergence of a program in

which the public library is to play an

important part.1

Library agencies as divisions of state departments
of education are not a new idea. One such division dates
back to 1893, but most have been developed since 1911, and
the trend continues with more state reorganization pro-
grams and constitutional changes.

In some states with strong state education agen-
cies, which think of education in broad terms, state li-
brary service has not suffered under the centralization.
This is particularly true of the New York State Library
under a Board of Regents, elected by the legislature, with
the State Librarian now serving also as an Assistant Com—
missioner of Education.

In other states, however, state education depart-
ments are concerned primarily with public schools and

school development, and state and public library services

are neglected. The proceedings of the meetings of the

 

1Carleton Bruns Joeckel, The Government pf he
American Public Library (Chicago: University of Chicago
Press, 1935), p. 146.

88
National Association of State Libraries have some reveal-
ing statements on this point. At the 1949 meeting, the
Secretary of the North Dakota State Library Commission
said in a discussion on the advisability of state library
agencies being under state education departments:

Under our State Department of Public
Instruction, I Just wonder whether we
would have had any appropriation at all;
having just gone through a session of the
legislature, and knowing how hard it has
been to get any appropriation, and to get
our appropriation raised, 1 am wondering
if the appropriation would have been forth-
coming, if our State Department of Public
Instruction had been pleading for us.
Somehow, I think we stood a much better
chance, as being an individual department,
than to have it under the State Depart-
ment of Public Instruction. Then, I am a
little bit alarmed about the public li-
braries. Probably, the State Department
of Public Instruction, if it did give the
appropriation, would be more concerned
about having the school libraries looked
after properly, than it would have if the
public libraries enter the picture sole—
ly. As to salaries, if in their budget
they were going to include the salaries
for us, too, knowing how they fared or how
they didn%,fare, I wonder how much sal-
ary we would have had given to our own
department for the various people who
were working for us.1

A former State Librarian of California, who
served under the State Department of Education there,
had this comment to make about a report which recommended
that a federal library agency be placed in the U. S. Of—
fice of Education:

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Pro—
ceedings and Papers, 1948-1949 (Rochester, N. Y., 1949)
p. 10.

 

89

My years of service as a librarian
. . . leave me no other deduction than
that the absorption of the public li-
brary by the school system would be a
fatal backward step. In my knowledge,
at least, no schoolman has risen to show
genius, and few more than a passing in-
terest, in the public library problem.
Let me add that I do not blame teachers
for their lack of information on this
subject, but merely for their readiness
to undertake remote control of our sys-
tem. Cooperation as offered by the
Reeves report is too closely akin to
that ancient figure of the lion and the
lamb lying down in peace together-~with
the lamb inside the big cat.1

New Jersey is one of the states in which reorgan-
ization has more recently abolished the independent state
library agencies and put them under the state education
department as a division of the department. At the 1948
meeting of the National Association of State Libraries,
the Director of the state library division said:

Under the reorganization of the
Department of Education in 1945, the li-
braries were placed where they belong,
we feel. So we have no labor pains at
the moment . . . I am convinced that if in
the future we cooperate and work with the
Department of Education the way we have in
the little more than a year that I have
been in office, we will do all right.

But it must be admitted freely that
a great many states seem to feel and a
good many librarians at the local level
feel that to come under education is to
move into the position of a stepchild.2

 

1Milton J. Ferguson, "The Library Crosses the
Bridge," Bulletin of the American Library Association,

XXXII (19385, p. 42—21

2National Association of State Libraries, Pro-
ceedings and Pa ers, 1947-1948 (Rochester, N. Y., 1948),

P. 44.

 

90

Within two years after this statement the state
library division was almost a step-child. The governor's
budget for 1950 recommended the complete abolition of the
State Museum Division of the education department and a
tremendous cut in the budget of the Division of State
Library, Archives and nistory. Since the superintendent
of education is an appointee of the governor and a member
of the governor's cabinet, he could do nothing to save the
divisions and officially the divisions could do nbthing to
save themselves. Only the remnant of the former Public
Library Commission which had been carried over in the re-
organization as an Advisory Council to the division, plus
the Library Association and “ibrary Trustee Association
could go to work. They did an excellent job of letting
the state know what was happening and arousing public opin-
ion. The result was that both divisions were saved but an
example of what can happen when a state library agency is
dominated by an education department was shown. If the
public library interests which had been developed under
the independent state library agencies had not existed,
the state library service may have suffered a permanent
set-back.

A fundamental difference exists between schools
and libraries which cannot be overlooked. Schools em—
phasize formal education, in most cases compulsory and
designed primarily for children and young people. Pub—

lic library service is decidedly informal, voluntary and

91

designed for all age levels. Public library and state
library service is also at a much lower stage of develop-
ment than the school program in most states. It got its
start later and has never been of as much concern to state
government. Certainly there is no comparison between state
and local expenditures for schools and for public librar—
ies. It would be natural for officials of state education
departments to be concerned with the greater financial and
political demands of the school program.

At the 1949 meeting of the National Association of
State Libraries, the New Xork State Librarian said:

I seem to recall that one of the most

profound writers on library administration,

and perhaps political science generally,

once wrote, many years ago, that it was

very dangerous for a prince of modest means

to ally himself with a much more powerful

prince. Sometimes the library does lose

by an affiliation with an educational or-

ganization, and I know that has happened.1

Taking local public libraries as an analogy, the
Ohio State Librarian said:

Speaking from the aperience in our

state, I know that the local public li-

braries that are not tied up-—that are

not dependent upon support fromthe schools

--are much better off, financially, and

as an independent unit, than are those

which are tied up with schools.2

A significant experiment was tried in Louisiana

in 1937. The demand for library service and demonstra-

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Pro-
ceedings and ‘apers, 1948-1949 (nochester, N. Y., 1949)
p. 12.

2Ibid., p. 11.

 

92

tions had become so mute that the governor became inter-
ested in providing books to the rural areas particularly.
His idea was to utilize the school libraries which had
gained impetus under the direction of the State School
Library Supervisor in the Department of Education. The
Library Commission, however, didn't believe that the
school library was the answer. Nor were Louisiana educa-
tors sure. To find the answer, a scheme was worked out.
The State Department of Education put books for adults in-
to the libraries of fifty-six high schools in ten parish-
es. The Library Commission put the $10,000 provided by
the Department of Education, plus additional funds, into
a regional demonstration, utilizing three parishes with
approximately oneethird the adult population of the ten
parishes. Results were conclusive. At the end of six
months the 119,296 residents of the ten parishes served
by the fifty-six school libraries had borrowed only
14,355 books. The 31,610 residents of the parishes served
by the Tri—State Demonstration had borrowed 101,236 books.

The following year, the legislature added $100,000
to the appropriation of the Library “ommission with the
understanding that the regional demonstration would be
carried on through the parish libraries and not through

the schools.1

 

lMargaret Dixon, "The First Twenty-Five Years,"
Bulletin of the Louisiana Library Association, XIII

(1950) , p35”? 41-42.

93

Many state library functions are not closely akin
to functions of state education or public instruction
functions at all. This is particularly true of services
which state libraries render to state departments. These
are staff services rather than line functions. These in-
clude the wide range of reference and research work for
state departments, the information and materials service.
1hey also include the assistance to other agencies with
their archives and state records. Legal information ser-
vice and research is still another aspect of this kind of
staff function. All of these would be quite foreign to
the normal functions of a state education department which
is primarily a line agency working with, giving consul—
tant service to, and accrediting the schools of the state.

The staff functions which state library agencies
perform for state departments in the field of general and
specific information and material are typically library
functions and should have independent status in state or-
ganization. Just as civil service commissions serve all
state departments in the field of personnel and as other
administrative departments serve state government in the
field of budgeting, accounting, auditing and building
management, so does the state library agency serve in the
field of information and information materials. The more
centralized this library service is, the better service

it can give. It should be an independent agency in order

94
that its services can be available equally to all depart—
ments and so that its services can not be subverted and
de-emphasized by a controlling department.

The field of state library extension is another
matter. The point has already been made that the same
library organization that has been set up to serve the
state departments can also be efficiently used to supple-
ment and supply library service for the libraries and
people of the state. Library extension divisions can use
the collections and professional services of good state
library agencies to very good advantage. Effective state
library extension programs also include state wide plan—
ning, the distribution of state grants to libraries based
on libraries meeting standards and certification of li—
brarians. It is on this point that we run into conflict
with another principle of reorganization-~that boards do-
ing purely administrative work be eliminated.

The boards cf effective state library extension
agencies do more than purely administrative work. In the
determination of standards and decisions on grants and
certification, their work is certainly quasi-judicial.

In the absence of a library board, are these important

decisions to be left in the hands of one person or in a
situation in which political influence can play a part?
State boards of education, primarily concerned with the
myriad of school problems, would have little time to

weigh library decisions. And how much time would they

95

have to plan and work for a state-wide public library de-
velopment program. When some independent state library
agencies have been abolished and placed under education
departments advisory boards have in some cases been carried
over.1 This may be a partial solution to the problem but
the authority of these boards is often limited, particu-
larly on the important decisions. Their interest is also
likely to become limited or else they become rubber stamps.
If such a board does take a forthright stand on an issue
in opposition to the Superintendent of Education, the
Board of Lducation or even the governor, the result is
that the state librarian or division director is placed
right in the middle of the controversy. No man can real-
ly serve two masters. furthermore, dual responsibility is
bad administration. The library extension agency in Ala—
bama is organized in just such a dual administrative
manner.2

Another principle of reorganization might very
well be followed by states in which there are two or more
independent state library agencies. That principle is
the coordination of administrative staff services.3 This
usually results in a recommendation for the unification
of all financial and housekeeping functions in one depart—

ment. The same principle could also be applied to the

 

1See Appendix under Missouri and New Jersey.
2See Appendix under Alabama.

3Buck, 2p. cit., pp. 21-22.

96
unification of all information, research, state records,
documents and reference services. In most states, this
coordination would reduce the number of independent state
library agencies by from one to four and if properly done,
would result in more efficient and effective use of library
personnel and resources.

Some states are going in the direction of one co-
ordinated state library agency under an independent board
even though state reorganization surveys continue to rec—
commend the abolition of state library agencies with their
functions assigned to state boards or departments of edu-
cation. The latter recommendations have most recently
been turned down in Michigan and Connecticut although in
the latter state, the library extension agency was already
under the department of education.

The state of Washington reversed the trend toward
centralization under education in 1941 by re-establishing
an independent State Library Uommission. The superintendent
of Public instruction remained, however, as ex-officio
chairman of the Commission.

In the same year, the Maine State Library returned
to independent status after having been under the Depart—
ment of Education for ten years. The state librarian is
now appointed directly by the governor and responsible to
him.

Change has been brewing in Tennessee recently.

Two of its state library agencies are at present divisions

97
under the department of education. These divisions were
combined for two years but separated again in 1949. The
publication of the Tennessee Library Association, "Tennes-
see Librarian," recently had a series of statements re—
flecting the most recent thinking by some top people in
the field.

The Tennessee bommissioner of Education after
studying the organization of state library services in his
department proposed "to withdraw the state library and pub-
lic library functions from the Department of Education and
to establish such functions under either a separate depart-
ment or an independent Commission." The chairman of the
Tennessee Library Association Planning Committee also re-
ported: "There can be no practical questions raised against
such a program for the administration of the library func-
tions of the State. As evidence of the acceptance of the
belief one need only glance at the list of states now op—
erating under such a program."1

Helen Harris, a member of the Executive Board of
the American Library Association and librarian of the
public library in Knoxville, said in the same publication:

I am heartily in favor of the adminis-
tration of the Tennessee library extension

program under the State Library and a Li—

brary Board or Commission. The state has a
distinct stake in the development of its

 

1E. W. Palmer, "Are You Ready for the Questions?"
Tennessee Librarian, II (1950), p. 11.

98

public library program and it is log-

cal to center this program in the State
Library. This is a department with a
unified purpose, committed to the pres-
ervation and use of materials. Such an
institution under the State Librarian

and a Board or bommission, can devote

a major share of its attention to the
development of libraries in Tennessee

and can be made responsible for the suc-
cessful prosecution of this objectiye.

It can offer leadership to librarians,
library trustees and government officials
in fostering and developing a statewide
public library system which will meet the
needs of Tennessee citizens.

Tennessee librarians have followed through on
these ideas. Their reorganization committee recently
wrote to the membership of the Tennessee Library Associa-
tion:

Of greatest interest to the member—
ship of TLA is the following report from
the Special Committee on State Library Re-
organization. Here for the first time is
printed a piece of proposed legislation
wnich reflects the committee's belief
that a strong, central state library
agency is the best administrative organi-
zation for promoting good library service
at the state level. In brief it proposes:

1. To remove the State Library and
library extension from the De-
partment of Education.

2. A State Library and Archives
Commission of seven members.

3. A state library system composed
initially of the following divi—
sions:

a. Division of Archives

 

lHelen Harris, "How Can Public Library Extension
Be Best Administered at the State Level in Tennessee?",
Tennessee Librarian, II (1950), pp. 11—12.

 

99

b. Division of Exchange and
Distribution.

0. Division of the State Library.

d. Division of Library Extension.

The special committee presents this
proposal after due deliberation, in the
belief that it will secure the desired
objectives of an integrated state library
system administered under a separate and
independent Commission.

It will be interesting to see how successful this
well-planned,far-sighted legislation will be.

Some state surveys have recommended another means
of abolishing the independent state library agency and
that is to assign its functions to the state university.
Nebraska and lennessee tried this but abandoned it. Lou-
isiana enacted legislation in 1940 under a general reor—
ganization act transferring the Library Commission to the
State University, but the legislation was declared uncon—
stitutional in 1941 before the act had been completely put
into effect.2 This same proposal has been expressed in
several other states including Michigan and New Hampshire.

There are several obvious fallacies. In the first
place, the state university is not always located in the
capitol city where most of the state departments require

their library service. Nor can this kind of service be

given very well by remote control. Secondly, a state uni—

 

1Gerald W. Shaw, "Proposed Reorganization of the
Tennessee State Library System," Tennessee Librarian, III
(1950), 9-10.

2Dixon, op. cit., p. 45.

 

lOO
versity is not organized as a department of state govern-
ment. It might just as well be expected to do recruiting
and examining for state positions and do the state's ac-
counting, auditing and budget preparation.

In general, library extension cannot easily be
thought of as a state university function. In the absence
of a good, general state library agency, some state uni-
versities do respond to requests from libraries and send
them books on interlibrary loan. This service, however,
is not usually extended to persons without local library
service. On many requests, university libraries would
naturally hesitate to send books out and perhaps withdraw
them from the use of their resident students.

Nor could a state university be expected to admin-
ister a public library development program including the
setting of standards, distribution of state grants and a
certification program. This would be out of character for
a state university and be poor state government.

The American Library Association does not recom-
mend one best form of state library organization and ad-
ministration for all the states, but does recognize that:

The trend in recent years is clearly

away from many scattered library agencies

toward one strong agency. Reorganization

has come on the initiative of library

leaders or as part of a general reorgan-

ization of state administration or on the

recommendation of a surveying or research

agency. It is a trend to be welcomed,

provided the consolidation is wisely con-
ceived. Operation of intimately related

lOl

functions by several administrative
agencies is contrary to the best gov-
ernmental principles, and conflicts
and overlappings are inevitable. One
strong agency can in general have high
standing and better financial support
than a number of smaller ones.1

 

1American Library Association, Library Extension
Board, op. cit., p. a.

CHAPTER VII
CHANGING PATTERNS 0? STATE LIERAIY ORGANIZATION

The accepted concept of state libraly service up
to a comparatively recent date has teen that of an agency
or agencies located in or near the state epitol giving
reference, loan and library extension service either by
mail or via field visitors whose offices were located in
the capitol. State aid, if any, was in the form of money
grants or books, one of the purposes of the grant being
to encourage county or regional libraries.1

New patterns of state library service are now
emerging. As a state, Delaware was the first to break the
older concept by giving direct book service ty bookmobile
from the state agency.2 Since the distances in Delaware
are smaller than in many counties in other states and the
Commission budget is very limited, this is not a signifi-
cant change in itself. Vermont and Massachusetts, however,
have established regional branches to bring their book and
advisory extension services closer to the public and schodl
libraries of the state.

Vermont now covers the entire state with field
offices, with staff, bookmobiles, books and other library
materials supplied by the state. The materials are pro—

cessed and made ready at state library headquarters. These

 

-——»—» ——---— .—

 

 

H

Garceau, op. cit., pp. 214-15.

 

 

103
regional units of the state library agency serve all
existing library units in the region and serve directly
all those people who have no local libraries. The state
library maintains a union catalog of all books. Inter-
library borrowing and use of advisory services are en-
couraged.

To bring its state library consultant services
closer to the people and libraries of the state, the
Michigan State Library established two regional extension
offices in the upper two-thirds of the state. These,
however, give no book service but only advisory service.

Some state library agencies have tried state li—
brary sponsored demonstrations of county and regional li-
brary service to encourage local effort. The Illinois
State Library has put on county library demonstration pro—
grams with State Library personnel, books and bookmobiles.
The Missouri State Library is now doing the same thing,
hoping to encourage counties to establish their own county
library service. Since 192 , the Louisiana State Library
has been demonstrating full county or regional library
service for one year and then withdrawing its aid. Most
of the demonstrations have been successfully continued
with local funds.

The New York State Library is now experimenting
with a regional branch of the State Library which is giv-
ing supplementary service to existing public libraries in

the region. On a contract basis, the regional office

104
puicha ases, processes and transports library material and
gives professional guidance to local libraries. This is

- r

somewhat similar to what Vermont and massacdusetts are
doin‘ ’t‘ ' "l b < h 1
g w1 n regiona ranc es.

This is the new pattern of state library service
recommended by the r‘ublic Library Inquiry. Carceau main-
tains that:

The state capitol is, in most states,

too remote physically, certainly psycho—

logically, to win over local libraries

to centralize operations. The regional

office can provide technical services on

an intimate basis, with constant and re-

liable communication through the book-

mobile, freeing local librarians for the

important work of service to their com-

munities.
This would involve between one-third to one—half of total
library expenditure going to the state library agency.
It would make the direct grants to libraries unnecessary.
Garceau feels that appropriations to a state agency would
be more stable than state grants have been.2

This program would also make certification and
attempts to eliminate small independent local units un-
necessary. In many states, librarians have reputedly

rejected certification requirements which would have been

difficult for the half—starved little libraries. Garceau

 

 

says:
1Edmund H. Grave, A State .lfifl for Librar Devel-
opment (Albany: State Educ Mt lon Deartment,1927,

pp. 28-48.
2Garceau, gp. cit., pp. 223—27.

 

105
It is not so understandable that

they have allowed some state library

agencies to remain open to political

patronage to this day and that others

are staffed with low salaried people,

without training, professional tools,

or ideas.
This condition must now be changed if the state library
agency is to take this increasing responsibility and play
the larger role. Garceau says it is up to the state li-
brary associations to go into politics to improve their
state library agencies. He concludes: "It is, in fact,

at the state level that librarians have so far done the

poorest job of sustained political effort."l

l;§;§., pp. 231-32.

CHAPTER VIII
CONCLUSIONS

The term "state library" can mean anything from a
state agency combining all or most of the state's library
functions to one that is not more than a small collection
of law books on documents. There are now at least one-
hundred thirty—seven individual state gencies performing
state library service of some kind in the forty-eight
states. These are organized in almost every possible way
from the most sirple organization (the appointment of the
Maine State Librarian by the Covernor) to the most con—
fused and complex (the Wyoming State Librarian who is ap-
pointed by tne Governor, makes libray rules and regula-
tions approved by the Supreme Court and reports to the
Legislature at the beginning of each session).

The importance and value of the services of these
ag ncies vary from great to insignificant. Some make
vital contributions to the government of their state.
Others are still in the custodial stage, making sure the
bookcases are kept locked. The State Librarian in Miss-
issippi is required to "keep the rooms belonging to the
Library clean and properly ventilated, and at the proper

l Staffs number from one to one hun-

season well warmed."
dred plus and budgets go from zero to the million mark.

The ex—officio or lay board appointed by the Governor, or

 

lHississippi Code, 1930, vol. s., sec. 8.

 

107
a combination of ex-officio and lay membership, is still
the most common form of organization although there are
many variations on the theme. In Kansas, the Supreme
Court Justices are the State Library Board and the GOV~
ernor approves their appointment of the State Librarian.
In Idaho, the Attorney-General is the ex-officio chairman
of the State Library Commission.

Professional training and «perience requirements
for the executive heads of state library agencies are
still the exception rather than the rule but are becoming
more general, particularly in state library extension
agencies. Requirements are often not stated at all. Many
supreme court clerks also serve as law librarians. Miss-
issippi requires that their State Librarian be "any woman,
a resident of the state for four years, and who has at~
tained the age of twenty years shall be eligible for office."1
South Carolina raised this requirement to twenty-one. The
Mississippi requirement for membership on the board of
Trustees of the Department of Archives and History takes
the prize. There shall be nine trustees "provided three
of said trustees shall be ex-confederate soldiers while as
many can be had who are competent."

There are five major types of state library service
which developed over different periods of time, the oldest

being the law library service and the most recent de-

 

lMississippi, Constitution, 1890, sec. 106.

108
velopment, the legislative reference service. There was
little precedent or pressure fir coordination of simi—
lar services during the period of state library growth.
This plus political and practical considerations caused
state library agencies to grow like Topsy.

The result is that in general, the state library
services as organized or disorganized in most states to-
day form perfect examples of the need for state reorgan-
ization and consolidation. Thisstudy does not argue
against the need for change. It has tried to indicate the
need and the wisdom of consolidation and unification among
the state library services rather than subordinating them
to another state service, such as public instruction or
education.

Certainly there is room enough for vast improve-
ment among state library agencies. There is also wide
enough scope for the improvement of state organization in
the unification of two to five different agencies in most
of the states making them more responsiVe and functional
units of government. It would seem reasonable that such
integration of like services should certainly be accom-
plished first before the individual state library agen—
cies are scattered and deemphasized farther.

After we have the unified, centralized, strength-
ened state library agency, how do we organize and admin-

ister it ideally and to the best advantage. A proposed

109
organization outline is shown in Figure 1. Following
current political science recommendations, the State
Librarian would be appointed by the governor and a member
of his cabinet. He would be legally required to have
professional library training and at least five years of
administrative experience. All other positions in the
agency, including a Deputy State Librarian, would be under
state civil service. There may be included in the new
library law State Library Advisory Board of five appoint—
ed for five year terms staggered. The only requirement
for their appointment would be their demonstrated interest
in library service and development. The State Librarian
would serve as secretary and non—voting member of the
board. He would be required to call at least ten monthly
meetings each year. The board would advise the State
Librarian in areas of state-wide library planning, library
standards, in—service training programs, certification,
library legislation and public relations. An ideal board
would consist of a lawyer, alhistorian, a business man or
woman, a librarian and a library trustee but no such legal
restrictions would exist.

The organization of this state library would in-
clude five major divisions. The Deputy State Librarian
would be in charge of a general Service Division which
would perform the following services for the four other
divisions. An Office Services Section would include per-

sonnel work, financial transactions, stenographer, typing

110

H wnzwwm

.mcoapomm nfiwmmm cam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mufldcflm use msamoawpmo «bongo moom moosHonH .m
.mcowuomm oonQochwE one wanQHSm
.Hwowamao «mocmcam .HmcGOmnoL mmUSHqu .fi
.meHpomm :oprOflmflpnmo
new nH< mpwpw on» Goapmoscm pasv<
.mbmsnaq Hooaom .sawanaq oaansm mmasaocH .m m a
.mnofipomm mmoa>nmm mmow>nmm
mucmBSooa one mm>anoh< .zHOpmHn moczaocH .N Goapmpwmmpm mmoammo
.mGOHuomm smog cam modoaowom mocdaocH .H r» a
,4
:OHWfi>HQ moa>pmw
m m H
coamw>ao
coamcopxm monogamom commfi>am soapmanomnH :waumanflq
_ mamanwa .mmg Saw Bwq mpmum Hwamcmw mumum mundmm
a m _ _

 

 

 

 

samunaq mpmum

 

 

\/

cmanmpnaa mpapm

 

 

 

 

 

vnmom maoww>o<

I
V

asapnaq mpmpm _

 

HI

a Hocnm>oo

 

 

ZOHB¢NHZ4umo demmHA HB<Hm Damomomm

111
and general office work, receiving and shipping library
materials and maintenance; a Preparations Section would
include selection and ordering of libraly materials,
classifying, cataloging and preparing material for use
and binding and repair of materials. This section would
also develop and maintain a state-wide union catalog which
would include catelog entries for materials in all librar—
ies in the state and the Dibrary of Congress.

A second division would be General Information
Division. This section would answer requests for infor-
mation and materials from all state departments and em—
ployees, public, school and all other libraries of the
state and from all residents of the state with no local
library. This division would also administer the infor—
mation services in all necessary branches of the State
Library whether they were for a particular state depart-
ment, or institution or for a regional branch of the State
Library, needed to bring direct or supplementary library
service to some particular area of the state. All sub-
jects of interest to state departments and materials which
would supplement collections of other libraries would be
included in the collection. The types of informational
material would include books, periodicals, federal and
state documents, pamphlets, maps, pictures, newspapers,
clippings, microfilms, films, filmstrips, and recordings.
The loan section would handle all lending whether to de-

partments, state employees, libraries, individuals, state

112
parks, institutions, etc. A special collection of books
would be maintained to lend for longer periods of time to
schools, libraries, camps and state institutions re-
quiring them.

All information and materials pertaining to the
individual state would comprise a separate division. This
would include state history, state archives, state docu—
ments and all materials by state authors and all informa-
tion about the state. This would naturally be a subject
of major interest in any state and since it is impossible
to make sharp divisions between the types of materials
described, they should be handled as a separate unit or
division. History would include state, county, local,
and family history, state newspapers and periodicals,
materials written by state authors or about the state.

The state documents section would include a complete col-
lection of all state agency publications and would ad-
minister the exchange of these publications with other li-
braries. The archives section would include the perma—
nent state, county and local records. An active, continu-
ous program would include assistance to state departments
and other units of government in evaluating their records
over five years old to determine what is important enough
to add permanently to the state archives. The division
would work with state, regional, and local groups to
stimulate and develop their active interest in state and

local history, encourage local responsibility for collect—

113
ing and publishing valuable information and in general
create an appreciation for their heritage in more citi-
zens of the state.

The original state library service, legal infor—
mation for the Legislature, Supreme Court, Attorney-Gen-
eral and all other state officers and departments would
comprise a fourth major division. The more recently de-
veloped special legislative reference, research, and bill
drafting would also fit most logically into this division.
The major difficulty to overcome would be gaining the com-
plete confidence of the legislature in the impartiality
and ability of the employees in this division. A possible
administrative technique to achieve this would be the cre—
ation of an informal advisory committee to consult month-
ly with the head of the division. This might consist of
the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, a
Justice of the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General or his
representative and the Governor or his representative. In
addition to supplying the state legislature, courts, of-
ficers and departments with legal and legislative informa-
tion, the Law and Legislative Reference Division would
supply judgesand lawyers throughout the state with the
same service. The division would also work with officials
of counties and municipalities to develop the best possi-
ble local law library service.

The Library Extension Division would be the fifth

and last. Developing and coordinating the best kind of

114

public and school library service is the job of this di-
vision to the end that every resident, teacher and pupil
has available the informational materials necessary for
his learning, livelihood, and leisure. This division
would work with local and state—wide groups to interpret
good library service to them and help them to establish
effective library units and receive adequate financial sup-
port. Assistance in obtaining necessary library personnel
would also be given. The division would administer stand-
ards of local support, service and state certification of
library staff as well as the distribution of state, and
when available, federal grants to these libraries meeting
standards. Advisory and information service to existing
libraries on their library problems, through field visits,
conferences, workshops, publications and correspondence
would be given. The collection of library statistics and
the distribution of the latest and most useful library in-
formation would be another aspect of this job. And final-
ly, assisting in the coordination of the work of library
agencies with each other and with other community and
state agencies and assisting libraries in the development
of adult education programs in their communities would be
one of the highest goals of the division. A special sec-
tion of the division would be devoted to this program.

Probably the greatest advantage of this integrated
State Library is the ease with which the work of the five

divisions can be coordinated. An organizational descrip—

ll5
tion may make these seem separate and individual but they
all require considerable cooperation of personnel and
easy exchange of resources to operate most effectively and
efficiently. Obviously, one Service Division to serve four
other divisions is more efficient and economical organiza-
tion than a separate one for each division. The four
other divisions, however, depend on each other almost as
much. No division of informational services or materials
can'be mutually exclusive. A request for the history of
land grant colleges, for example, would require informa-
tion from the General Information Division including en—
tire books on some of the colleges, periodical articles,
state and federal documents, clippings, pictures, and the
film "Waves of Green" on Michigan State College. The
State Division would contribute the history of the land
grant college in that state, plus the state documents and
books published by it and about it. The Law Division
would have the federal and state laws regarding land grant
colleges.

The Library Extension Division, although an advis-
ory and consultant service and not a materials service,
except profession materials, could not operate effectively
unless it had the library materials to fall back on. The
most effective way of selling good library service to the
state is through actual demonstration with the best library
materials and the best kind of information service. This

is what the other three divisions can provide to work with,

116

via a bookmobile, county or regional library demonstra-
tion supplied and operated by the State Library or some-
times, even a small exhibit of select books at a group
meeting. The information divisions are just as reliant
on the Library bxtension Division to interpret the State
Library's service to the state, and to bring back to the
information divisions, the pertinent facts on library de-
velopments and interests which will help them to build
better collections and improve their service to the state.

Such an integrated State Library with its profes-
sional staff could exert strong professional leadership
in the state and be an invaluable staff agency to state
government. Properly staffed and supported to perform the
functions outlined, it would no longer be a small, weak
agency unable to assert itself and hold its own among
other departments. It would be as large and as strong as
some of the other important and independent state services,
such as public instruction, civil service, and health.
A staff of 150 to 200 employees would be required with an
annual budget of $700,000 for personnel and $300,000 for
supplies, materials and contractual services. Depending
on the stage of library development in the state,
$1,000,000 to $3,000,000 annually in state-aid grants
would be required.

To achieve such an integrated state library agen-
cy would require major changes in the laws of most of the

states including changing the Constitution in Mississippi.

117
But these are days in which state reorganization programs
are recommending major changes and constitutional over—
haul. Certainly New Jersey and Missouri have set bold
examples. The Connecticut survey recommendations are
also bold and sweeping.1 Unfortunately the researchers
on these surveys have not appreciated the scope and
uniqueness of state library service and have not realized
the great advantages and necessity of integrating these
services first. They have not understood the important
role the State Library should play as a staff agency to
state government as well as a line agency to the public
and school libraries of the state. They have not appre-
ciated the importance of a state librarian in the gover—
nor's cabinet to represent unbiased fact and present all
pertinent and available information on questions con-
fronting the cabinet. They have all fallen into the
pattern of recommendations set down by former state sur—
veys that libraries are education and schools are educa-
tion — so combine them; abolish the individual state
library agencies and put them in a division under Depart-
ment of Education or Public Instruction. Whatever the
name, the emphasis of the agency is still on schools and
not on education in its broad sense. Certainly any good

school should have a good school library, but is library

 

1Connecticut, The Report, 1950

 

118
service with all its ramifications of public information
service, research, archives, legal reference and adult ed-
ucation necessarily a part of a school administration
program? A Justice of the New York Supreme Court recent-
ly said:
It is suggested that libraries

are a tool or adjunct of schools . . .

I reject such notions. Libraries -

books - area primary cultural insti-

tution. They are not tools or adjuncts

of any other cultural institution, no

matter how great.1

Reorganization recommendations also often involve
only the state library extension service and the general
state library agency, if there is one, and leave the other
state library agencies still in existence, thereby not
cutting down by very much the number of individual state
agencies and not integrating all similar services. Miss-
ouri, for example, abolished the independent Library Com-
mission in 1946, changed it to the Missouri State Library,
and placed it under the Division of Higher Education in
the State Department of Education. This change left the
Law Library still an agency under the Supreme Court, the
Legislative Reference Library still a separate agency un-
der the Legislature, and a privately organized State His-

torical Society, without legal status, doing the state's

archival and historical library work. That would not

 

lCharles D. Breitel, "Public Library No Adjunct,"
Library Journal, LXXV (1950), 1258.

119
seem to be well-planned or good integration.

Making a large unit of service a division of a
larger unig such as the present state library division is
organized in New Jersey,or a section of a large division
of a still larger department as the missouri State Library
is,creates a hierarchical type of administration which can
cause red tape and inefficiency and, much worse,.rustrate
the aims and purposes of the state library service. There
are limits to the "span of control."1 There are all the
natural difficulties of getting high administrative clear-
ance on projects and apenditures. There is the hazard of
turning plans over to an immediate superior who needs to
interpret the original request to top management before
top approval can be granted. Then there is the most dan-
gerous aspect of all in having practically no control over
the state library's budget request after originally sub-
mitted, it being thrown in the hopper with the requests
of several other divisions. And, finally, there is the
difficulty of getting needed changes in legislative or
administrative rules and regulations when several organ—
izational hurdles must be cleared through top management
with many other interests, responsibilities and demands
upon their time and energy.

The value of the State Librarian being in a posi-

 

lLeonard D. White, introduction t9 the Study of
lic Administration (New York: The Macmillan Company,
9487: p. 36.

 

 

 

120

tion to present unbiased facts and information to the
governor's cabinet must not be overlooked.‘ It is the
unbiased aspect of the facts that is important and must
be stressed. Any bright and truly democratic administra-
tion would be willing to face these facts and inform the
public of them. Under no circumstances must the State
Library and state librarian become political tools. Pro-
fessional qualifications for the top office give consid-
erable assurance. Rather than have the State Library be-
come a political agency, it would be preferable to set up
the safeguards of an independent state library board ap-
pointed by the governor, the board in turn to appoint a
professionally Qualified librarian and set the policies
for the State Library and the standards for the libraries
of the state. The board in this case must play a much
more active and vital role and should, as a result, have
much more concern and interest in their jobs than an ad-
visory board would. They would also be in a position to
bring to the state library's administrative policy a
cross-section of lay opinion and see to it that that opin-
ion was effectively applied to operation. The state librar-
ian would in this case be executive secretary of the
board and carry out the board's policies.

Regardless of the type of state library organiza-
tion, it can be no better than the manner in which it is

administered. Examples can be found of state library

 

121

boards which are under complete political control and
others are in operation with no taint of political in-
fluence. The same variety exists anong appointive state
librarians. In making such a study as this, one cannot
overlook the force of individual personality on state
library development and progress in some states. The
State Librarian of California from 1900-17 is a case in
point and also an example of the danger of prediction
based on a person's background. Mr. James L. Gillis was
a politician and a lobbyist before his appointment by the
Governor as California State uibrarian. During his years
in office he changed the State Library from a place where
back—room political bargains were made to an outstanding
state library service and the center of the most advanced
county library system of the country. He founded a li-
brary school at the State Library to train county librar-
ians and he established a union catalog at the State Li-
brary so that the information resources of the state would
be available to all.1

Although the great majority of the states are
equipped with poor legal framework to carry out the func-
tions and responsibilities of state library service, this
study found that even the best legal structure does not
guarantee results and is not proof in itself of good per-

'formance. Arirona, for example, has almost a model state

 

 

. —— "Me- .————

1Garceau, 9p. git., p. Al.

122

library law, granting a single Lepar ment of Library and
Archives with all the requisite powers to do an excellent
job. This law was only achieved in 1949 and progress may
still be made. But to date, the law is practically mean-
ingless since the legislature has not appropriated funds
for staff, equipment, materials and physical facilities
to put the law into effect. The same limitation can be
found hampering the work of many state library agencies.

The time is overdue when the states must be the
strongest and not the weakest link in the chain of library
development. To achieve this goal, every state must have
a strong, effective state library agency performing a
vital role in supplying facts and information to state
government and leadership for all library service to the
people of the state. Present state library agencies must
recognize the general need for reorganization of their
state governments but, even more, they must recognize the
need for reorganization of their own agencies toward the
end that they shall become one integrated and effective

arm of state administration.

APPENDIX

Basic data on the present organization and ad-
ministration of the state library agencies in the forty—
eight states is given on the following pages. The legal
basis for the organization of the agencies is outlined
whenever possible and the historical developments and
changes of the various agencies have been included when
they have seemed to have some significance. Unusual or-
ganizational features and problems, and descriptions of
services which agencies perform or which they are legally
assigned have also been described in some detail in some
states. The result is that there is more attention de-
voted to some states than others.

Following the description of the agencies in each
state is an organization chart of the state library agen-
cies showing the relationship of the agencies to the three
branches of state government and to each other. Many of
these charts were submitted by the state library agencies
themselves in response to a questionnaire sponsored by
the National Association of State Libraries in 1949. Some
charts were necessarily revised to make the presentation
uniform. Others were created for this study from informa-
tion in print about the state library agencies. No at-
tempt has been made to chart the divisions and sections

below the state library agency levels.

ALABAMA

The first state library organization to be de-
scribed is typical of the unusual administrative set-up to
be found in many of the states. The fact that it requires
as many as three different agencies (one with two boards),
operating under three different branches of government, to
perform four of the five state library functions in Ala-
bama is also rather typical.

General state library service to state departments
and general reference and loan service to the libraries
and people without libraries in Alabama is practically
non-existent. The Department of Archives and History comes
closest to being the general state library even though
there is another agency called the State and Supreme Court
Library.

A unique feature of the administrative structure
of the Alabama Department of Archives and History is its
self-perpetuating board of trustees, the names of newly
elected members confirmed by the Senate. The governor
is a member of the board and the director of the depart-
ment acts as secretary. Only the governor's membership
gives the executive any influence and only Senate con-
firmation gives the legislature some power over the board.
The director is elected by the board for six year terms.
The primary function of the department is, as its name

describes it, archival and historical and not current

125

reference and research work for state departments and of-
ficials.

The library extension function was added to the
functions of the department in 1907 but discontinued be-
fore 1930 although the law was not officially changed.
Even though the department's law included the develop-
ment of libraries function, in 1939 a Public Library
Service Division was created in the department to devel-
op "a cooperative system of providing books and library
service for the various cities and counties of the
state."1 An executive board of the division was set up,
consisting of five members, appointed by the governor,
the director of the department to serve as ex—officio mem-
ber of the board. This board appoints a professionally
qualified director with administrative experience to car-
ry out the purpose of the board. There are no such re-
quirements for the department head.

This library extension division performs field
work and circulates books to develop county libraries and
obtains annual reports from free public libraries and in
turn submits its report to the Department of Archives and
History. The law specifically exempts public school li-
braries, libraries of higher institutions and libraries
‘in cities over 65,000 population. The school library I
consultant is on the staff of the State Department of Ed—

ucation.

 

1Code 9; Alabama 1940, Title 55, p. 364, Sec. 278.

 

126
One problem in Alabama's state library organiza—

tion would seem to be the administration and direction of
the public library service division under a separate
board and as a division of another department. The only
coordination is the membership of the department director
on the division's board. However, this membership is on-
ly ex-officio. For example, would one budget or two bud-
gets be submitted to the legislature? Who would decide
what the request was to be? Some interesting problems
could arise. If the department exercises little or no
authority over the division, division status might well
be almost meaningless.

The creation of the ‘ublic Library Service Divi—
sion under a separate board in the Department of Archives
and History is an example of the circumlocution necessary
in some states to avoid a political clash over the crea-
tion of a new agency and at the same time insure the new
library extension function with a reasonable amount of
independence. When the new service was created, there
was a real possibility that it might have been put under
the State Board of Education along with the school librar-
y service if it had not been put under the Department of
Archives and History.

The law library is called the State and Supreme
Court Library. The Supreme Court appoints a marshall who
also acts as librarian of the State and Supreme Court

Library. The library is supported by a $500 appropria-

127
tion plus proceeds of the sale of secretary of state

reports plus a tax of five dollars in each civil case de-
cided by the Supreme Court or Court of Appeals.

The Legislative Reference Service in Alabama was
created in 1945. It is supervised by a Legislative Coun-
cil of twelve, the president of the Senate, four senators
elected by the Senate, the speaker of the house and six

representatives elected by the house.

.mnopmam was mopanon< mo pcmapnmmon
on» mo popomnac mafia mayo» Amok mpfim mom nocno>om mp concaoma¢ .N

.mauop noon Nam you onwop mp copomao poappmav choammmumnoo
comm Bonn panama moo cam noauo>om mo chaos mnaprpoquom maow .H

 

 

128

 

A noama>an oofipuom
mnwnnfiq pnzoo g muwunaq oaanfim

J

ooapnmm .mom _

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maoamsm a mpmpm opfipwamammq
hnoumam a a

w mm>anoud
_ %o .png i ii
_ eaaom _ afloasoo m>apwamammq_
W H . r
M moopmuna m
_ Ho onwom “

flpQSoo memAQSm hodgepoo myopwamawoa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<E4m<q<

ARIZONA

Arizona has one of the few state library agencies
with all of the library functions carried out on the state
level under one department. The Department of Library and
Archives is under a Board of Curators, three members ap-
pointed by the governor for terms of six years. However,
since the only function of this board is to choose a direc-
tor in the event of a vacancy, pending a meeting of the
legislature, and since the legislative act creating the
department specifies that the director report biennially
to the legislature, the department can be considered under
the jurisdiction of the legislature.

As late as 1949, Arizona finally Joined the other
forty-seven states by providing in its laws for state li—
brary extension service. The service was set up as a sec—
tion of the Department of Library and Archives, thus main-
taining the unity of the state's library organization.

The bill, which was brought about by a statewide
movement plus the assistance of the American Library As-
sociation, was not connected with any general state re-
organization program. The report of the Department in
1948 stated:

The crying need for more general

library facilities, and particularly in

the less populous and less wealthy coun-

ties, and the more remote and sparsely

settled portions of the state, is very
obvious. Arizona has the unenviable dis—

130

tinction of ranking among the lowest
states in point of library service.

The bill creating the library extension service
provided that the section shall:

(1) prepare a plan for state—wide public
library service, including a supplementary
service to libraries of books, other print-
ed materials, and audio-visual materials,
and a direct service to individuals and
groups of books, pamphlets, and visual
materials, and shall put such plan into
effect as and to the extent made practi—
cable by available facilities;

(2) encourage and assist the development
of library services in state institutions;

(3) compile statistics and other data re-

lating to libraries and library services,

and disseminate the same by newspaper,

radio, bulletins, or other means;

(4) give professional advice and assistance

in the establishment of county free librar-

ies, and to any municipal library request-

ing the same; and

(5) perform all other duties deemed nec-

essary or appropriate to the development

of state—wide library service.

These provisions could be used as a model state
library law. They provide the Department of Library and
Archives with tremendous scope, and establish not only
the library extension function, but also the general li-
brary loan function. The specific provision for the loan
of audio—visual materials and the provision for not only

the collection of library data, but the dissemination of

 

1Arizona, Report of the Department of Library and
Archives, 1948, p. 21.

( 2Helen A. Ridgway, "Library Legislation and Plan-
ning," in The Book of the States, (Chicago: Council of
State Governments, 19507, p. 299.

131

same by newspaper, radio, bulletins, or other means are
both rare and far-sighted features of this law.

. The catch in the 1949 law is the phrase, "shall
put such plan into effect as and to the extent made prac-
ticable by available facilities." According to the direcf
tor's report in 1948, three existing divisions, the State
Legislative Bureau, the Library Division and the Division
of Archives and History, were already understaffed and
undersupported. Lack of space was also a serious problem
of the department even though funds were available to be-
gin microfilming some archives. It would, therefore, seem
improbable that much could be accomplished to put the 1949
law into effect since considerable staff, equipment, space
and money would be required to do so. The bill carried no
appropriations to put any provision into effect.

Arizona, we may conclude, has good state library
organization with good legal provisions. What it needs is
the personnel and budget to carry its assigned functions

into effect.

132

.Coammom CH pom ma madamamamoa cons musooo hocwom>
ma maco noaownfio ozp pcfiomaw on ma Goapocdm omona
anocambom hp oopcfiooam Ham .mhwpaoa omnnp mo mpmamaoo .H

 

J

wo>a£o~< a znwnnflq _
mo pcoapnmmom

 

 

 

 

 

mumanag mpawm ao
mAOpwndo no unmom

 

 

 

 

 

:1
manpmamflmmq _

 

«ZONHmd

ARKANSAS

There are five legally established state library
agencies in Arkansas. The State Library, under the Secre-
tary of State as librarian, exists practically in name and
law only. No collections nor staff is noted for this li—
brary in the American Library Directory for 1948. This is
understandable since the law provides that the librarian,
under the direction of the Governor, "shall purchase such
books, maps and charts as may, from time to time, be di-
rected to be purchased by the General Assembly."1 Also,
"no person shall be permitted to remove any book from the
library except state officials."2 These are hardly pro-
visions which would develop a good library and good library
service.

The state library extension service under a State
Library Commission was established in 1935 to replace the
Free Library Service Bureau begun in 1921. The board of
seven is appointed by the governor, one from each congres-
sional district. Four interested state-wide organizations
submit lists_and one member must be chosen from each list.
The commission appoints the librarian who also serves as
executive secretary. Through the office, advice and as—

sistance to public and school libraries is given. It may

 

lArkansas Digest of Statutes, 1937, Vol. 1, Sec.5467.
2Ibid., Sec. 5470.

134

purchase books for loan and encourage the establishment of
county libraries, give courses in library work and admin-
ister state aid to libraries. The library extension agency
is the most active and well-supported of all the state li—
brary services. The school library consultant also works
under the commission's program.

The extension program of the commission is devel-
oping rapidly. The state legislature increased its appro-
priation from $140,000 to $180,600 for the 1949-50 fiscal
year. The larger increases were in the book budget which
rose from $8,000 to $25,000, in salaries from $25,000 to
$34,000, and in state aid from $91,000 to $101,000. State-
aid now includes library service for negroes.

The Supreme Court Library is the generally accepted
law library. The clerk of the Supreme Court serves as the
librarian and also is authorized to appoint a librarian
who shall perform the duties prescribed by the clerk and
have charge of the library. Attorneys may use the library
upon payment of a quarterly fee.

The object and purpose of the State History Com-
mission is to care for and have custody of official ar—
chives and the collection of material on the history of the
state. A secretary is paid to devote his entire time to
the work of the Commission which also receives copies of
every state publication for exchange with other states and
societies for their publications. An unusual combination

of services is added to the Commissions functions: "To

135
build up at the State Capitol a museum, art gallery and
library . . . To collect, compile and arrange information
upon subjects of legislation and administration . . . "1
In other words, archives and history functions are com-
bined in one commission whose total income in 1948 was
$10,000, and whose total collection numbered 21,000 volumes.
Intention must certainly outrun accomplishment in this case.

The legislative reference service under the commis-
sion could not have been satisfactory since it is now or-
ganized under a Legislative Council consisting of twenty-
three members of the General Assembly.

No move to change the current organization seems to
be afoot in Arkansas. Libraries and librarians must be con-
tent to see the Library Commission and its extension ser—
vice prosper and do not feel the need of coordination or

integration of state library service on the state level.

 

lIbid., vol. 2, sec. 12238.

136

mmoa aaaom

.wcapwmpm HHHQ mam :opmmmwp m>fipmamflmma

.mapammm4 Hmpmcwo mzp mo mmeEoE wmpspuzquse

.Hmapoz mpmpm Ucw mmmcmxpm mo mpflmpm>ficb Mo mucmwwmmea
“mowpmdn mmflco .hocnmpow an cmpcfloqqm me .maopama mmwz

pocgm>om an Adom .ooHOSo m.h0£pm>om an ompne .mpwnawfi Gm>mw

 

 

mamapfiq pazoo
mamamSQ

 

 

m
__

p——--—.—~.—_

 

mamHOflbsw

-..___J

f——l

.mQSOhm Amnuo Bong mpmfia Umppflansm aopw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N a ,
scammwaaoo Goammfieaoo
mn0pwfim mhwnpwa
hochm>oo

 

 

 

m<mz<xm¢

 

 

aamppag mpmpm

 

 

 

meatm do
apmpmaomw

 

 

 

 

 

.m
.m
.a
m
_ awocsoo
rm>flpmamammq

 

 

 

 

 

J

wazpmamflmmq _

 

CALILOBNIA

The California State Library is a good example of
a state library agency combining all of the five important
functions under one agency even though two of the func—
tions are partially duplicated by other agencies. In this
case, however, the agency does not have its own board nor
is it directly respnnsible to the governor or legislature.
Its Board of Library Trustees was abolished in 1921. In
1929 it was made a division of the Department of Education
which is headed by a superintendent chosen by popular
election for a four year term. The governor, however,
still appoints the state librarian, who holds office at
his pleasure. This counteracts the possible dominance of
the state education department. The 1929 law specified
that the state librarian shall be "technically trained."
He is +he only division chief of the Department of Educa-
tion rho is not an associate or deputy superintendent of
Education and not subject to removal through action of the
superintendent or Board of Education. Examination of the
history of the position of state librarian reveals the
steady reappointment of the state librarian by succeed-
ing governors.

Without detailed legal provision specifying organ—
ization and function, the California State Library has de-
veloped a very complete, well-integrated state library

service with a good staff and good financial support. 101—

138
lowing are some of the duties performed by the various

sections under the State Library. They are outlined here
because they provide a good example for complete state li-
brary service.

The library extension work is performed by a Field
Representative. His duties are thus described:

The work of the Field Representative
includes a variety of activities relating
to the establishment and administration of
municipal and county libraries. Under the
direction of the State Librarian, a clear-
ing house of information on library prac-
tice, administrative policies and profes-
sional procedures is maintained through
correspondence, interviews and field trips.
Advice and recommendations regarding li-
brary problems are provided to librarians,
trustees and local officials upon request.

From time to time the Field Represen-
tative undertakes investigations of special
problems, compiling and interpreting per—
tinent data in the field or in State Li-
brary files, and prepares articles and
talks on library questions and activities.
Surveys of city and county libraries are
made when requested by the proper authori-
ties. Statements on the application and
interpretation of library law are prepared.
Suggestions and advice pertaining to the
establishment of county libraries is given
to individuals, organizations, and inter-
ested local officials. Other assignments
include inspection of county libraries, con-
ferring with state and local officials re-
garding school library service, depart-
mental and special libraries.

In carrying forward this work there
is maintained in the Field Representative's
office files of library building plans,
pictures, publicity, equipment catalogs,
legal opinions, ordinances, library con-
tracts and.data on school and public li-
brary service.1

 

1California State Library, News Notes 9;; Calif-
ornia Libraries, VL (1950), p. 241.

 

139
The general state library reference and loan ser-
vice of the California State Library has been described
by the library as follows:

The Reference Section has the respon-
sibility for circulation of books and mag-
azines, except those borrowed from the Law
and Legislative Reference Section and from
the Books for the Blind Section. It also
handles all requests for books and infor—
mation except those referred to the spe-
cialized departments of the Library.

The policy of the State Library is to
lend books through other libraries where
possible. Individuals in communities with-
out local library service may borrow di-
rectly upon making arrangements with the
State Library.

Through an extended reference ser-
vice to state agencies and employees the
Library is contributing to in-service
training in the state program. In July,
1948 a Senior Librarian was appointed to
act as liaison librarian in making the re-
sources of the State Library available to
state workers. Monthly reading lists
prepared on the subjects of management,
personnel and accounting are distributed
throughout the state departments; books
and articles useful in solving problems
arising directly from state work are as-
sembled on request; special assistance is.
given in preparation for civil service ex-
aminations.1

The Law and Legislative Reference Section is an—
other maJor function. It is:

Fully equipped with the latest re-
ports, digests, encyclopedias, and text-
books, the statutes of other states, the
United States, Great Britain, Canada,
Australia and certain other foreign coun-
tries, and briefs of cousel in cases de-

 

11bid., pp. 245-46.

140

cided in the California Supreme and Ap-
pellate Courts. It is the policy to lend
books through other libraries where pos-
sible. State officers are entitled to
borrow books direct.

In addition to special service to
members of the Legislature, information
on the laws of California and other states
and countries is given on inquiry from
libraries and individuals.1

Actual bill drafting, however, is done by an Office of Leg-
islative Counsel under the legislature.

The history and archives functions of the library
is called the California Section. It has:

A working collection of printed and
manuscript sources dealing with the his-
tory of the State in its many phases.

This section collects and preserves books,
manuscripts, maps, periodicals, news-
papers, photographs, and other material
bearing upon the development of California.
The entire collection is available for
reference and much of it also circulates.
The staff of the department, by maintain-
ing a familiarity with the material in its
specialized field and by preparing indexes
and other keys, is able to give expert as-
sistance to students, authors, librarians,
and others interested in the state's his-w
tory.2

The California law provides and the organization
chart includes a Supreme Court Library under the Supreme
Court. A record of this library is not included in the
American Library Directory for 1948 even though other
small departmental collections are noted. This library

serves only the Supreme Court. It is probably true that

 

11bid., p. 245.
21bid., p. 243.

141
the legal library service of this library, if any, cannot
in any way compare with the service of the Law and Leg-
islative Reference Section under the State Library, and
does not do the kind of legal reference and research work
which the Law and Legislative Reference Section of the
State Library would do for all state departments, lawyers

and Judges.

.pmosdon on:

Ham on nobam muwnnaq opwpm noon: moapnmm nonwomon can ooamnmumu
Hemoa Spas coanaoo mm #9500 oBoHQSm op moabnom occupancy asmoq .m

.mnmnpaq modem noon:

ooabnom mononomon obapmamamoa spat coanaoo mm ooabnom mnauumnv Adam .N

.no:uo>om on» up copnaonnw ma :anmnan oedema .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

m - human“; ouapm

.4 . huwunfiq #
.A._ panoo oaongam

.l H L

noapmoscm

no enaom mpapm
runwaoauzh uoanoboo

 

 

 

 

 

¢Hzm0hHA4o

N

 

 

Homnsoo
o>aumamawog
no oouumo

 

 

 

I1

.Eoo Homcsoo
obflprmHmog

 

 

 

1
_

p

caspaamnmoa

 

 

COLORADO

The state library agency in Colorado has gone
through a series of changes. None of these has simplified
or integrated the state's library service. In 1929 the
Traveling Library Commission and the State Library Com-
mission were combined in one Colorado Library Commission.
In 1933 its duties were transferred to the State Library,
the Commission itself was abolished, and the state super-
intendent of public instruction became state librarian,
ex—officio, according to the constitution. The State
Board of Education consisted of three ex-officio members:
secretary of state; attorney general; and the state super-
intendent of public instruction. The superintendent was
elected by popular vote every two years.

In 1947 a new library law was enacted after much
hard work by the Colorado Library Association. This law
begins by declaring:

Public Policy. It is hereby declared

to be the policy of the State, as a part

of its provision for public education, to

promote the establishment and development

of publicly supported free library service

throughout the state, and to encourage the

development of libraries of all types.1

The State Library was made a division of the State
Department of Education under this law with the state sup

perintendent remaining as ex-officio state librarian but

 

1"Colorado's 1947 Library Act," The Colorado
Library Association Bulletin, June, 1947, p. 4.

144
recognizing his authority to delegate to the deputy state
librarian, whom he appoints, any or all of the powers
given to him. The law requires that the deputy shall be a
library school graduate with three years of library work
during the five years immediately preceding his appoint-
ment.

The previous law provided that the state librarian
should be little more than a custodian of the library and
put rigid restrictions on the use of library materials.
The 1947 law gives the librarian the power and duty to
purchase books and materials for lending to publicly sup-
ported libraries and institutions, and for the establish-
ment and maintenance and operation of libraries in the
penal, correctional, charitable and medical institutions
operated by the State.

In 1947, for the first time, the state librarian
was given the following powers and duties with respect to
other libraries in the State:

(a) He shall further library develop-
ment throughout the state, in cooperation
with other agencies where practical;

(b) He shall serve as the agency of

the State to receive and administer State

or Federal funds which may now or in the

future be appropriated to further library

development within the state, and shall

establish regulations under which such

grants shall be distributed; except that

this provision shall not apply to appro-

priations made directly to any institution;

(c) He shall aid and provide general

advisory assistance in the development of
effective state-wide school library and

145

public library service, and encourage con-
tractual and cooperative relations between
school libraries and public libraries;

(d) He shall give assistance, advice
and counsel to all libraries of any type
within the state and to all communities
or persons proposing to establish them, on
the approved methods of operation, selec-
tion of books, or other activities neces—
sary to the proper administration of a li-
brary;

(e) He shall collect such information
and statistics as is necessary to his work,
and publish findings and reports thereon;

(f) He shall supply further advice
and information to libraries in the state
through field visits, conferences, insti-
tutes, correspondence and publications,
and do any and all things he may reason-
ably be expected to do to promote and ad-
vance library services in the state.

The 1947 reorganization of state library service

in Colorado follows the pattern of change which will bring

more direct library service to the people of the State,

improved professional leadership, responsive to policies

set by those elected to carry out the will of the people.

Unfortunately, there has been great delay in putting the

new provisions into practice.

In April 1949, the Colorado Library Association

Bulletin was still able to quote a 1947 statement by John

Van Male, then president-elect of the Colorado Library

Association as follows:

The State Library now does two things--

 

lIbido, pp. 5‘6.

146

it sends out boxes of books and it lends
recreational reading to state employees.
Neither of these activities appear in the
new law. While both activities have
merit, they do not appear in the new law
because we believed the State Library has
more important work to do. If the State
Library continues its present activities,
it cannot very well begin to assume its
new duties, which the law set down in un-
mistakable terms. The law says that the
State Library shall become an agency to
promote local libraries and a reference
service to supply information to state
officials. In other words, the State
Library should cease to be a public li-
brary and become two things: a field
agency and a reference library.

Both these duties will require all
the energy and thought the new Deputy
State Librarian can muster. They will
also require much larger appropriations,
eventually. The Deputy State Librarian
must travel a good deal, spending at
least half his time outside Denver, or en—
gaging a field worker to share this duty
with him. He should be known throughout
the state, stopping by to pass the time
of day with librarians and library boards
which have not asked his advice on his way
to communities which have. He should help
local groups plan their campaigns for a
city or a county or regional library, and
advise school superintendents how to set
up a library system on their own or in co—
operation with county and regional librar-
ies. Later he will probably need two
field workers-~one for schools, one for
public libraries.

The other half of his main Job--ref-
erence service-~calls for a new kind of
book collection. The State Library now
has a set of United States government pub-
lications and a fair-sized collection of
novels, children's books and general lit-
erature. The State Library of the future,
when it has complied with the new law,
will consist of recent state and national
government reports, files of magazines
dealing with public health, highways,
schools and the other subjects of great-

 

I47

est interest to the state government, and

books and pamphlets on these subjects and

public administration.

To select the right publications and

help state officials use them, the State

Library needs an expert reference librar-

ian. Therefore, the State Library needs

more than a Deputy State Librarian to

carry out the main provisions of the new

law. It needs a field worker, as I said

before, soon if not now, and it needs a

reference librarian, preferably right a-

way.

Just as in Arizona, we again have another case of
a good library law which lacks both funds and staff to
make it meaningful and effective. The unwillingness of
the Colorado legislature to implement the 1947 law with
funds is reflected in their defeat of a request for
$100,000 in state-aid for public libraries in the same
year.

The 1947 library law did not change the organiza-
tion of the Supreme Court Library which is supported by
license fees of $20, charged to lawyers being admitted to
practice in the state. The Supreme Court appoints the li-
brarian who has custody of the library under the direction
of the court. The library is open to the public for legal
reference service.' ‘

The State Historical Society had a rather inde-
pendent status until 1947 when a new law declared the co-

ciety to be an institution of the state, part of the ex-

 

1John Van Male, "The Function of the State
Library," The Cglorado Library Association Bulletin,
April, 1949, p. 90

148 .
ecutive department of the state government, and official

custodian of all documents, books and other library ma-
terials. The society still elects its own board, and
the governor is an ex—officio member. Under law, the so-
ciety is now a component of the Department of Education,
but in practice no control is exercised by the Board of
Education. The curator of history and other employees
are appointed by the Board of Directors which also fixes
salaries.

The Legislative Reference Office is in charge of
a director, appointed by the attorney general with the
consent of the governor, the appointment to be based on
fitness to perform the duties of the office. The law
also encourages the cooperation of the Supreme Court
Library both in use of materials and staff by the Legis-

lative Reference Office during legislative sessions.

149

o: ooapopum GH
.oumon dso muomao hpowoom

.noapwonvm mo onwom an comfioumxm Honpnoo
.qoapmoficm no puoapnwnoa mo apnoaoqaoos mH Baa needs 959

.maopoonan.mo vymom no panama oaofimmouHo .nocnmpoo .N

.hpfinmo

mpawogaw cmanwunaa macaw oaoamuonwo doapofiupmaa oaansn mo paocnmpaanqum .H

 

 

 

wumnpaq seq
pnsoo maoHQSm

 

.muuupag opmsm

 

 

 

 

 

 

mnmaoaoah

 

 

 

 

 

 

ao>anou¢ mucupag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N

 

 

 

mamaoom .pmfim ra.u
opaum

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

 

abandoficm
no puwom

 

 

_
_
s.n.|
_

_

II |l|l|. {I'll-l“!

 

 

uoahoboo

 

 

om¢moqoo

 

moaceo
.Hom .mog

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hwnonouuhonnopu¢

 

 

CONNECTICUT

The State Library in Connecticut has had a long
history, its emphasis having been almost entirely on the
reference, archival and historical aspect of state library

service.

The Connecticut General Assembly in 1851 provided
for a State Library Committee to consist of three persons
to be appointed annually by the General Assembly. It was
provided that the State Library Committee "shall have the
care and custody of the State Library, shall be charged
with the conduct of all literary exchanges, both foreign

and domestic, and shall make a report of their doings an-

nually to the General Assembly."1

In 1854 the General Assembly passed a resolution
authorizing the State Library Committee to appoint a li-
brarian to:

Take charge of the State Library, to
arrange, catalogue and index the same, and
to have bound such unbound books or works
belonging to the library as the said com-
mittee shall deem to be of sufficient val-
ue to the state to warrant the expense;
also to make such state and national ex-
changes of books and works as are now re-
quired by law; also to discharge the dut-
ies required by the Secretary of State
under the registration laws relating to
births, marriages and deaths.2

 

1Connecticut,_liesolution and Eyivate Acts of the Gen-

—**

eral Assembl 9f the State 9f Connecticut May Session
TEEI,"BT i§7¥ ’ . ’

2Ibid., 1854, p. 193.

151

Succeeding librarians developed legal collections
to serve legislators, Judges, state officers and attorneys
and in 1900, Mr. Godard, the third librarian in his first
report to the Governor, expressed the opinion that the
process of specializing libraries to increase their util—
ity was a necessary result of progress and that the State
Library could make itself more useful by selecting its
specialities and leaving it to the other libraries to be
more general in their aims. In developing his idea of what
the library should do, he made the following statement:

There are two lines, however, which

have a peculiar and special place in a

State Library, viz: Whatever pertains to

the science of government for the aid of

those who are to administer government,

and whatever illustrates the history,

character, resources and development of

the state.1

During the administration of Mr. Godard until his
death in 1936, many new services and duties were added to
the library. These services were added partly by legis-
lative action and partly by administrative action on the
part of the state librarian. An example of adding duties
by administrative action is the expansion of the Legis-
lative Reference Department of the library in 1907. This
was all done without special legislation, but the librar-

ian felt that "all state libraries were originally intended

1Edward A. Wight and Leon Liddell, Conrnecticut
Library Survey (Hartford: Connecticut State Department
of Education, 1948), p. 99.

152

to be legislative reference libraries as well as law, de-
partmental, and general reference libraries."1

Again, in 1918, the librarian in speaking of the
expansion of the library made the following statement:

. . . The real value of any library does

not consist in the number of volumes upon

its shelves, but does consist in the com—

pleteness of the departments which it un-

dertakes to represent. 0n the principle

that an institution should perform any

service necessary in a state for which it

is adapted, and for which there is no

other authorized agency, and which it can

perform better than any other existing

agency, the duties of the Connecticut State

Library have gradually been added to until

today it is a busy institution, serving the

state and nation in many different ways.2

This is an excellent example of how the functions
of a state agency change not by legislative action solely
but also by administrative action under a strong leader.

The present legal status places the State Library
under a State Library Committee, composed of the governor
and four persons appointed biennially by the General As-
sembly - usually the secretary of state, chief Justice of
the Supreme Court and two others. This committee has
charge of the State Library and appoints the state librar-
ian. The services and collection of the State Library
include reference, archives, history, genealogy, legisla-

tive reference and law. The State Library is also respon-

J

11bid., p. 99.
23mg. pp. 99-100.

153

sible for the collection of vital records, church and
court records, probate records, and state military necrol-
ogy.

The state library extension function has had a
more varied organization, the most recent change having
been made in 1947. The Connecticut Library Association was
established in 1890, and largely through its efforts a bill
was introduced to the Connecticut legislature and in 1893
passed. It.provided for the appointment, by the State
Board of Education of the Connecticut Public Library Commit-
tee consisting of five members. Members of the committee
were not paid, but were allowed $500 annually for clerical
assistance and incidental and necessary expenses incurred in
the discharge of their duties. The committee was authorized
to spend for books in any town not having a free public li-
brary but which would establish and maintain one, a sum not
to exceed that spent by the town, and not to exceed $200.1
Presumably the legislation used the designation of ”Com-
mittee" because of the large number of commissions already
in existence, and the appointive power was placed with the
State Board of Education rather than with the governor in
order to reduce the probabilities of political influence
in appointments. I.

By 1921 the law provided $7,500 annually for the
work of the Public Library Committee. The 1930 Revision

 

1Connecticut, Public Acts 9; annecticut, January
1893, chap. 178, sec. 10.

 

of the General Statutti4did not specify a fixed sum, leav-
ing the amount to be set by the appropriation of the Gen-
eral Assembly. In 1939 an amendment specified that the
State Board of Education should provide annually in its
budget that such sum as was deemed necessary to carry out
the duties of the committee. ‘

The 1948 survey found that the place of the Pub-
lic Library Committee within the organization of the State
Department of Education varied over the years and has not
always been clear. It concluded that:

The lack of clarity in the relation-
ship between the State board of Education,
the Commissioner of Education, the Connec-
ticut Public Library Committee, and the Ex-
ecutive Secretary of the Committee is such
that the lines of responsibil ty for carry-
ing out the mandatory and permissive pro-
visions of the law are not clear-cut.

This lack of clear—cut responsibility has
resulted in the absence of dynamic leader--
ship on the part of the Connecticut Public
Library Committee. In carrying out an ex-
panded program of public library service
that definite responsibilities for policies.
and for carrying out a program based upon
these policies should be placed respective-
1y, upon a single board and a single admin-
istrative officer."1

The Survey recommended that:

l. The Public Library Committee be
abolished and that its policy-making
functions be taken over by the State Board
of Education.

2. A Division of Libraries compar-
able in rank with other maJor divisions
in the State Department of Education be
established and the class of position of

 

lWight, op. cit., p. 14.

155

Director of the Division of Libraries be

created in the state classified service.

The qualifications required should in-

clude general and professional school-

ing and professional experience appro-

priate to the position as head of the

public library system of the State. The

division should be directly responsible

to the Commissioner of Education. An

advisory committee of librarians would

probably be desired both by the Director

of the Division of Libraries and by the

librarians of the state . . . .

Even before the survey was printed the Connecticut
General Assembly in the 1947 legislative session abolished
the Public Library Committee and transferred its duties to
the State Board of Education. The office of the committee
is now the Division of Libraries of the State Education De-
partment. This may improve the administration and policy-
making function of the library extension service but the
real test of the change will be whether or not the library
extension staff and the funds with which they can operate
will be increased.

Although the survey recommendations for a regional
library program have been adopted in principle by the De-
partment of Education, the state aid program has not been
advanced, the only change being that instead of purchasing
books for libraries, the Division will reimburse librar-
ies, but the-maximum grant-in-aid is still $100 per 11-
brary per year.

In February, 1950, the Commission on State Govern-

 

1Wight, op. cit., pp. 14—15.

156
ment Organization issued its sweeping recommendations in
"The Report." It proposed to reduce the number of depart—
ments to seventeen plus the executive office, Judicial de-
partment and the legislative departments. All present
functions would be grouped under these departments which
would be headed by commissioners appointed by the Governor.
These recommendations include that: "All the functions of
the State Library, except those relating to the Supreme
Court Library, photostating and photo—offsetting . . . are
hereby transferred to and shall be exercised by the Educa-
tion Department under the direction of an Education Commis-
sioner."1 Transferred to the Judicial Department would be:
"Those functions of the State Library Committee pertaining
to the Supreme Court Law Library."2 Office of General Ser-
vices would receive those functions of the State Library
Commission relating to grounds and building management and
those functions of the State Library relating to photo-
stating and photo-offsetting.

The 1950 special session of the General Assembly re-
ceived the recommendations of "The Report" and rejected
them entirely. Combining of the two library agencies under
one head whether it be an independent board appointed by
the governor or the Department of Education will be diffi-
cult because of the long independent history of both.

 

1Connecticut, The Be ort, 1950, pp. 92-93.
21bid, p. 96.

157

.mdoauooaanam ouwum

HaHoammo no coausnanumac one ca modems omnmnoxo on» ma mo>nom
omad .pnoaunwmoa muuooom Hm; «pnmapamqoa muoumfim Hwooq use
mmoamocmo .pdoapnonoo munooom Hepa> «unmapnmnoa mobanon< .pnoa
cppmmoa mocmuomom m>apwamamoq w .mnwunaq 3mg pasoo oaounzm on»
mqfimpnoo .opmpm ecu mo mofinwnnaa oaansq spas aofiuoocdoo pooped
on we: pH .paoapnwmmc ouopm opwnmnom a ma humaan opmpm may

.mofipwupaa oaanfig on mouse
Imammw one can m>Hm op coapoosvm mo pamapnmmoa on» no noama>ac 4

.qmfiuonan mpwpm

o mpqaonqm one mnacaasn assoc macadam new hnounaq macaw one no
omnmno mm: nods: «moppdaaoo humupfiq madam on» opnpapmcoc «Hodge
a>ow one new: .ons mcomnmn Anon «madmacdoap .mpqaoaow ondumamamoq

m
moanennaqli m
mo pofimapfia engages spasm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
  

 

H

 

  

:oapeoflcm

omppaaaoo
pcoapuanma

massage mama»

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noduoboo onspmamamoq

 

 

BDUHHUmzzoo

.H

DELAWARE

The State Library in Delaware is primarily a law
library with a low personnel and book budget ($4500 in
1948). Its organization is rather unusual and makes it dif-
ficult to place on a chart. The governor appoints the state
librarian and also has the power to remove him from office.
The state librarian also reports to the Governor. However,
the Supreme Court approves the rules and regulations formu-
lated by the state librarian and also approves his expendi-
tures and receipts. This type of organization would prob-
ably break down if the state librarian had more important
duties and responsibilities including policy-making deci-
sions regarding the administration of the State Library.

The library extension function is carried out by
the Library Commission, nine persons appointed by the gov-
ernor for five year terms. The commission selects a "qual-
ified" librarian who serves as its secretary but has no
vote. "The Commission shall have general supervision over
all libraries in the state," can require reports, adminis-
ter state-aid, provide books and other reading matter
"tending to the encouragement of reading."1

The biennial report of the Library Commission for
1947-48 states that:

The main objective of the State Li-

brary Commission is to reach the great-
est number of rural people with adequate

 

1Delaware, Revised Code, 1935, p. 237.

159

library service. This is done in vari-
ous ways.

Two bookmobiles are operated on
rural highways where individual homes
are visited, in order that the families
may have the benefits of a trained per-
son and a good selection of books. From
45 to 60 homes are visited each day that
weather permits. Residents in the homes
visited may borrow books to suit their
desires. If borrowers desire books that
are not on the bookmobile, the librarians
make every effort to see that the re-
quests are filled by mail from headquar-
ters. Recent books of popular interest,
as well as books on various subjects,
are available to the people, together
with light recreational reading.

In some of the more thinly populated
areas, collections of books have been
placed in centers, from which the neigh-
boring families may secure their books.

The staff of the Library Commission
renders advisory service to libraries
already established in small towns. Pub-
licity for promoting library interest in
the State is given.

Collections of books are lent to li-
braries in the small towns, to supple-
ment the library service that is already
there.

Assistance in organizing both school
and town libraries is rendered by the
staff of the Commission.

The Traveling Exhibit, compoSed of
a choice selection of children's books
from the outstanding publishers, is rout-
ed during the winter and spring months,
to the small town and school libraries.
In this way the librarians and teachers,
who do not have an opportunity to visit
bookstores, may select books for child-

. . '-

160

ren by examining the ooks rather than

selecting from lists.

In effect, the Library Commission in Delaware is

operating as a regional library for the unserved areas of

this small state. Its total budget for 1947-48 was

$12,970,

with $7,674 of this going for salaries. Sixteen

libraries in small towns received a total of $5,700 in

state-aid. The amounts varied from $150to $500, which,

according to law, must be spent for books.

In the same report, the commission recommended:

Since there are several small towns
and villages that do not have library
service, the Commission recommends that
one large bookmobile be provided to
serve these communities. It is planned
that this bookmobile should be equipped
to carry at least fifteen or eighteen
hundred books; with proper lighting and
heating; with a desk for keeping records
in charge of a trained librarian. In
this way a mobile collection of books
with one assistant will provide better
library service than if there were a
center established in each town. The
Commission feels that this bookmobile
will greatly improve the library ser-
vice in the State.

Since the headquarters of the State
Library Commission is inadequate at the
present time and since the Commission
has been notified that no additional
weight may be put in the room where the
library is housed, it immediately be-
comes apparent that new headquarters is
necessary.2

It is interesting to note that exactly the same

 

Library

1Delaware, Twenty-third Biennial Report of the

21bid., p. 8.

161

recommendations appeared in the biennial report for 1945-
46. Even so small a state is having its difficulties in
bringing library service to all its residents.

The organization and function of the Public Ar-
chives Commission follows a usual pattern. It consists of
six members, two of whom, one man and one woman, are from
each county. No more than three members of the Commission
can belong to the same political party and all members must
be residents of the state for at least ten years. The com-
mission is authorized to employ assistants to carry out its
duties as necessary.

There is a Legislative Reference Bureau consisting
of the Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate and
Speaker of the House. Their primary concern is bill draft-

ing and research.

162

H

.omsom map mo noxmmnm new meadow Ho
Sansone pcmcfimmnm «nonhopow mo comomaoo .m

.pm«>HnoAm muqaomnw
.qpfinwunfia manfiom

noammdaaoo .N

no uodpopoo .H

N

 

 

 

 

 

saunas
mpapm

.
Ll

 

phnoo oaouqam

 

 

 

noammfiaaoo

 

 

huwnpaq mobanoad oaannm

noummfiaaoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nocnmpoo

 

 

 

 

mmas<qma

m

 

 

swmnam .mom
obaumamwmmq

 

 

 

 

manpwamamoq

 

 

 

FLORIDA

The State Library in Florida got its legal start
in 1845. The law provided that books and maps in state pos-
session be placed in three collections to be known respec-
tively as the Executive, begislative, and Judicial Librar-
ies, with custodians for each. In practice, however, the
secretary of state, became the administrator of the three
collections. In 1855, the secretary of state was legally
made state librarian ex-officio. In 1925, the administra-
tion of the State Library was placed under the State Li-
brary Board whose secretary was made state librarian. The
board of three is appointed by the governor for staggered
four-year terms. It appoints a secretary by law, "a
perSon7trained in modern library methods.‘ The secretary,
appointed in 1927, was formerly a state legislator and is
still serving.

Under the 1925 law, the State Library Board acts
as custodian of a collection of about 50,000 books and pam-
phlets, loaning them to individual borrowers and to com-
munities, groups or organizations, The Board also has le-
gally implied powers to act as a library extension agency.

The Board may, upon request, give

advice and counsel to all school, state

institutional, free and public librar-

ies, as to the best means of establishing

and administering them, selecting and cat-

aloging books and other details of library-
management.

 

1Florida, Compiled General Laws 1927, p. 644,
sec., 1690.

 

p-

164
The law also permitted the Board to conduct courses of
library instruction and perform such<3ther services as it
may consider for the best interest of the State. Only the
loan and reference function, however, are now being per-
formed by a staff of nine with an annual budget of about
$36,000.

As a result of the lack of real library extension
service from the State Library Board, a General Extension
Division, representing the tax—supported institutions of
higher learning in Florida, has made its materials freely
available to all Lloridians since 1920.' Materials avail-
able, although not large in number (about 25,000), include
books, plays, phonograph records, package libraries and
pictures. The Division also employs a specialist in library
services who edits a "Florida rublic Library Newsletter",
giving practical information and advice to improve and
strengthen public library service. He also visits librar-
ies and provides assistance in organizing or changing over
from a private to a public library. This year (1950), the
General Extension Division assumed another of the State Li-
brary Beard's legal functions by holding six one-day re-
gional library training institutes for librarians, staff
and trustees of smaller public libraries.

About one-half of Florida's libraries are privately
supported. An unusual provision in the Florida library law
stipulates that the governor of the state shall appoint the

members of county library boards. This seems to be an un-

I65
necessary centralization of power and may be one reason
why Florida has been slow in adopting county libraries
which would improve library service in the state, particu-
larly to the rural areas.

Florida law provides for a Supreme Court Library,
the clerk of the court also serving as librarian of the law
collection. This is strictly a legal reference collection
under the exclusive control and supervision of the Supreme
Court.

In 1949 the legislature provided a Legislative
Reference Bureau under the Legislative Council, taking
away another function which had already been legally as-
signed to the State Library.

The Florida State Library obviously needs more
professional staff and financial support to fulfill its
.legal obligations. These obligations are being assumed by
the General Extension Division of the state university in
the absence of activity by the State Library. The func-
tions the State Library is forfeiting are necessary and
proper for it to perform. It is not sound library devel-
opment to have the only aggressive library development
work being performed by an extension librarian under the
General Extension Division of the state's universities and
the school library consultant on the staff of the State

Department of Education.

166

 

 

 

spapnaq spasm

 

 

 

 

baseman
onuoo oaouasm

 

nwonsm .mom
obwpwamawoq_

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

muwfioandh

 

 

 

epaom
samppaq mpapm

 

 

Haonzoo
opapmamamoq_

L
.

 

 

 

 

 

 

nonh0>oo

 

 

 

 

«GHmoqm

onnpwamamoq

 

 

GEORGIA

The Georgia State Library, founded in 1831, serves
the administrative, legislative and judicial departments
of the state. The state librarian in Georgia is appointed
and supervised directly by the governor and confirmed by
the Senate. The term of office is four years. Until 1947,
only a "fit and competent person" was specified by law.

In 1947 the law was changed to:

The head of said department shall be
known as the State Librarian, who shall be
appointed by the Governor with the advice
and consent of the Senate, whose term of
office shall be for four years or until
his successor shall have been appointed
and confirmed by the Senate. The officer
so appointed shall be a duly certified li—
brarian, according to the provisions of An
Act to Establish a State Board for the Cer-
tification of Librarians, approved March
31, 1937, and of rules and regulations pur-
suant thereto and, in addition, shall have
had experience of at least three years in
an executive position in a law or other
reference library. The said State Librar-
ian shall have all the powers and duties
heretofore required of or invested in the
State Librarian” not inconsistent with
this Act. The present State Librarian
shall continue in office under this Chap-
ter until the present term of office of
said State Librarian expires or until a
successor is appointed and qualified.1

This library is primarily a legal collection for
reference purposes, the law reading: "It is the librarian's

business to preserve, keep in order, and protect said library.2

 

lGeorgia Laws 1947, p. 1167.
2Georgia Code 1933, p. 2597.

168

The State Library also carries out the function of ex-
changing state documents and laws with other states. It
is somewhat more unusual that the State Library also has
the legislative reference function under its supervision.
The law originally gave the state librarian the power to
designate an assistant to be known as the legislative ref—
erence librarian, to have charge of legislative reference
work and other duties as the state librarian directed.
This law was repealed in 1947, though the state librarian
still has the legislative reference function.

The 1947 law also set up for the first time an Ad-
visory Library Committee, consisting of the chief justice of
the Supreme Court, secretary of state and the chancellor of
the university system, ex-officio, consult and advise with
the state librarian from time to time and suggest or recom-
mend to the governor and the state librarian such policies
and services that would best promote and advance the use-
fulness of the department to public officials and the cit—
izens of this State.

In 1929, the legislature abolished the office of
compiler of state records and established a Department of
Archives and History, under the secretary of state. This
office appoints the director or state historian "who may
be a woman"1 for a term of six years, adopts rules for the

Department and controls and expends appropriations.

 

lGeorgia Code 1933, p. 1208.

169

In 1943, an independent State Library Commission
was abolished and its functions were transferred to the
State Department of Education, Division of Textbook and
Library Service. The law establishing the commission was
passed in 1897, but the commission got its first appro-
priation in 1920. The commission was appointed by the
governor for three year terms and it was to ”give advice
and counsel to all libraries and to all communities which
may propose to establish them . . . conduct a system of
traveling libraries . . . employ a trained secretary . . .
and send its members to aid in organizing new libraries
and improving those already established."1

One reason for the lack of accomplishment of the
Commission may have been this restricting aspect of the
law: “To enable the Commission to properly discharge its
duties, the sum of $10,000 per annum is hereby appropria-
ted."2 Any law which specifies a constant figure which is
inadequate to begin with has at least two strikes against
it.

Although Georgia adopted a new constitution in
1945, with specific changes regarding education, no changes
were made in the laws affecting state library agencies at
that time. The 1943 legislature which adopted the resolu-
tion to revise the constitution did not wait until the

 

lGeorgia Code 1933, p. 980.
21bid., p. 980.

170
year was out to make the major change which abolished the
State Library Commission and transferred the library ex-
tension function to the Department of Education.

Library extension under the Department of Educa-
tion has made rapid progress in Georgia and the program
continues to expand rapidly. The Department is under an
elected superintendent who happens to be interested in
public, county and regional library development as well as
school and school library development. As a result, state—
aid appropriations have risen steadily since 1943. The
division also has an excellent library extension staff to
develop and make the most of the state-aid program. They
have been assisted in their development of county and re-
gional libraries by the great need for service and the lack
of previously organized and independent libraries to op-
pose their program. State wide support for the library ex-
tension program has been developed and the feeling is that
even under a different superintendent and state education
board who might not be favorably disposed toward public
library development, the people of the state would see to
it that the program was continued. This is possible after

such state-wide support has been developed.

171

.nonnm>om hp umucHomnd .mnopama Goa .m

.mmppfiaaoo mmapmaoo aopmhm mpwmuo>aqn
mo HOHHmonmno .opwpm mo huwpmnoom «ooapm5h moano .m

 

 

.pam spwppaq
cam xoonpxma

 

 

 

 

 

a
mHoonom
.pasm mumpm

 

_

 

 

moapmoswm mo
camom mpwpw

 

 

_

.cmuvam .H

 

 

maepnaq spasm

 

 

 

NI...I.I

_ moppasaolo Imnlmmflbmqm lllll

_ samppag mpmpm _

r----fi---t

 

 

 

nonno>oo

 

 

 

¢Homomu

H

 

. hamppfig.pmfim ail
mm>Hnou¢ .pamQ

 

 

 

 

mpmpm mo wpmpmnomm

 

 

IDAHO

The State Library Commission in Idaho is organized
in a rather unusual manner. The law reads: "Acting
through its own executive officers, the State Board of Edu-
cation and the Board of Regents of the University of Idaho,
shall . . . supervise, govern and direct the State Library
Commission."1 Then the law assigns the executive officers
of these two bodies, plus the superintendent of public in-
struction and the president of the State University to
membership on the commission, the president being an ex-
officio member but the superintendent being secretary.
Other members of the commission are the secretary of state
and the attorney-general who serves as chairman.

Here we have a really complex and confused admin-
istrative set-up. Add to the confusion the fact that the
State Board of Education and the Board of Regents are ap-
pointed by the governor and the superintendent is elected
by popular vote.

The commission manages the State Traveling Library
which is practically the only function the library performs.
The law stresses the distribution of books function but
also includes the provision for more active extension work:
"It shall cooperate with the management of public schools

and other free libraries within the State and adopt such

 

LIdaho Code Anno. 1932, Vol. II, p. 630

 

173
means as shall promote these establishments."1 The ex-
officio commission has not been effective in seeing to it
that these responsibilities are well supported.

The law library function is also somewhat unusual
in Idaho in that there are three State Law Libraries, at
Boise, Lewiston and Pocatello, all under the supervision
of the Supreme Court which they also appoint the three law
librarians.2 There are no legal provisions for legislative
reference service in Idaho.

The archival function is under the State Historical
Society, whose board of three trustees is appointed by the
Governor. The board appoints and directs the librarian.
The library is supported by state funds.3

Many more people are without library service in
Idaho than have service. All the libraries in the state
have little more than 500,000 books total. Such a situa—
tion calls for a strengthening of the state library exten—
sion agency and possibly the establishment of a system of
regional libraries operated by the state agency or largely
supported by state funds.

The value of unifying the state library agencies
in this case is questionable since all the agencies are so
weak. More important would be the establishment of an in-

dependent board instead of the ex-officio board existing.

 

11bid, Vol. II, p. 710.
21bid., Vol. I, pp. 315-16.
31bid., Vol. III, pp. 1303-1306.

174
No logical reason exists for having an attorney-general as
chairman of a state library board administering state

library extension, reference and loan service.1

 

1After this was written, the Idaho State Library
Association, at its biennial meeting, decided to work on
a revision of the Idaho code to change the Idaho State
Library Commission from an ex-officio board to an ap-
pointed board.

.moopmsnp mo canon nonamanwmnnp m mpcfiomqw nonum>oo .m
.oHHmpwoom one nonmasoq .omwom "mofinwunHH BmH opmpm manna .N
.noammaaaoo

smegmaoo .mpamno>ann mpwpm mo pcoefimosd use «coaposnpmca
unease Co ppmepmugapoasm .mpaum mo apmumpomm .Hmpmemmnmmepoppa .H

 

175

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

N
mofinmnnaq -
seq opmpm mnmnpfiq
H; m
scammwaaoo mamaoom
escapes spasm Haoapopmam mpapm
huwfiowcsh Hanonmonhonuopp<

 

 

 

 

 

 

om<QH

 

ILLINOIS

The State Library in Illinois was originally cre—
ated in 1839, as a law and general reference library for
the use of the legislature and the Supreme Court under the
control of the governor and Supreme Court judges. In 1842
a separate Supreme Court Library was created, and the State
Library, converted into solely a general reference library,
was put under the control of the secretary of state. An
act of 1874 created a Board of Library Commissioners con-
sisting of the governor, the secretary of state, and su-
perintendent of public instruction, with the secretary to
serve also as state librarian. The act also provided that
books might be borrowed from the library by members of the
General Assembly during a session, and at any time by the
governor, officers of the executive departments of the
state, and the Justices of the Supreme Court.

In 1909 library extension activity was authorized
when the Illinois Library Extension Commission, with the
secretary of state as ex-officio chairman, was created
with authority to operate traveling libraries and to loan
such collections to any library in the state or to any com-
munity without library service. The Library Extension Com-
mission was also given authority to appoint a library or-
ganizer whose duties were to keep informed concerning the
work of the various public libraries in the state, to visit

such libraries as occasion might require, to assist in pro-

177
moting new libraries and to make an annual report concern-
ing library conditions in the state. In 1921, the “ibrary
Extension Commission was abolished and all its powers ves-
ted in the secretary of state, who continued as state li-
brarian. Two citizen members appointed by the governor
were added to the statutory membership of the advisory
Board of Library Commissioners. The State Library was
set up with three divisions: Reference, Extension, and
Archives.

In 1939, the Board of Library Commissioners was
abandoned, and the office of library organizer dispensed
with, leaving full control and direction of the library
function in the secretary of state as state librarian.

The act specifies that the State Library is to serve as a
library for state officials and employees, especially with
respect to material concerning their work. In addition, it
is also to serve this group by maintaining general reading
material. Other functions of the library are: to supple-
ment reading material unavailable in local libraries; to
assist local libraries by loaning them books and in draft-
ing plans for improving their local services; to aid local
groups in developing library service in rural communities
and rural schools without such service; and to act in an
advisory capacity on questions concerning public and school

libraries in Illinois.1

 

1Illinois Legislative Council, Library Service in
Illinois, Publication No. 45 (1942), pp. 6-7.

178
The act of 1939 also gives specific legislative
sanction to a liberal use of the loaning privileges of the
state library. Provision was made for loaning reading ma-

terial to:
state officials, employees of the State, urban

and rural schools not having library facili-

ties in the schools, study groups, individuals

living in communities without library service

and to established libraries to supplement

their book collections and to other individ- 1

uals at the discretion of the state librarian.

For over fifty years the privilege of borrowing books had
been extended to all state employees without specific statu-
tory authority. Likewise individuals living in areas with-
out library service exercised the same privileges without
express legislative permission. The reference facilities

of the library have long been available to any person de-
siring them.

An innovation of the library act of 1939 is the
division of the state into six regional library districts
in each of which the secretary of state appoints a district
librarian with authority to make recommendations concerning
policies and management of the State Library.

The secretary of state-state librarian in reality
serves ex-officio, although all state library activity and
correspondence is carried on in his name. ne appoints an

assistant state librarian who carries on the administrative

function.

 

1 llinois Revised Statutes, 1941, ch. 128., Sec.12.8.

179

In 1945, the state legislature provided $300,000 to
set up demonstration libraries in the six districts of the
state under the supervision of the State Library. Few per-
manent county or regional libraries have resulted from this
two-year program.

In 1947 a bill designed to transfer the administra-
tion of the State Library from the secretary of state's
office to an independent State Library Board was sponsored
by the Illinois Library Association but was unsuccessful.
The secretary of state carried on a vigorous campaign to
keep the status quo. His principal argument was, strange-
1y enough, that a State Library Board would bring politics
into the administration of the State Library. The conflict
in 1947 illustrated the lack of confidence and cooperation
existing between the State Library and the librarians of
the state. .

In the samd year, the secretary of state, without
a formal change in the law, announced the expansion of the
Illinois State Library Advisory Committee to include "Citi-
zen representatives" as well as librarians. To the seven
librarian members, he added six other individuals.

In 1949, the legislature appropriated $10,000 for
a survey of the State Library by three librarians, selec-
ted to do the Job by the secretary of state-state Librar-
ian. This survey was requested by the State Library to

determine whether any changes are desirable in the present

180
system.1 The secretary of state has been quoted as saying
that he will follow the recommendations of the survey. The
results of the survey have not been published. 6

The Illinois State Library has a strong collection,
good financial support and gives excellent reference and
loan service to state departments, libraries and state resi-
dents without libraries. Its staff and activities, partic-
ularly in the extension field, are hampered by the effects
of political influence in the library.

There is no doubt but that the political connec~
tions of the secretary of state-state librarian has consid-
erable influence in obtaining good legislative appropria—
tions for the State Library. It has achieved this even in
lean appropriation years, but not without sacrifice of po-
litical independence, high staff morale and the full coop-
eration of local libraries and the Illinois Library Associa-
tion.

In addition to the State Library and its varied
library functions, there is an independent State Historical
Library under a State Historical Library Board consisting
of three trustees appointed by the Governor. The trustees
select the state historian who shall be a "qualified per-
son." There is overlapping between this library and the

strong archival section of the State Library.

 

1National Association of State Libraries, Proceed-
in s and Pa ers, 1948-49, (Rochester, N. Y., 1948), p. 13.

   

181

There is also a Supreme Court Library with a li-
brarian appointed by the court. This is a legal reference
collection for the use of the court and state departments.
This library was established in 1842 when law books and
court reports were transferred to it from the State Li-
brary.

A rather unusual legislative reference service ex-
ists. It is called a Joint Legislative Reference Bureau
and consists of the governor, the chairman of the Senate
and House appropriation committees and the Senate and House
Judiciary committees. The governor serves as ex-officio
chairman of the Legislative Reference Bureau. The bureau

appoints a secretary to carry out the duties.

182

.smonnm omahmaoo .mnopmnom osu .mo>auepcomoumon own .nonhmeoo .m

.opspapm an eopoopae pap
«opmpm mo mnmpouoom mp counaoamm HHm u mnoNHuHo Nam mam mnmwnennHH nm>om

.uoquo>om mp vopnflomnw mnmnaoa conga .H

 

 

 

 

 

oooom aaoHpopmHm one»

 

mnmnnaq hnwuan g
m

 

 

 

 

nomadm .mom
.naq ppsoo opapoflmamoq
oaonqnm

 

 

 

 

 

N

  

00 now >v<
apopnaq opaom

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. m
H nwonsm
moopmdna mnwnnaq .moq opwpmg
Hwoauopmfim opmpm .\ _
\x
\
\\
opwpm go muwponoom _\.\
\\
haoaoacnh wuonhobou onfipwHmeog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mHOZquH

INDIANA

The Indiana State Library was authorized by an act
of the General Assembly in 1825 and in 1925 was merged with
the Public Library Commission. This independent Commission
had been established in 1899. The Indiana Historical Com-
mission, established in 1915, was also superseded in 1925
by the historical Bureau which was combined with the State
Library and “egislative Bureau into the Indiana Library and
Historical Department. In April 1933, by executive order
under the state reorganization act of 1933, the state li-
brary agency was identified with the Department of Educa-
tion, but reverted to the former board administration in
1941, with repeal of the reorganization act. State school
library service is still under the State Board of Education.

The two divisions of the Indiana Library and His-
torical Department are each headed by a director, under one
board of five appointed by the governor for four years,
this board to appoint as director of the Library Division,
a college graduate with special library training. The
governor appoints the board as follows: One member on the
recommendation of the State Board of Education, one on rec-
ommendation of the Indiana Library Trustees Association,
one on recommendation of the Indiana Library Trustees Asso-
ciation, one on recommendation of Indiana Historical So-
ciety and one selected and appointed by the Governor.

The law providing for the two divisions, the State

184
Library and the Historical Bureau, under separate direc—
tors reads:
The Board may designate one of the

directors so appointed as the executive

secretary of the board, whose duties, as

secretary, shall be prescribed by the

board.1
Each director appoints his own assistants. Another at-
tempt at integration is made in specifying that:

‘ The Board may so apportion the

duties of the department and the several

divisions thereof that like services in

the various divisions may be performed

by the same employs or employees for

the entire department. .

In this administrative organization there seems to
be an opportunity for difficulties to arise between the
two divisions, which are separate and yet under the same
board and executive secretary who also serves as one of
the division directors.

Since the duties of the Historical Bureau consist
mostly of editing and publishing, and the duties of the
State Library are much broader and would require a much
larger staff, this latter division naturally dominates.
The library serves not only as a reference center for
state departments but loans books to public libraries
and groups, and has the library extension function of co-

ordinating library services and promoting the establish-

ment and improvement of local library service.

 

1Burns Indiana Statutes Annotated, 1933, Vol. 11,
sec. 63-823.

21bid., sec. 63—826.

 

-~

185

In addition to this state library agency, there
is a State Law Library under the Supreme Court which ap-
points the law librarian.

In 1939, the Legislative Bureau was removed from
the State Library and Historical Board. The director
is now appointed by the governor and reports to him, but
he may be removed by the General Assembly. This organ-
ization could also create difficulties and a possible im-
passe. A Joint committee of the General Assembly, known
as the Indiana Legislative Advisory Commission, acts in
an advisory capacity to the Bureau which is at the ser-
vice of all departments of government. The Bureau main-

tains a special legislative reference library.

186

.aan o>oaou
has thammma Hmnonoo .Honuo>om mp oopnaomam ma comm .nonno>om op munonom .N

.Anomo ocov muoaoom HwOHHOLmH: mceaocH «noapwonc no ouwom opmpm .Goapmflo
comm< moopmsna mnwnpfiq machnH «dofipwfioommm anunaq wannnH mp voppaa
Imam mpmHH aonm uopoonm one each was «nonpobom an uopcaomod .muonaoa mean .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

muwnnfiq seq mamnnaq opmpm mnmnan
panoo maonqsm
. 1 m
unwom Hwofiuopmfim I somenm
one mangoes oooom _ osapaamamog
\\ \ \ \
hanOHUSh nonno>ou m onnumeHmoq
.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<z¢HQzH

IOWA

Under a reorganization act of 1939, the state leg-
islature abolished the State Library Commission and its
extension functions (established in 1900), and combined
this agency and the general book collection of the State
Library into a new agency, the State Traveling Library.1
The same legislation then put this agency and three others,
the State Department of History and Archives, the Iowa
State Law Library, and the lowa State Medical Library under
an ex-officio board of trustees consisting of the governor,
a member of the Supreme Court to be designated by the
Court, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This
ex-officio board makes and enforces rules for the four li-
braries, appoints the librarians in accordance with stated
professional qualifications and also appoints, after con-
sultation with them, qualified assistants to carry on the
work.

The State Traveling Library performs the duties
previously assigned to the Commission, mostly book loan
and extension functions. It gives advice and counsel on
establishing and improving public libraries, collects re-
ports, makes plans for extending adequate service to all
residents of the State, and circulates books to libraries,

schools, colleges, granges, study clubs, state institutions,

 

tlgwa Code, 1939, sec. 4541.02.

188
and individuals.

The State Traveling Library has not prospered in
its ten years of existence under the ex-officio board. In.
her biennial report, dated July 1, 1948, the librarian
reported:

It is obvious that the staff has not been
increased sufficiently to carry on the work
that is needed. At the time of the consoli-
dation of the libraries, there were twelve
on the Library Commission payroll and nine
on the State Library payroll. The work is
now being done by nineteen people. We are
attempting to do too much with too little
in the way of staff.

It is obvious, also, that Iowa is not
supporting her libraries as they should be
supported. Comparison with our neighboring
states gives us nothing to feel proud about.
The amount of money appropriated to the
State Traveling Library is niggardly and
Justifies deserved criticism of people in
the library field and others concerned with
the value of good library service to the
state. ,

Since the consolidation, the library
has never had a_field worker though requests
for this service arrive daily. The few
visits that are made are by the librarian
who must work overtime on work neglected
when such visiting is done.

The physical conditions under which
we work leave much to be desired. The work
is done on two floors with no direct con-
nection. To go from one floor to the other
involves a long, time-consuming trip in an
antiquated elevator or by stairs that are
outside the library rooms. Some method of
direct access would save much in time and
energy.

The need for more book space is acute.
In spite of much discarding, books are
shelved on the tops of stacks and in inac-
cessible bins. More space is desperately
needed.

189

In 1947, the State Legislature finally passed a
county library law, allowing counties to vote a county li—
brary into being. This law, however, has not been imple—
mented with a library extension staff or a state-aid to
libraries program. In early 1950, the staff still did not
include even one field extension librarian.

The lack of time and interest which usually char-
acterizes ex-officio boards is at the basis of the difficul-
ty. Consolidation of state library agencies has made a
good beginning in Iowa. What is needed now is a change of
board personnel to library-interested citizens, and one ex-
ecutive secretary or state librarian to administer the four
departments as divisions of one library agency.

The Department of History and Archives is under a
curator appointed by the board of trustees. There are
some museum functions connected with the.position as well
as responsibility for archives in the History Library.

In addition to this Department, there is a legally
recognized and independent State Historical Society (not
shown on the chart), headed by a Board of Curators of
eighteen persons, nine of whom shall be appointed by the
governor, and nine elected by the Society, all for two
years. The Society is maintained in connection with and
under the auspices of the University of Iowa and maintains
a library along with its collections, historical research
and publications functions. There seems to be some dupli-

cation of functions here with the State Department of Ar-

190

chives and History. Supreme Court reports and other state
documents are also kept by this library. Location of these
materials in Iowa City rather than Des Moines is one ex-
planation for their duplication.

The State Law Library also performs as the legis-
lative reference service in Iowa. This is not as unusual
as the existence of a state supported Medical Library in

Iowa which is available for free use by Iowa residents.

191

.panoo ofionnfim mo nonaoa a new noflpoonmeH

CHHnsd mo unoccopcfinodnm whocno>ow ho womanmaoo ma onmom

 

. mnonnflq
_ mnopmam

 

 

 

 

 

mopanopa a
.pmam Co .paoo

 

 

 

 

 

muonan anonnaq
Hooaoo: use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.H

 

 

muofiowoSH

 

hocno>oa

 

 

 

 

«30H

 

 

apopoaq. _

mdaaopona m

KANSAS

Still another variation of state library organi-
zation exists in Kansas. Here we find that "the Justices
of the Supreme Court, by virtue of their office, shall be
the directors of the State Library."1 The actual appoint-
ment of the State Librarian is made by the governor, but
only on the recommendation of the directors. The law con-
tinues by specifying the title and salary of every posi—
tion in the library. This library is primarily a refer-
ence, document and law library for the state.

Another unusual aspect of the Kansas library law
provides that the members of the Supreme Court (directors
of the State Library) appoint three persons for three-year
terms, who together with the State Librarian and the pres—
ident of the Kansas State Social Service Federation of
Clubs (now the Federation of Women's Clubs) shall consti—
tute a board to be known as the Kansas Traveling Libraries
Commission, of which the State Librarian shall be ex—of—
ficio chairman. ThisCommission administers the Traveling
Library which is a department of the State Library. The
primary function of the department is to loan books to 11-
braries in the State and communities and individuals with—
out library service. The original law of 1899 specified
that: "Said Commission shall be entitled to receive the

 

1Kansas, General Statutes, 1935, sec. 75—2501.

193

assistance of the Assistant Librarian of the State Library
who is in charge of the miscellaneous departments of the
State Library."1 In 1937, the Kansas Traveling Libraries
Commission was authorized to appoint a secretary, assistant
secretary and a cataloger at specified salaries. Here is
the same kind of dual administration of the library ex-
tension work found in Alabama, operating with less success.

The archival function in Kansas is under the State
Historical Society, which is an independent organization,
electing its own board of directors. The state, however,
provides funds, specifies the titles and number.of posi—
tions, and sets the salaries to be paid them. The secre-
tary of the Society, who is appointed by the board, ap-
points the librarian.

An office of revisor of statutes is located in the
State Library. The Supreme Court appoints the advisor di-
rectly. He appoints his own staff with the consent of the
court. His functions are mostly bill drafting and serving
as secretary of a Legislative Council appointed by the
legislature. - .

There may be some logic to having the Supreme
Court administer a state law library in a state in which
the law library serves them primarily, but it seems absurd
to put the Supreme Court in the position of administering
or appointing the board to administer library extension

work. This would be as foreign to their interest as the

 

lIbid, sec. 75-2603.

194

subject of conservation or school administration. This
lack of interest at the top is probably the major reason
Kansas has been backward in the library extension and de-
velopment movement. In 1948, the total appropriation for
the Traveling Libraries Commission was 812.940, and no
provision for state aid. A survey has been made this year
with a view toward changing the organization of the state
library agencies but no recommendations have as yet been

made public.

195

.mcoapacdoo HommH
zamanoo momooaa use mouse moea>opd opmpm pan «nofiumufinmwao pdocnodovnH .n

.mnonnaq ousvm mo pooapnmdoe < .m

.mpdao m.co803 mo uoflpmnoeom oompm mo pdovamopd ma

menses nmspo .cmSCHmno one senses o «owoammoww we noHamHnHH opmpm
.doammwaaoo Ho muonaoa mouse muafloadw Apudoo oaonmdmv vumom mewnpaq .m

.poonm on nosoa on was pan «doanmnnHH opwpm one Ho pumachOQQo on»
moponddm nonpopom one .cnmon muwHQHH omHHano mooapmsn unsoo osmpanm .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m
(prnnflq
mcHHobmna muonnfig opmpm . muonnaq
m H "whopompfim
scammaaaou opmom _ mo onwom
.53 326229 1.2953 38m _ .
nonpuopm r121 Hfiodsoo _
mo nomfiemm o>HumHmHmma _
l
1 e _
Hmnmfiofiozh _ muoaoom
onnpwamfimoa Hooanopmam oumpm

 

 

 

 

 

 

m¢m2¢¥

KENTUCKY

In 1936, the Kentucky legislature consolidated
three state library agencies into one Department of Library
and Archives, abolishing the Library Commission which had
been established to do library extension in 1910, the Li-
brary of the Commonwealth and the State Law Library.1 The
governor now appoints the state librarian who must have pro-
fessional library training and.aperience and the law sets
the salary for the position at $3,000 per year. The law
further specifies that the department shall consist of a
library extension division, a legislative and law library,
and the Kentucky Historical Society, all under the direc-
tion of the State Librarian.

All the necessary legal power is granted the de-
partment to carry out an effective library extension pro-
gram. Provision is made for establishment, improvement,
consolidation and extension of service, the receipt of state
or federal grants to assist libraries. The law also estab-
lishes a State Board for the certification of librarians in
the library extension division, consisting of the state 11-
brarian, ex-officio, head of the extension division and
five members appointed by the governor for four-year terms
from a list submitted by the “entucky Library Association,

two professional public librarians, two professional college

 

lCarroll's Kentucky Statutes, 1936, sec. 4618-128.

 

197
or university librarians and one library trustee.

Again, however, the division has been hampered in
its accomplishments by a low book budget and supply and a
small staff, and no state-aid provisions.

The Legislative and Law Library performs the func-
tion of the former Library of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
and the Law Library. An assistant librarian acts under
the direction of the state librarian. He must be a gradu-
ate of an accredited law school. Superimposed on this
clear organization pattern is this legal provision:

The Judges of the Court of Appeals of

Kentucky and the Attorney General shall be

Trustees of the Law Library. They shall

see that the law librarian properly dis-

charges the duties of his office.

This dual responsibility obviously needs further clarifica-
tion. The law is minute in its detail, specifying the
hours and days of opening of the library, and a list of the
books and series which shall constitute part of the library
and which officials may take books out of the library.‘

The Kentucky Historical Library, the third division
of the department, was guaranteed state support in 1936,
upon transfer of its properties to the department. The law
requires further clarification on the present and future
acquiring of necessary archives and other historical ma-
terials. More financial support is also a requisite here

for improved operation.

 

1Carrolljs Kentucky Statutes, 1936, sec. 2439.4.

198

In November, 1947, the Legislative Committee in the
Kentucky Library Association Bulletin, pointed up this
criticism of State Library legislation:

Statutory limitation upon the State

Librarian's salary, which in turn limits

salaries paid to other employees in the

Department and its Divisions, has created

a serious personnel problem. Increased

living costs have further complicated the

situation. Salaries too low in normal

times have under present conditions Jeop-

ardized the entire State program. For.

these compelling reasons the Legislative

Committee recommends the repeal of this

part of the law governing the Department

of Library and Archives.

A Legislative Research Commission was created in
1948. It is composed of the governor, who is ex-officio
chairman, the president of the Senate, speaker of the
House, and the majority and minority floor leaders of the
Senate and House. The Commission appoints a director with
graduate training in government and maintains a legislative
reference library as part of its duties.

Two additional state library services exist in
Kentucky which are not included on the chart. One is a
school library consultant under the State Department of Ed-
ucation. This service was re-established in 1947, and
lends advice and assistance to librarians, teachers and
school administrators toward the improvement of school li-
braries. Another State Library service was established in
1944, a Supervisor of Institution Libraries in the Depart-
ment of Welfare. There is a good possibility that both

these services could be operated more efficiently and effec-

199
tively if they had been included under the Department of

Library of Archives.

200

 

 

 

 

 

.Hwnonom hodnovum one mHoodn« Ho 99:00 no moMUSh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

maoaoom muonnaq muonnaq
Hwoanopmam noamnopxm Ian J .moq
Ht»
mo>Hnon¢ a humped; «moansna

mo unmapnoeoo

 

 

 

 

 

nocnosoo

 

 

 

HMDDHZHM

 

hadnpaq seq

 

 

.H

 

 

appease .mom
o>apmeHwoq

 

 

 

 

noammaaaoo
nonmomom
opaponHmoq

 

 

 

 

o>apoamamon

 

 

 

LOUISIANA

Louisiana has had an interesting State Library his-
tory. Up to 1946, the law library service was known as the
State Library. In that year the Louisiana Legislature of-
ficially changed the name of the law library service to the
Law Library of Louisiana. Administratively speaking, this
service had previously undergone several changes. The
state reorganization act of 1941, transferred it from the
Secretary of State to the Department of Justice and when
the act was declared unconstitutional, it reverted back.

A special act in 1942 then placed the law library service
under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice which
is under the supervision of the Attorney-General. The law
librarian is appointed by the attorney-general. By a
special act of the 1942 legislature, the Huey P. Long Me-
morial Law Library is also under the Jurisdiction of the
Department of Justice.

The more important agency in Louisiana library
history is, however, the Library Commission. lhe law es-
tablishing the “ommission was passed in 1920, but it did
not begin operation until 1925. In that year the national
League of Library Commissions with $50,000 provided by the
Carnegie Corporation decided that Louisiana was the rural
and relatively bookless state it was looking for to try out

a five-year state library demonstration.1

 

lDiXOD, it Cite, pp. 36-37.

202

The fact that Louisiana already had a good library
law but no money to operate it was also an important fac-
tor. That law provided for a commission of five appointed
by the governor with the advice and counsel of the Senate.
A rather unusual proviso was made in the law that at least
two of the commissioners be women. The Commission appoints
a secretary who shall not be a member of it but must be "a
trained and experienced librarian" with "one year's training
in library school and at least three years successful ex-
perience as head of a free public or institutional library,
or as an assistant of high rank in such library."1

The law also provided strong and broad powers and
duties for the Commission which can almost be considered a
model:

The work of the commission shall be to
give advice to all schools, state institutions
and free public libraries, and to all com-
munities in the state which may propose to
establish libraries, as to the best means
of establishing and administering them, se-
lecting and cataloging books, and other de-
tails of library management. It may send
any of its members to aid in the organiza-
tion of such libraries or to assist in the
improvement of those already established.
It may also receive gifts of books, money,
or other property, which may be used or
held in trust for the purpose or purposes
given; may purchase and operate traveling
libraries, and circulate such libraries
within the state among communities, librar-
ies, schools, colleges, universities, li-
brary associations, study clubs, and char-
itable and penal institutions, under such

 

lgart's Louisiana General Statutes, 1939, III, p.461.

203

conditions and rules as the commission
may deem necessary to protect the inter-
est of the state and best increase the ef-
ficiency of the service it is expected to
render the public. It may publish lists
and circulars of information, and may co-
operate with other library commissions
and libraries in the publication of doc-
uments, in order to secure the most eco-
nomical administration of the work for
which it was formed. It may conduct
courses or schools of library instruction
and hold library institutes in various
parts of the state, and cooperate with
others in such schools or institutes. It
may also conduct a clearing house for
periodicals for free gifts to local li-
braries and shall perform such other ser-
vice in behalf of public libraries as it
may consider for the best interest of

the state.1

The Commission used the demonstration funds to con-
centrate on the establishment of parish (county) libraries.
This technique has been successful. In 1926, supplementary
state appropriations began, and when the five-year demon-
stration period ended, the state took over. In 1926, the
Commission was also influential in having the Legislature
’create a State Board of Examiners whose function was to
certify administrative librarians of public libraries.

The law specified that plans for the care of and
rules and regulations governing the use of school librar-
ies were to be made'with the cooperation of the Department
of Education. Since it began, the Library Commission,

when called upon, had given its export library advice to

llbid., p.462.

 

204
school libraries and other educational institutions. In
1929, the Department of Education took over this respon-
sibility and added a School Library Supervisor to its staff.

In 1940, the legislature passed first the state-
aid bill, but it was vetoed by the governor because of in-
sufficient funds. Also in 1940, a general reorganization
act included the transfer of the functions of the Library
Commission to the Louisiana State University. This was de—
clared unconstitutional in 1941, before it had been com-
pletely put into effect. .

A more constructive change came in 1946. It had
long been apparent that a change in the name of the state's
library agency was most desirable. As in many other states,
the functions of the commission were actually those out-
lined for a State Library, which the Commission had always
been in reality. But the law library of the state, located
in New Orleans, bore the name Louisiana State Library. As
a consequence, there was a continual mix-up in the use of
the two libraries. With the agreement of the attorney~gen~
eral, under whose direction the law library functioned, two
bills were introduced in the 1946 legislature by the Com-
mission to effect the name changes. The law library became
the Law Library of Louisiana and the Library Commission be-
came the Louisiana State Library.

With the new name came an expansion of state library
services to include a legislative reference service, which

operated officially for the first time at the 1948 session

205
of the Legislature, although many legislators had long
used the library's facilities.

According to state law, state and parish officials
may legally turn their archives over to the State Univer-
sity, but there is no evidence that this is being done.1
In 1950, the State Library enlarged its own activities in
this field, assigning a special librarian to its new De—

partment of Louisiana Archives.

 

11bid., II, p. 169.

206

.pzwapnmmmc
m.HmuonmmumocQOppm ma mane .pnfioo mamnqsw Spas ommsecoo on on p02 .N

.qmaos on pde o?» pmmma pa .Hocnobom mp vopcaong «mnmnama m>am .H

 

 

mumppfig . 1i
mnoq .m mmsm m huwmnflq mpwpm _

 

 

 

 

mzmfimflsoq “01¢
mnwnnaq Bag .l
l

 

 

 

mumcofimmaaaoo mo .vmlq
sawnnaq mpmpm

 

 

N

 

 

 

moapmSh
mo pcmapummmm

 

 

 

 

poanm>oo

 

 

 

4z<HmHDoq

MAINE

The most simple and unified state library admin-
istrative organization of all is the State Library in
Maine. It has been an independent state department since
1861, except for a brief period from 1931 to 1940, when
it was under the supervision of the State Department of
Education. Under the present law the governor appoints
the state librarian for a four year term with the advice
and consent of the bouncil and the librarian administers
the library.1

The library performs all the usual state library
functions except the archival, even though it does carry
on historical and genealogical research. Extension work
established under a Library Commission in 1899, became a
part of the state library in 1921. Reference, book loan,
traveling libraries, legislative reference, are all parts

of its work.

 

1Maine, Revised Statutes, 1940, Chap. 305, sec. 3.

208

 

 

samnpaq mpapm

 

 

 

 

Mozamboo

 

 

 

mama;

MARYLAND

The state librarian in Maryland is appointed by
the governor by and with the consent of the Senate. The
law prescribes that:

he shall hold office during the term of

the Governor. . . . His salary shall be

fifteen hundred dollars a year. . . and no

appropriation shall be made by law to

pay for any clerk or assistant to the

Librarian.

This library gives a purely legal and reference
service and is very limited and circumscribed in its activ-
ities. Its rules and regulations and even its method of
book selection have all been prescribed by law. These
administrative responsibilities have been put in the hands
of a Library Committee of three or more persons appointed
by the Judges of the Court of Appeals or a majority of
them. This committee also is authorized to appoint a law
librarian of the State Library who holds office at the
pleasure of said committee. To confuse the picture and
the line of authority even further, the governor can appoint
with the advice and consent of the Senate, a custodian of
works of reference for two years, who shall perform duties
as prescribed by the state librarian and the Library Com-
mittee.

The library extension function has had a varied

history. In 1945, the Maryland legislature abolished the

 

lMaryland, Constitution, Art. VII, sec. 3.

 

210

Public Library Advisory Commission which was established
in 1902. and reorganized in 1922. The Commission of five
was appointed by the governor plus the state librarian and
the librarian of the Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore
and had charge of library extension and development in the
state. The Commission elected a president and secretary,
but all members served without pay and there seemed to be
no provision to hire a librarian or staff. There was,
however, provision for traveling library loans and the of-
fer of one-hundred dollars worth of books as an inducement
to establish public library service.1

The legislature replaced the Commission in 1945
with a Division of Library Extension in the Department of
Education. The division director is appointed by the
State Board of Education on nomination of the state super-
intendent and he must be a graduate of an accredited library
school with administrative experience.

The archival function in Maryland is under a Hall
of Records Commission composed of the governor, the state
comptroller, the chief judge of the Court of Appeals, the
president of Johns Hopkins University, the president of St.
John's College, the president of the Historical Society and
the president of the boardcf Trustees of the Peabody Insti-
tute. The Commission appoints an archivist who has active

charge within the policies and rules established by the

 

i Annotated Code 2; Maryland, 1939, II, art. 77,

211

Commission.1

The State Land Office Historical Library is
by a commissioner appointed by the governor. He is
ized to collect historical books, papers and relics
Maryland as well as index land records and extracts

deeds.2

headed
author-
on

of

The Department of Legislative Reference is also

under the Executive Office and reports annually to the

governor. The executive officer of the Department is,

however, required to accumulate information for any

com-

mittee or member of the General Assembly or head of any

state department as well.3

 

lIbid., 1939, I, art. 41, sec. 123.
2Ibid., 1939, II, art. 54, sec. 17.
31bid., 1939. I, art. 41, sec. 100.

212

.coaponsm Hmownopmfim

.coapoasm Hopanon<

.nocaopom on» an uopcflomgw :ofimmaaaoo m an wovmom .m

.ouosapawm Ho opfipapmnH hconwmm mompmzna mo unwom

.hpoaoom HmOHHOpmHm unwamnws .omoaaoo m.nnoh .pm .mpamnmbfipb mnwmqom
manoh unmuawonm .mamoam< mo pudoo omcsh Moano .noaaonpmfiou opwpm .nodnoboo .N

mobuom

.moppfiaaoo mnfimwQOASQ Moon mm
.mHmon¢ no pufioo mo momnsn an counfiomam whoa no mean» ho ooppfieaoo 2H

 

scamsopxm
aaaaoaq mo Jean

 

 

 

_
mHoonow
.pdam opeem

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.aom oaaooaaam
mo pnmapumamn

 

mg coapmodcm mo
oeoom madam

 

 

 

 

 

 

coammflaaoo
mawunflq

 

 

 

fl:mmodoaa oooem

 

 

 

L
w
l
_
.
1

 

 

mnwaoavsh

 

 

 

 

nomam>ou

 

 

 

Qz<qwm<2

.N I
coammaaaoo
munooom mo Hme

 

 

 

 

hnwmpaq HmoHMOLmHmi
ooammo ccwq opmpm

 

MASSACHUSETTS

The State Library is governed by a Board of Trus-
tees consisting of three persons, appointed for three-
year terms, by the governor with the advice and consent of
the Council, plus the president of the Senate and the
speaker of the House, both ex—officio. The trustees manage
and control, make and enforce the library's rules but the
governor appoints the librarian, again with the advice and
consent of the Council. This library performs the general
reference, historical, law and legislative reference func-
tions.1 The archival function is under the Secretary of
the Commonwealth, who is elected by the people.

The Council referred to above is a constitutional
body of eight members, elected by the people biennially
and advising the governor on the executive part of govern-
ment. This same Council gives advice and consent to the
governor's appointment of the state library extension board,
the Board of Free Library Commissioners, five members serv-
ing five-year terms. The governor also designates who shall
be chairman of the Board, and this chairman acts as direc-
tor of the Division of Public Libraries which is a division
of the Department of Education. The commissioner of educa-
tion has general supervision of the division. He is ap-
pointed by the State Board of Education which is, in turn,

appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of

 

lMassachusetts, general Laws, 1932, chap. 6, sec.33.

214
the Council. The library board reports to the Commissioner
of Education.1

The library board, with the consent of the governor
and Council, may appoint a general secretary and advisor
to carry on the duties assigned to it. These duties are
to advise on public and school library matters and assist
in the establishment and improvement of public library ser—
vice as well as loan books to libraries for short or long
periods.2 The Board is also experimenting with and demon-
strating direct regional library service via state operated
bookmobiles in rural areas. Three such regional libraries
are now in operation.

In the organization of the library extension func-
tion, the supervision of the Commissioner of Education and
the direct administrative interference of the State Board
of Education would seem to be nominal except possibly in
matters of appropriation, size of staff and physical
quarters. These factors, however, can often weigh more

importantly than type of organization and administration.

in the effectiveness of the agency's service.

 

H

Ibid., chap. 15, sec. 4, 8, 9.
2Ibid., 1941, chap. 78, sec. 19.

215

ma oak cmapwwno mopmcmamou homeo>ou

.nonH>Hv one no nonconwo

.mauop use» o>Hm you Hfioqsoo

mo pcomnoo one weapon spas nochobow mp coudaomnm npawoknoasoo mo
munmcamon oeah mo mumfimnoo mnocofimmaaaoo mamnnaq oHHnsm monk mo venom .N

.maump use»

omnnp pom HHoddoo mo pcomnoo cam ooa>uw Spat nocnmbom mp umpcwoqmm ,
mnomnoq omega can mmsom no noxmmgm .opwcow no guacamoun mo mpmfimuoo .H

 

nofima>aa
mopanou¢

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gowuaoavm
no chaom

 

 

moaaaabaq oaaoad
mo doamaaaa

 

 

 

 

he

apnea madam

 

 

 

 

.aaoo nmnnfiq
mean we buxom

 

 

 

 

 

 

apawohaoasoo
mo anmponoom

 

 

 

 

nonnm>oo_

 

 

 

maafimbmo<mm<2

H

 

 

 

mompmsna _
.Ho Uhdom _

 

 

onduwamfimon

 

 

 

 

MICHIGAN

The forerunner of the Michigan State Library was
the Territorial Council Library established in 1828. When
Michigan became a state in 1837, the collection of books,
mostly law, became the foundation of the Michigan State
Library. From a library that first included only law
books, the library expanded to include state and federal
documents and books on all subjects. In 1893, the State
Library added to its services a purely reference library
service, a general loan and traveling library service
with books and collections going to libraries, clubs and
groups throughout the state.

In 1899, a law was passed establishing a Library
Commission, appointed by the governor, to assist library
development. The Commission gave courses in library work
and appointed a field visitor and a library organizer.

The Commission was abolished in 1921, and its duties trans-
ferred to the state librarian, appointed by the governor.
The extension work was re-established in 1924 by the state
librarian.

In 1907, a Legislative Reference Department was es—
tablished under the State Library. In 1921, it was trans-

ferred to legislative control and so it remains today.1

 

8 31Michigan, Michigan State Librar , 1828-1928,
pp. --1 .

217

The legislature, in 1937, placed the State Library
under a State Board for Libraries, five members appointed
by the governor for five-year terms, subject to confirma-
tion by the Senate. The state librarian is appointed by
the Board and acts also as its secretary carrying out its
policies and programs. The state librarian must be, by
law, a graduate of an accredited library school and have at
least four years of administrative experience.1

Under the State Board, the work of the state library
(which includes the traveling libraries) and the Law Librar—
y, expanded along with the increased activities of the Ex-
tension Division which now includes the administration of
state-aid to libraries, the certification of librarians and
school library consultant work. Two regional library exten-
sion offices for consultants have also been added to assure
all parts of the state of library consultant service and
assistance.

In addition to legislative reference service, the
only other state library function not included under the
State Board is the archival which is legally assigned to
the Michigan Historical Commission, consisting of the gov—
ernor and six members appointed by him. The Commission

appoints a secretary who carries out its functions.

 

1Michigan State Board for Libraries, Michigan
Library Laws,‘l944, pp. 5-6.

218

.mnwponoom munaomam Goammwaaoo

.cowponsm Habanonm mom

.hnwpmnomm mm meow and vuwom hp copcwogmw ma cwanwuan cpmpm

.noapwncmo ucaawpou demands new acwusn monmmonm .munmpmammm whoamam
.Smonsm coH>ncm obfipwamamog Ho HOLoonHv aomaom mo xncac «meadow Ho mnwponomm
aomSom Song mncnaoa osp «meadow mo mnopaoa osp mo oomaamaoo ma wamom opwpaooxm

mo mpfimao>fidb .Hoonom and Ho ammo and Haodsoo Hdfibfivsh mo weaponoom

use pcmcwmmnm mafia vuwom m>ap§ooxm mo muonsoa mo mumamnoo

mo mpsmauaaoanm and mfloapmadmmu «awash .mcaoaaom «mamnmoam you canamcommom

.N

 

:onmHano
aooaaoaaam
damadoaa

 

 

 

 

humnnaq
opwpm

 

 

m

 

 

 

you onwom opmpm.

mcaamnnaq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nocuopoo

 

 

ZdUHmoHa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.m
.N
.nmmanowz
.novoonac
.H
.nnm moa>nom
o>Hpanamoq
Ni. H
venom vnmom
opapdooxm mHOmapvd
enzymamamcq

 

 

 

MINNESOTA

The Minnesota State Library is actually a law li-
brary under the supervision of the Supreme Court. They are
the governing body for the library and as such determine
its policy. The governor, however, appoints the state li-
brarian according to the Constitution for a two year term.
Subject to the approval of the justices, the librarian may
employ necessary assistants.

The Minnesota State Library is a specialized li-
brary in the field of law and government documents. It has
a sizeable collection of statutes of the various states and
the United States as well as reports of court proceedings.
In addition, the library has legal textbooks, reference
books of various types, and many government documents.

When any agency of the State issues a publication,
it is required by law to submit two copies to the State Li—
brary and such additional copies as the state librarian
considers necessary for exchange with other libraries, with
other states, with the United States, and with governments
of foreign countries.1

Although the Minnesota State Library is open to the
public its specialized nature does not attract the general
public. The library is under the jurisdiction of the Sue

preme Court and its fundamental purpose is to serve the

Court. Members of the attorney general's staff and prac—

 

1Mason's Minnesota Statutes, 1927, I, p. 36.

220
ticing attorneys, as well as students and researchers, use
the library. Some legislators use the facilities of the
library during and between sessions in order to get infor-
mation about legislation in other states and in Minnesota.2

Although the law library is designated as the State
Library, as in some other states, it is not alone in giving
library service to state agencies. In 1949, librarians
were employed by the Department of Business Research and
Development, the Department of Health, and the Division of
Social Welfare; and, in addition to these, the Division of
Public Institutions, under the Department of Social Securi-
ty, employed librarians at ten of the institutions. Fur-
thermore, a number of state agencies have small libraries
adapted to their needs although they do not employ librar-
ians.

In 1899, a State Public Library Commission of five
members was created. Three of the members were ex—officio
and two were appointed by the governor. The three ex-of-
ficio members were: the president of the University of
Minnesota, the state superintendent of Public Instruction,
and the secretary of the State Historical Society. As set
forth in the law, the purpose of the Commission was to en-
courage the establishment of free libraries in Minnesota add

to make good books accessible to all residents of the state.

 

lMinnesota Legislative Research Committee, Minneso-
ta Libraries, 1950, p. 67.

221

The Public Library Commission was dissolved on
July 31, 1919, and the functions, powers, and duties of the
Library Commission and its staff were vested in the then
newly created State Board of Education. Operations of the
Commission were continued by the Library Division of the
Department of bducation, and include supervision of school
libraries; advisory service for public libraries; and di-
rect service to libraries, schools, and individuals through
the traveling library collections.1

At the present time the Library Division is located
in the State Office Building in bt. Paul in a group of of-
fices in connection with those of the Department of Educa-
tion. The Division is staffed by a director of libraries,
a supervisor. of school libraries, a supervisor of the ex-
tension library, and other assistants. The director and
the two supervisors do considerable field work mainly of
an advisory and consultative nature. Supervision is con-
fined mainly to school libraries which are required to meet
standards of library service.

Funds for the Library Division come from two prin-
cipal sources: appropriations for traveling libraries and
transfers from Department of Education funds. A third and
very minor source of funds is income of the Library Divi-

sion from fines and reimbursement for lost books. Almost

 

1Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota
Libraries, 1945, p. 384.

222
sixty percent of the Library Division's book collection is
circulated through traveling library collections of fifteen,
twenty-five or fifty volumes each. There is no charge for
this service, but local sponsoring agencies muSt pay ship-
ping charges both ways. These collections are sent out to
small public libraries, schools, churches, stores, resorts,
and even private homes where volunteers charge the books
out to borrowers.

The circulation collection of the Library Division
is the second type of direct service. From this collection
of books, pamphlets, magazines, pictures, clippings, and
films the Library Division makes inter-library loans or di-
rect loans to individuals. The policy of the Library Di-
vision is to channel this service through local libraries
whenever possible.1

The historical and archival library function is
carried on by the Minnesota Historical Society, which is a.
private organization and not a department of the state gov-
ernment. It is governed by an Executive Council of thirty-
six ex-officio state executive officials. Officers are
elected for three years by the Executive Counciladminis-
tered by a secretary who is also superintendent.

The state contributes materially through appropria-
tions for the support of the Society. These appropriations
are for the general activities of the Society and are not

limited to library purposes.

 

1Ibid., pp. 60-61.

223

The library of the Historical Society is a ref-
erence library, and as such it does not lend materials for
home use. Users of the library's collection must come to
the reading-rooms and use the materials there. Under un-
usual circumstances materials may be lent out, but this is
not often done.

The library, according to law, receives three cop-
ies of everything published by the State of Minnesota. Of
these three copies, one is filed by subject, one by de-
partment, and one is sent to the Library of Congress for
inclusion in its monthly check list of state publications.
1he library is also supposed to receive copies of reports
of local governments and it has a fair degree of success in
obtaining them.1

The Legislative Research Committee is set up as a
joint committee of the legislature, with a secretary ap-
pointed by the Uommittee. It engages in objective fact-

finding and research regarding legislative problems.

 

1Ibid., pp. 66-68.

 

224

an oceaonasm maowumq

.suop nmomnosp you amaemnnaa opmpm mchOQam aodnopou .N

.maOprHuaopdnw madam

.mpnoadao>om Hwooa use opwpm mo monooon HmHOHmmo Had

no gawHUOpmSo on» come ma use o>aoomn op: oceanonpsm pan «noapmnoqnoo opw>anm .H

 

fi.eoamH>HQ mnwnan

 

 

 

 

aaaaoag oeaam

 

 

 

H

 

mamaoacah

 

 

 

 

 

coapwoscm
mo .paon

I.“

 

 

 

 

.aoo nonmemom
obfipmamammq

H,
, muoaoom
Hmoauoumam

 

 

 

 

cognaosvm mo
cacom oaoam

 

 

 

nocno>oo

 

 

 

¢HommzzH2

 

epomoqcas

 

 

W
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_

 

 

onduwamamoa

 

 

MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Constitution provides that:
There shall be a State Librarian, to

be chosen by the legislature, on joint vote

of the two houses, to serve four years,

whose duties and compensation shall be pre-

scribed by law. Any woman, a resident of

the state for four years, and who has at-

tained the age of twentylyears, shall be

eligible to said office.

The law of the state, however, refers to the li-
brarian in the more general "he" and establishes a State
Library Board to supervise and control the State Library,
consisting of the governor as chairman, chief justice of
the Supreme Court, the presiding justice of the other di-
vision of the Supreme bourt, the attorney—general, and the
state superintendent of education. The state librarian
serves as the secretary of the Board. The collection con-
sists of general reference, law materials, and state docu—
ments.

In 1938, a Legislative Reference Bureau was crea-
ted as part of the State Library with the state librarian
director in charge. The law adds: "The duties of said di-
rector shall in no way interfere with or lessen the duties

of the Librarian as already prescribed by law."2

These duties of the state librarian include appoint-

 

1Mississippi, Constitution, 1890, sec. 106.
2Mississippi Code, 1938, sec. 1727.

226

ing an assistant, with the approval of the governor and

the State Librarian shall at all times

keep the rooms belonging to the Library

clean and properly ventilated, and at

the proper season, well warmed, and have

them provided with tables, pens, ink,

paper, and so arranged for the examina-

tion and study of books in the Library

that persons can make use of same with-

out interruption from transient visitors.

The State Library Commission was established in
1926, with the first appropriation made in 1928. Until
the 1950 Legislature passed a Library Commission Reorgani-
zation Bill, the Commission consisted of five members, two
appointed by the governor for five-year terms, three ex-
officio, the state librarian, the president of the Feder-
tion of Women's Clubs, and the president of the State Li-
brary Association.

The 1950 legislature changed the name from the
State “ibrary Commission to the Mississippi Library Commis-
sion, and changed the composition of the Board of Commission-
ers to two members appointed by the governor from a list of
six supported by the Mississippi Library Association, one a
professional librarian and the other a library trustee; two
appointed from state at large, and one the president or
recommended member of the Federation of Women's Clubs. This

latter provision was an amendment to the original act which

allowed the governor to appoint three members at large.2

 

1General Laws of Mississippi, 1940, chap; 135,sec.5.

6 8 2"Library Legislation," Library News, XIV (1950),
pp. " .

 

227

The new law changed the title of the administrator
from secretary to director and changed the qualifications
from "experienced in modern library methods" to:

shall be a trained, experienced librarian

holding a degree from a college or univer-

sity of recognized standing, have com—

pleted the required course covered in a

school of library service accredited by

the American Library Association and

having had, at least, two years exper-

ience as an administrative librarian or

director of a state or public library.1

The law specifically reads that the Commission
shall give advice to all public and other libraries "when
asked." This is an unusual provision, probably inserted to
protect local rights and prevent state interference.

The Department of Archives and History is under an
independent board of nine trustees, "provided three of said
trustees shall be ex-confederate soldiers while as many can
be had who are competent."2 The Board fills its own vacan-
cies with the consent of the Senate. The director is elec-

ted by the Board for six years and also serves as secre-

tary.

 

1Ibid., p. 7.

 

2Mississippi Code Annotated, 1930, II, p. 1630.

228

 

IT
_

w

memeoevsv

 

.doepwosvo Ho pcmvcopneeoQSm
memem «Hwecdmmummceoppm evened camemfim mo deeme>em eonpo one no
ooepmdfi meevemoem qooepmsn «cane .eozeobom one we memequo vedom .m

.vewon no mmeoddod» flame moopmnea
.mempaoa mean u mocpmzep mo vemon umeam vouneommm eoeeo>oo .N

.eoemmfiaaoo smaco>em mpeaommm eoceo>oo .H

N

 

 

eaaaeeq oeaam

 

 

keepmem vew
mobanoev .paom

 

 

 

[1|
1

 

 

m
venom .
eeoeaeq macaw

 

 

 

\ .

\\ _
\

_

.\ 7 _

 

oedemamemoq

 

 

HmmHmmHmmHS

H

 

noemmeaaoo
hemenem

 

 

 

 

eoGeo>oo

 

 

MISSOURI

The new Missouri Constitution of 1945 includes a
provision requiring state support of public libraries.
That provision is a big step forward in state library his-
tory. Section 11 of the chapter on education in the con-
stitution reads:

It is hereby declared to be a policy

of the State to promote the establishment

and development of free public libraries

and to accept the obligation of their

support by the State and its sub-divisions

and municipalities in such manner as may

be provided by law. When any such sub—

division or municipality supports a free

library, the general assembly shall grant

aid to such public library in such man-

ner and in such amounts as may be pro-

vided by law.

The 1946 Legislature changed the name of the
Missouri Library Commission to the Missouri State Library
and placed it under the State Department of Education in
the Division of Higher Education. The Legislature also
created a State Library Advisory Board, two members ap-
pointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the
Senate, plus the president of the State Doard of Educa-
tion, the cemmissioner of education and the librarian of
the State University. The Board elects its president and
serves in an advisory capacity to the state librarian who
serves as the Board's secretary.

The state librarian is appointed by the State Board

of Education with the approval of the Advisory Board. He

230

"shall be a graduate of an accredited college or univer-

sity, and be gaduated from an accredited library school and

must have library experience."1

The law designates the sections of the State Li-

brary as:

The

The

ies

was

the

law

is also included in the law.

. 1. Public Library and Adult Edu-
cation Service;

2. School Library Service;

3. Institution Library Service;

4. Public Documents Service.
also permits the State Library
to provide bookmobile service either
from its headquarters in Jefferson
City, or from area libraries or

county, regional or city libraries,
or other types of extension service.

formula for the distribution of state grants to librar-

2

Prior to the 1946 legislation, the State Library

the law library under the Supreme Court who appointed

librarian for a four-year term. This library is now

known as the Supreme Court Library and is administered in

the same manner.

Missouri has a Committee on Legislative Research,

ten members from each House. They appoint a research di-

rector who acts as secretary of the Committee. A legisla-

tive library is maintained with reference service available

 

lMissouri, Reenacted Laws, 1945, p. 1132.

2Missouri State Library, Fortieth Annual Report,

1949, pp. 4—5.

231
to the General Assembly and, more unusually, thelublic.
The State Historical Society in Missouri has the
archival function. It is privately organized and does not
have legal status but receives state funds. The executive
committee, however, is composed of the trustees, the pres-
ident, the secretary, the governor, secretary of state,

state treasurer, and president of the University of Missouri.

 

232

.Hedommez mo meemem>eem one no peevemoem van eoenmnoep
npnem .npnam mo menpneonm .eocen>om one .menpneonm new .aeovemnem one
.moopmdep one mo vomOQSoo ma nmpaaaaoo mpepaooxn was .vouwcnmeo manen>eem .<

ommfiofl £06m 50H.“ mhmflamfi G09 I QmDQHaOO pQHOH. om.

.venom heOmH>v< meneneq canpm mo

Hn>oemmn sue: coepnoavm mo venom npnpm an vopaeommn we aneenenem canpm

.mpemeobaem npnpm mo dnHenenHH van noepnozvm mo eoeoemmeaaoo aeoapnosvm
mo venom npnpm mo peevemoem .eo:eo>om mp vnpceommn 039 .venon eonaca npfim .N

.eo:en>om an voeceoqmn unweo mo venom .H

 

 

 

w menenem opnpm

mpmeoom m .

 

 

 

 

N n>apnamemn

 

 

 

enoaeoaaan oanam eaceaaa .aomQ
a

 

 

venom weOmH>v<
eenepaq madam

moapnofivm
we .pnmm cpnpm

T

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m
noennmnm
menenem.3nm coepnonvm opepnmmawmm
pesoo osmemsm Ho venom annum co ocppaaaoo
eonem>ow
heneoevsw nespnamawom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HmDommHa

 

MONTANA

There is no one State Library in Montana. The
law reads: "The state library shall consist of two separa
ate departments: First, the law library; second, the his-
torical and miscellaneous library."1

The state Law Library is under the control of a
Board of Trustees of seven consisting of the chief justice
and associate justices of the Supreme Court, and the sec-
retary of state and state auditor. The librarian is ap-
pointed by this Board for a two-year term. The chief jus-
tice is president and the secretary of state is the secre-
tary. This library is a law and legal reference library,
primarily for the use of state departments and state offi-
cers. In 1939, a legislative reference bureau was added to
the law department of the State Law Library and the librar-
ian was authorized to appoint an assistant to carry on this
work.

The other state library agency, the Historical and
miscellaneous Library, is under the control of a board of
five trustees, appointed by the governor with the advice and
consent of the Senate. This agency administers the archi-
val as well as the historical function.

The State Library Extension Commission was created
by law in 1929 and received its first appropriation in 1945.

It is under a five man board with the librarian of Montana

 

1Revised Code of Montana, 1935, I, sec. 1548.

234
State University serving as chairman, the superintendent
of public instruction, ex—officio, and three members ap-
pointed by the governor for three-year terms. The Commis—
sion appoints a secretary who must be a trained and exper-
ienced librarian. The state university librarian serving
as chairman is the most unusual feature of this adminis-
trative organization. The staff of the extension agency

includes two professional and one clerical employee in 1950.

235

.eopevsn npnpm van npnpm eo menpneonm «peaoo
canemsm mo nnoepnsw npneoommn van coepmsn moeno mo mpnemcoo venom .m

.eoeen>om an vnpeaommn neonaoa
enema msHm «someofiepnne oedema eo penvampdeenQSm annaeenno
aapemeopeem npnpm nenpcoa mo anaenepea weavnaone new“ mo venom .N

.eoeen>om mp vneneommn n>em mo venom .w

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

henenam
mflonenaancnws

a enoaeoaaan

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

ncnpnom mo .
mpneoom anoeeoemam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m
zenenwm
enm oenpm
N
.8500 eoemcnaxm
henenfiq npnpm
heneoevsv

 

 

 

eonen>oo

 

 

424820:

 

NEBRASKA

Nebraska is another of the states in which the
State Library is the law library under the Supreme Court,
with the judges serving as the Board of Directors. The
clerk of the Court is the librarian. Although not specif-
ically empowered by law, he does appoint a deputy librarian
to carry on the duties.

The library extension function was originally es-
tablished in 1901 under a Public Library Commission, but
abolished in 1933 when the duties were placed under the di—
rection of the librarian of the University of Nebraska.

He was known as the "Public Library Commissioner" and head-
ed the "Nebraska Public Librar'." The Commission was re-
established in 1935, consisting of five members appointed
by the governor for five-year terms. This Commission ap-
points an executive secretary who "shall be a technically
trained, qualified and experienced librarian." Loaning
books and giving advice to promote and establish libraries
are the main functions legally established. The phrase,
"shall, when asked, give advice and instruction" is also
part of the Nebraska library law.1

The State Historical Society, although a private
.institution electing its own officers, is recognized by

law as a state institution and reports annually to the gov-

 

lNebraska, Compiled Statutes, 1939 Supplement,
pp. 449-50.

237
ernor. It is also legally made custodian of state histor—
ical records, archives and relics, and receives state
funds.
Nebraska has a Legislative Council of sixteen leg-
islators. They appoint a director who has charge of a

legislative reference library.

238

.quse opnpn nebeoonm
=.noep:pwpmce npnpm n mn vcuacmooce: find me pap coapSpapnea mpnbeem .¢

.cneenepem madame mpeeommn on a nnHenenHH we pedoo manemnm mo
menao .neOponeHm mo venop n npnpepmdoo peSoU maerSm mo mnwvsh .m

.eonembow an vopeeommn neonana opem .m

.meOanmamnH annexem .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#
. meoeomw ..
anoanpnwm henepem
nxnnenoz .
eopooeam E
m N H
enenem scammeaaoo Heondoo .
npnem _ henenem obwpnamewnm
meneoevsn eoneoeoo . weapnanemnq

 

 

 

 

 

 

<Mw<mmmz

 

NEVADA

Only one state library agency exists in Nevada.

In 1865, the secretary of state was made ex-officio State
Librarian. In 1883, the honor was transferred to the
lieutenant-governor. In 1893, the office was returned to
the secretary of state. In 1915, finally, the act was re-
pealed and an ex—officio Library Commission was created to
govern the State Library. The Commission consists of the
governor, secretary of state and state controller. The
governor appoints the State Librarian who holds<ffice

at his pleasure.1

The State uibrary loans books to public libraries
and individuals without libraries. Legislation to insti-
tute bookmobile service or regional branches has not been
successful. A total staff of three librarians does not
permit much library extension work.

The major holdings of the library are in the field
of law and government publications. Outside of Nevada
newspapers, little is done with archives and historical
material.

In 1949, the legislature passed a law providing for
the appointment of future state librarians on the basis of

professional training and experience, for appointment of

 

1Nevada, Compiled Laws, 1929, p. 2048.

240
qualified staff on the same basis.1 The present state li-
brarian has been in office since 1935, previous to which
he was a mining engineer and a justice of the peace.
There is a Legislative Council Bureau in Nevada
but the Law and Legislative Reference Section of the State
Library does any legislative reference work that is done

in the state.

 

1Council of State Government, The Book of the
States, 1950-1951 (Chicago: Council of State Governments,
19505, p. 299-300.

 

 

241

.nneenepea opnpm npeeoamn eonemeoo

.nunpm mo menpneonm van

enHHoepeoo npnpm Sues mnoan eoenmwaaoo mo embana mn mn>eom eoeen>ou

Q

 

 

spanned oanam

 

 

H

 

 

 

coammdaaoo
eenepan oaaam

 

 

b---

 

 

eoeenboo

 

 

<Q<>mz

.N

.H

NEW HAMPSHIRE

The State Library (a general reference library)
under a board of three trustees appointed by the governor
was established in 1891, abolished in 1904, and reestab—
lished in 1917. In 1943, the State Library and the Public
Library Commission (library extension) were merged and
placed under a new State Library Commission of five members,
appointed by the governor for five-year terms, with the ad-
vice and consent of the Council. Not more than three can
be of one political party and one is to be a member of the
state bar.1

The Extension Division, in charge of an assistant
state librarian, carries on the advisory and book loan ac-
tivities of the former Public Library Commission. Both
the state librarian and the assistant must be graduates of
an accredited library school and have library experience.

The General and Reference Division loans books and
other library materials by mail in answer to reference
questions and requests. In addition to mail service, the
State Library operates bookmobiles which bring books direct
to small town libraries, schools and individuals in un-
served rural areas.

1American Library Association, Library Extension

Board, The State Library Agency (5th ed., Chicago: American
Library Association, 1945), p. 32.

243

Law library service and legislative reference ser—
vice are included in another division of the State Library.
As with most other state libraries, this was the original
purpose of the agency and it is still being carried on and
developed.

Whatever archival work is done is limited and
under the office of the secretary of state and not formally
or legally organized. There is also a private New Hamp-
shire Historical Society Library which is not included on
the chart.

244

.eoneopom an

vnpnaommn memnana npem

 

 

eenepan oanan

 

 

 

 

 

noemmflaaoo
eenanaa oaoam

 

 

 

 

 

eoeen>ou

 

 

mmHmmmfimm 3M2

.H

NEW JERSEY

The reorganization movement in New Jersey resul-
ted in great changes in the organization of the state li—
brary agencies in 1945.

In line with the reorganization recommendations,
which included reducing the number of departments and abol-
ishing boards and commissions, the new 1945 library law
abolished the Public Library Commission (library exten~
sion) which had been established in 1900, and also abol-
ished the State Library Commission which governed the law
library service. In their place, a Division of State Li-
brary Archives and History was created in a reorganized
Department of Education administered by a commissioner of
education.1

The director of the new division must, by law, be
a graduate of an accredited library school, and have, at
least, four years of responsible administrative experience
in a library. He is appointed by the commissioner of ed-
ucation with the approval of the State Board of Education
and is under civil service.

The law provides for an Advisory Council for the
Division, five members appointed by the governor with the

advice and consent of the Senate, for five-year terms. The

 

1New Jersey, Annual Report of the State Board of
Education and the Commissioner of Education to the Legisla-
ture, 1946, pp. 75:80.

246
commissioner of education serves ex—officio. The first
incumbents were specified by law to be the members of the
old Public Library Commission until the expiration of their
terms.

The Division consists of four Bureaus; the first
two, the Law Library and the General Reference Library which
made up the original State Library, are primarily for the
use of state officials and departments, judges, lawyers,
and researchers. The Division does legislative reference
work for the Law Division and Bill Drafting Commission which
is an agency of the Legislature.

The Bureau of Public and School Library Service
acts in a consultive and advisory capacity to public and
school libraries in New Jersey municipalities and to state
penal, correctional and charitable institutions. It offers
not only technical assistance to these libraries, but sup-
plements their collections through continuing inter-library
loans of books and other library materials.

The Bureau of Archives and History supervises the
making, repair and preservation of all county and municipal
records. It has exclusive power to authorize destruction
of non-current records having no particualr value in any
branch of government of New Jersey and has sole custody of
records of all extinct public offices. It has power to ac-
quire and collate official and historical manuscripts. It

offers consultation and advice to departments and agencies

247
in connection with their proposed microfilming of records
projects.1

The law very carefully sets up education require—
ments for the Bureau heads as well as the director. The
heads of all the Bureaus except the Archives must, by law,
be graduates of accredited library schools. In addition,
the law librarian must be a graduate of an accredited law
school, and the heads of the Public and School Library
Services Bureau and of the General Reference Library must
have had at least two years of responsible library adminis—
trative experience. The head of the Archives must be a
graduate of an accredited college, have a knowledge of the
history of the state and of the organization of state and
local government, and have had special training or exper—
ience in archival and historical work in a responsible ad-
ministrative capacity. All Bureau heads are appointed by
the Commissioner of Education in accordance with civil ser-
vice.

In this organization, the commissioner of education
can determine the policy of the state library agency. He
also legally approves all rules and regulations for the op-
eration of the Division. Since the commissioner is appoint-
ed by the governor, there is a good possibility that the

Divisions of the education department might be buffeted by

 

lIbid., 1947, pp. 88-91.

248 .
political necessities. Budget difficulties of both the
Library Division and the Museum Division in 1950 tend to

bear this out.1

 

1"New Jersey Authorities Restore State Libraries,
Museums, Budgets," Library JournalJ LXXV(1950), 758.

249

.uonaoa oaowm

monxo

mm mo>nom COprodco mo nodowmmdasoo .honno>om mn ompcaonmw mumnama m>Hm .H

 

muoumam a mm>anon¢

anaunfiq mpapm
mo :OHmapfia

 

 

 

cowpmoncm mo
pqmapnwmom

 

 

 

.7

 

I;

_

_
afionsoo

whomfi>c4

 

 

 

 

 

nocno>oo

 

 

 

Nmmmmh 3mm

NEW MEXICO

The State Library in New Mexico is a lawand doc-
ument library under a Board of Trustees consisting of the
justices of the Supreme Court. They appoint a librarian
who has custody of the library and who serves at their
pleasure. The legislative reference service is also per-
formed by this agency.

In 1929, a State Library Extension Service was
created, at which time, 75 percent of the people of the
state had no library service of any kind. This service
provided the loan of books to public libraries, schools,
clubs, and individuals without libraries. In 1941, a
State Library Commission was founded to administer the ex-
tension service, appoint its director, and improve and de—
velop libraries in the state. It is composed of five mem-
bers, four appointed by the governor for six-year terms,
plus the chairman of the State Board of Education. The
Director "shall have professional library training and ex-
perience."1

A survey of library service in New Mexico in 1948,
found that fifty percent of the people still had no local
libraries. The survey proposed that the state establish
seven regional state library branches to give direct ser-

vice through branches, stations and bookmobiles much the

 

1New Mexico, Laws of 1941, chap. 129, sec. 2.

251
same system of library extension that Massachesetts is ex-
perimenting with. To protect local interest, regional
boards would be created and there would also be county head-
quarters in each county, in cooperation with an established
library when possible. This plan has not, as yet, been
put into effect.

In 1929, a State Museum Library was also created
under a Board of Regents, consisting of the governor and
president of the Archeology Society, ex-officio, and four
others appointed by the governor with the consent of the
Senate, one citizen and three members of the managing com-
mittee of the School of American Archeology. The director
of the school also serves as director of the Museum with-
out salary. The library has historical and some archival

functions.

252

.momuwflpa Ho unwom omHnmaoo mooapmdn assoc oaonmnm

.copooao ohm mpoaoom Hwoanoumam ho

whooflmmo .nocumbom an vopqwoqaw nonama oao mafia .nouwmmom :moanmad
no Hoonom mo vnmom mnfimwnma Bong muonaoa monnp .oowxma 3oz mo hpoaoom
amofimoaommnou¢ Ho pamvamoua on pmsa Boss mo mno .mnmpama opfim one ponhm>oo

.oaoamuouxo .coapwodcm mo unmom opmum

.pcmcflmonm mafia «Hocuopom mp Uopnfloadw mum Eon: Ho udom amnonaoa obfim

 

muaunag madam

 

 

 

 

 

 

mompmzua no .umg
_

sysaoaasa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘ mhwnnaq
ooapnmm GOHmCmpxm abomss
spanpaq spasm msmpm

Hy N
noammaaaoo mucommm
mnwnan macaw Ho unwom
nonnopoo

 

 

 

OOHNHS Bmz

NEW YORK

In New York, the State Library represents a com—
plete unification of state library service under a state
librarian who is also an assistant commissionerid educa—
tion under the Division of higher Education of the Univer-
sity of the State of New York, which is governedby a State
Board of Regents elected by the Legislature.

The New York State Library was established in 1818
with the governor, lieutenant-governor, the chancellor and
the chief Justice of the Supreme Court constituting a Board
of Trustees whose duty it was "to cause to be fitted up
some proper room in the capitol, for the purpose of keeping
therein a public library for the use of the government and
people of this state." By the policy of the Board of Trus—
tees, however, the use of these volumes was restricted to
the Legislature, the Courts, and state agencies.1

In 1824, the Board of Trustees was enlarged by
statute with the addition of the secretary of state, the
attorney—general and the comptroller. In 1844, the Board
of Regents of the University of this State of New York was
constituted by law as trustees of the State Library. The
Regents are composed of thirteen lay members serving thir-
teen year terms, selected by the State Legislature, acting

in joint session.

 

1New York, Beport 9£_the Temporary State Commission
on Coordination, of State Activities (Albany: Williams
Press, 194g), pp. 311-319.

 

 

 

254

By 1888, the free public library movement had made
considerable headway in New York and the annual convocation
of the University

adopted resolutions declaring that the

time had come when certain of the pub—

lic libraries should be recognized as

an essential part of the state system

of higher education . . . and that to

secure to the state the full advantage

of such recognition it was necessary

that proper provision be made by the

State for advisory supervision and

guidance of existing institutions and

for stimulating the formation of new

libraries.

In 1889, the library laws were amended to auth-
orize:

l. The integration of the State Library in the
University of the State of New York. This is the broad
term covering all state education functions under the Board
of Regents.

2. The incorporation and inspection of libraries
by the Regents.

In 1891, the Regents made the State Library respon-
sible for rendering advisory service to public libraries,
thus extending the functions of what hitherto had been a
reference library only. Other functions were also added.
The present Legislative Reference Section was established
in 1891, when part of the staff was made responsible for

research work on legislation. In the same year, the Med—

ical Library was established by law and made available to

 

llbid., p. 312.

255

physicians. In 1892, the Public Libraries Department was
created to inspect public libraries and administer the ap-
portionment of state grants. In the same year, the trav-
eling libraries unit was begun to lend books to public li-
braries and to communities without libraries. In 1896,

the library service for the blind was established and in
1898, the adult education extension function was placed
under the supervision of the director of the State Library.

In 1905, the trend toward consolidation was re-
versed when the Regents transferred the School Libraries
Division to another division of the State Education Depart-
ment which now included the former Department of Public In-
struction.

In 1923, the Regents divorced the Library Extension
Division, formerly the Educational Extension Division, from
the State Library and constituted it as a separate division
directly responsible to the Commissioner of Education. The
School Libraries Division hitherto under the supervision
of the assistant commissioner for elementary education was
combined with the Library Extension Division. This step
was followed later by the transfer, in 1926, of the New
York State Library School from the State Library to Columbia
University.

Following the Regents Inquiry of 1937, the follow-
ing organizational changes took place:

1. The director of the State Library, formerly

directly responsible to the commissioner of education, was

256
placed under the immediate supervision of the associate
commissioner for higher and professional education.

2. The Division of Library Extension and the Bur-
eau of Adult Education were consolidated into a new Divi—
sion of Library Extension and Adult Education composed of
two bureaus, the Bureau of Adult Education and the Bureau
of Library Extension. This new Division was placed under
the supervision of the assistant commissioner for voca—
tional and extension education who was responsible, in turn,
to an associate commissioner.

3. The supervision of elementary and secondary
school libraries was assigned respectively to the Division
of Elementary Education and to the Division of Secondary
Education with both divisions reporting to the assistant
commissioner for instructional supervision.

In 1940, a trend toward consolidation began again.
The traveling libraries section of the Bureau of Library
Extension in the Division of Library Extension and Adult
Education was transferred to the State Library. In 1947,
the Regents abolished the Division of Library Extension re—
sponsible to the Director of the State Library and a Bur-
eau of Adult Education responsible to the associate commis-
sioner in charge of the institutes of applied arts and sci-
ences and of adult education. The new Division of Library
Extension was enlarged to include the traveling libraries
and the book information sections. In 1949, the State Li-

brarian was designated Assistant Commissioner of Education

257
for Libraries which makes the centralization of organiza—
tion rather complete.

Also in 1949, as a result of a series of surveys
begun in 1945, the first of a projected fifteen regional
library service centers operated by the State Library was
established in Vatertown to serve the local public librar-
ies of three counties.1

These surveys, plus the work of a special gover-
nor's Committee on Library Aid to sutdy the problem of fi-
nancing local public libraries along with the efforts of a
Library Trustees Association, has resulted in a large state
aid program with an initial grant of one million dollars
with possibilities for three million in future years.4 The
money is to be used to encourage the development of larger
units of library service.

The responsibility for archives has not been fully
determined as yet in New York. The State Library is legally
custodian of archives if owned by the state and not placed
in other custody by law. However, there still exists a Di-
vision of Archives and History under a state historian who
manages historic sites and state records as well as doing
historical research. A study commission recommended, in
1948, that the state historian's office be transferred to

the State Library, and the Division of Archives and History

 

1Charles M. Armstrong, Development of Library Ser—
vices in New York State (Albany: University of the State
of New York, 1949).

 

 

 

 

258
be abolished. This is probably a logical move since the
only effective archives program is now being done by the
State Library's Manuscript and History Section.

The same study commission recommended that there
be more coordination between the State Library and depart-
mental libraries to avoid duplication and increase cooper-
ation. Also recommended was a branch of the State Library

in New York City to serve state offices there.

259

.ondpwamwmog an concede muonaoa Coopnwna

 

sedans; annum

 

 

 

 

 

udoauanoa
coapwoucm madam

 

 

 

 

 

.w.z no mpmpm mo wpaaampana
upcowmm mo onwom

 

 

 

 

 

unspmamammq

 

 

 

meow amz

.H

NORTH CAROLINA

The State Library in North Carolina, established
in 1837, was created originally to serve state departments
for reference and research, but now also gives some service
to the public through inter-library loans. It is under a
board consisting of the governor as ex—officio chairman,
the secretary of state, and the superintendent of public
instruction. The librarian is appointed by the Board.

The library is mostly a collection of state archives and
documents. The law includes the archaic provision that:
"The Governor shall designate such portions of the doc—
uments, journals and acts of Congress of the United States
as he may deem proper to be preserved in the library."1
The law also provides for a Document Library and names the
librarian of the State Library as custodian of the Docu-
ment Library. This library consists of the laws and jour-
nals of the General Assembly for the use of the legisla-
ture. The library is open only during the sessions. Ac-
cording to law, "at all other times the doors shall be
kept securely locked."2

The Library Commission was established in 1909,
five members, two appointed by the State Library Associa-

tion, one by the governor for three-year terms and two ex—

 

1North Carolina, Code f 1939, p. 2326.

 

21bid., p. 2328.

261
officio, the superintendent of public instruction and the
state librarian. This is a rather independent board. It
is difficult to place the authority over it. The Execu—
tive is probably the best bet since he appoints one member,
is a member of the governing board of the State Library,
and appoints the Board of the superintendent of public in-
struction. The Commission employs a secretary "who shall
be a person trained in modern library methods."1 The
staff works with public libraries on the improvement and
expansion of library services and loans books to librar-
ies to further this purpose. The Commission is empowered
to frame rules and regulations for the allocation of state
grants.

A Supreme Court Library is a law library under the
justices of the Supreme Court. They employ a librarian and
fix his salary.

There is no legally established legislative ref-
erence service in the state but the Division of Publica-
tions, under the secretary of state, does some of this

work, including bill drafting.

 

lIbid., p. 2328.

262

.nowpwfioomm4 mnmnnaq
acaaonmo napoz map mp 03» was .nodnm>om on» an umanOQQw ma moan;

mo odo .mnmnaoa nmnpo manna was «mumpaoa oaoamwo1fim uncaposnpmcH oaapsm
mo psovsopdaanSm esp paw cwfinmnnaa woman any mo ummomaoo coammfiaaoo .N

.nofipoduumnH oaandm mo pcmvnopnanmgsm on»
was .opmpm mo mewumuoom «qwanamno oaofimmo1xm mm nocum>ow on» we mamfimnoo .H

 

 

 

sppppaa 1.1.1.1. suapnaq opapm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

updoo mamHQSm H
_
_ I
_ unwom mnmupfiq
_ «papa
_
1m
coammfiaaoo mnwnnaq
aqaaouwo Spnoz .
a
_
_
mpwfiofioaa _1. llllll Hocnohou

 

 

 

 

 

 

¢zHAom<o memoz

 

 

mpoapaoaappm
do poamasaa

 

 

 

 

r lllll 11 ppwpm mo

muwpmnomw

 

 

 

NORTH DAKOTA

The State Board of Administration in North Dakota,
also serves as the State Library Commission. This Board
consists of five members, three appointed by the governor,
plus the superintendent of public instruction and the com-
missioner of agriculture and labor, ex—officio. The State
Board appoints the executive officer to be known as the
secretary and director of the Commission. The Commission
performs reference and book loan service as well as library
extension. The same board also has the heavy and broad re—
sponsibility of governing all penal, charitable and educa-
tional institutions in the state. The result probably is
that little, if any, of their time is devoted to library
policy or promotion.

The State Law Library is under the judges of the
Supreme Court. They appoint one person "who shall be known
as the Supreme Court Reporter, the State Law Librarian, and
the Legislative Reference Librarian."1 Since this provi—
sion was made, a Legislative Research Committee has been
set up under the Legislature with its own director.

The historical library function, and less definite-
ly, the archival function, is assigned to the State Histor-
ical Society which has legal status and receives state

funds, but is controlled by its own Board of Directors,

 

lCompiled Laws 9; North Dakota, 1919, p. 323.

264
plus the governor, auditor, secretary of state, commis-
sioner of agriculture and labor, and superintendent of

public instruction, ex-officio.

.nopoonac noncommn
w paaoqa< .omppflasoo on» as oxwa mopapmunomwumou Nam vcm mHOprom mpam .m

.oaoammonxo .nowposupmca oaapdm mo
pneumopnfinmmfim egg and .nonma cam waspafioanmm mo “macammwasoo .mpwpm mo
mnwponoom «nopacfim «nonnopom man made .cnmon coucaommm :30 mpH an ooaaonpcoo .N

.nopma one whapazownmm
Ho monoammaaaoo can GoapoSHpmna oaanfim no acoucmpnfinmmsm «mumpams
oaowmmouxm 03p moan .uocnm>om on» up copnaomnw moan» .mnmpama m>am mo unmom .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J mamaoom
a; mnwunaq Baa _ scammaaaoo Hwoapopmflm mumpm
Hm undoo maonQSm muwunaq opwpm .
N,
.I I.n.n.|1 mHOpoonaa
fi 90 unwom
noapmnpmacfisu¢ _ m

mo unwom _ :onmwaaoo

_ nonwmmom

_ o>apmamammq

_ m
_ mnwaoavnw nonpo>oo n.n.|u.l_ _ onzpmamfimmq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

¢BOM<Q mHmOz

OHIO

The State Library Board in Ohio is included in the
Department of Education with the director of the depart—
ment serving as chairman of the Board with four other mem—
bers appointed by the governor for eight-year terms. The
Board appoints the state librarian, who serves as secre-
tary of the Board. The State Library includes reference,
book loan and library extension functions.1

The archival function is under a privately organ-
ized Archeological and Historical Society. The governor
appoints six of the Board members, but there is no statute
providing for its functions and duties, although it is
maintained largely by state appropriations. The gover-
nor apparently makes the appointments by invitation of the
Society.

Another collection, the Ohioana Library, which col-
lects books by Ohio authors and about Ohio is set up sim—
ilarly. It is a private library with the governor appoint—
ing four members to its Executive Board but it is without
legal status.

The Law Library is under the Supreme Court who ap-
point the librarian. He also serves as the marshall of the
Court.

The Legislative Reference Bureau is under a Board

 

thio, General Code, 1936, p. 50.

267
composed of the governor, clerk of the Senate and House.
The Board appoints the chief and secretary of the Bur-
eau. The law specifies that the Bureau cooperate with
the other state library agencies in the use of their

materials.

.maump uwmhnpnmao you poqaobow an copnfloddm muonpo psom .cawom
mumunaq mumpm mo cmanfimno gem nonama m we coapmodcm mo pcmaunwdma mo vmmm .m

.cnwon op mumpama mafia mpomam
mumfioom .wnmon mo muonama oHonHouxm mew soapmoscm mo pcoapnmdma no 0mm:
cum pocno>oo .vnmop mnflaum>om m.%poaoom op muopama me mucaogdm nonpo>oo .N

.mpwcom mo
xpoao cam endow mo xpoao spas nonpmmop moppasaoo mo panama ma nocno>oo .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1, :wmndm
w mnmunaq wpwum oodwpmwom
_ 4 m>apmamfimmq
w .2223 :3 n _ . .
mgr pudoo msmnmdm _ m:1:tt-;Wl -A. . .
r A Upmom amenaq ‘
mpwum H L i
_ . fl} opwom d
_ fi.||.unu wocmhmmmm. _
m . 1... Ir... II _ wipflmammg .
“Impmfioom HonMOpmHmJT.t.|anoHuwoS©m mo” _ 1 l, _
m a Hwoamoaomzoe< _ H: peoauawdm: w 7
. L I.I.%..I..IL _
_ H _ p
mpmHoHcSh g VI lllll a: uodno>oo. $1.1I I.|_ enzymamfiwoq.

 

 

 

 

 

onO

 

 

OKLAHOMA

The State Library in Oklahoma is under the Supreme
Court which serves as its Board of Directors and appoints
the state librarian. The library, originally known as the
"Oklahoma Library" when it was founded in 1910, is primar-
ily a law and legislative reference library, but also has
responsibility for state documents and archives. The ar-
chival function is carried out in cooperation with a State
Record Commission which examines records of departments
after five years before the State Library acquires them.1

Indian archives are kept by the State Historical
Society which is under a twenty-five member Board of Di-
rectors, elected by the Society, plus the governor, ex-of-
ficio. The Board appoints a secretary, librarian, and
other officers and employees of the Society.

The library extension function is under a Library
Commission of four appointed for six years by the governor,
plus the superintendent of public instruction, ex—officio.
The Commission appoints a secretary who carries out the
typical extension functions of advice on library organiza-
tion and book loans.

The State also maintains a State Industrial Chemi-

cal Library at the State University under the Board of Re-

 

lOklahoma Library Commission, Reports of the Okla-

homa Library Commission and Survey 9;; Libraries—L Oklahoma,
1948’ pp. -10.

 

270
gents of the University. They appoint a Library Committee

of three which recommends material for purchase.

.mpoaoom Ho mnwuonomm mo moammo mopwono omaw cam
«owoammouxo quonho>om mdaa wnonaoa obamlmpnokp moamaoomm waspmeHmoq .m

.mnmponoom munfloana .oaownmocxo
“nowpoSupmna oaapda mo unocsopnanomsm mzam.nocno>om mp voanOQQw 950m .N

.Cmanwnnaa
mpwum pmaaonmm can humunaq opwpm mo mnopoonflm mo unwom mm mo>nom omH< .H

 

«IL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1i i mpoaoom
mu E Havanopmam
m m P
a anwnnag , . doammwaaoo mhwunaq mHOpomnHQ
r opmpm . mo unwom
i . . l _ .
_ _
L L. L _
undoo oaonadm _ noqno>oo M onspwamfimmq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

<Eom¢qmo

OREGON

The Oregon State Library, which is governed by a
Board of Trustees consisting of the governor, the superin-
tendent of public instruction, the chancellor of the Ore-
gon State System of uigher Education, the librarian of the
Library Association of Portland, and three persons appoint-
ed by the governor, was established as a territorial li-
brary at the seat of government in 1848. It is adminis-
tered by the state librarian who is appointed by the Board
of Trustees.1

The first State Library was a depository for law
books and state documents. Although the librarian was
elected by the uegislature, the library was under the di-
rect supervision of the governor. In 1864, the secretary
of state was designated superintendent of the library, but
the librarian was still elected by the Legislature. This
continued until 1905, when the Legislature placed the State
Library in charge of the Justices of the Supreme Court. At
the same session, the Oregon Library Commission was created
to develop public and school library service throughout the
state, and to lend books.

In 1913, the functions of the two libraries were

realigned. The Library Commission became the State Library,

 

lOregon, Compiled Laws Annotated, 1940, pp. 332—38.

273
continuing its former functions, but adding to them the
custody of federal and state documents. The Supreme Court
Library was created to care for the books and publications
of a legal nature which were formerly a part of the State
Library.

The State Library today is the depository for gov-
ernment and state documents, serves as a reference library
for members of the Legislature and officers and employees
of the state, maintains a general mail order reference
and loan service including traveling libraries, and aids
in the development of public and school libraries. From
1939 to 1940 and from 1943 to date, a school library advi-
sor has been on the staff doing extension work. In 1947,
the Legislature established the office of the state archi-
vist under the State Library.

The Supreme ”ourt Library is the law library. Up
to 1913 it was known as the State Library. The court ap-
points the librarian and makes the rules for the library.

The Oregon Historical Society maintains an histor-
ical library, but it is not a legally established state
agency even though its Board of Directors includes the
governor, superintendent of public instruction and the

state librarian.

.vcmapnom mo GOprHoommd
mnmupwq mo cmanmnpfia .Goapwosvm aonwan mo aopmmm mumpm
mo poaaoocmno «Goapodupmnfl OHHDSQ Ho udowcoumflnoqsm aHoanoawow
: .oaoammonxo ohm know anompo>ow an ooudaoaqm moan» amuonaoa nopom .d

mnwuan . mnmnnaq
.4 pnsoo maondsm _ opwpw
m .i t . .
H -- .
uamom mumnpfiq
oumpm _
-.zan0Hodw . 1wodao>o0.

‘ullll

zoommo

PENNSYLVANIA

In 1919, the State Library and Museum and the Li-
brary Commission which had been created in 1899, were com—
bined. This agency, known as the State Library, was
transferred to the Department of Public Instruction in
1923. The state librarian is appointed by the superin-
tendent of public instruction, who is, in turn, appointed
by the governor with the consent of two-thirds of the
Senate.

The State Library has the reference, extension,
archival and law functions, as well as the authority "to
preserve objects illustrating the flora and fauna of the
State."1 The agency has not made great strides forward
particularly in the library extension field. Its organ-
ization puts it under the complete control of the state
Department of Public Instruction.

The superintendent of public instruction has
given his approval to a program of the Pennsylvania Library
Association for the appointment of a lay advisory commit—
tee to the State Library. This program has not met with
success as yet. Other objectives of the Association's
program are:

consultation with P.L.A. representa-

tives in regard to appointments to
key positions in the State library;

 

1Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes, 1930, p. 123.

276

selection of State library staff on a
merit basis; semi—annual compilation
and publication of public library sta-
tistics; and making Pennsylvania Pub-
lic Library day an annual observance.
The long-term program suggests expanding
the duties and staff of the State Li-
brary in order to develop complete cov-
erage with public library service on a
large unit basis; to stimulate more
adequate local support; to increase
state aid substantially and to extend
it and to tie it with standards; to
clarify the law covering state library
services and eventually to provide for
legal certification and state pensions
for librarians.

This program indicates some of the needs of the state li-
brary program in Pennsylvania.

The law specifies that the State Library shall co-
operate with the nistorical and Museum Commission in car-
rying out the archival function. The Commission consists
of the superintendent of public instruction and nine mem-
bers appointed by the governor.

The Legislature has under its control a House Li-
brary and a Senate Library. The legal duties of the li-
brarians seem to be confined to taking charge of legisla-
tive stationery and supplies.2

The Legislature also has charge of the Legislative

Reference Bureau, even though it is located in the State

Library and uses the resources of this library. The Bur—

 

l"P.L.A.'s State-Wide Library Program," Pennsylvan-
ia Library Association Bulletin, v. I (1950), 8, 15.

21bid., pp. 402-403.

277

eau is concerned mostly with bill drafting.

278

aoammflaaoo
Enema:
a Hooaaopoam

    
 

  

 

 

.nonnobom an cmpnaomnw mnonaoa
mafia cam :owvaSnpmnw oHHpsd mo unocsopcanmmsm .N

.hnwnnfiq opapm onp ca condo: monomw wcfipmwuo HHHm .H

 

maoanaq omopm

 

 

 

 

 

noauusnpmcH oaansm
mo pamaanwnoo

 

 

 

 

 

 

nonno>o¢

ulllftil

 

«Hzaaqmmzzma

oodououom

obapwamamofi

 

 

 

 

fl.on5uwamamofl._

.I Illlllllll' .‘fllllt'fll L! ..

RHODE ISLAND

The State Library in Rhode Island, as in Illinois,
is under the secretary of state, who appoints the state
librarian "qualified by training and experience."1 This
change was made under the Administrative Code of 1935,
which transferred the functions of the Library Division
of the State Board of Education, established in 1907, to
the State Library. In addition to the book loan, refer-
ence and extension functions, the State Library includes
a Legislative Reference Bureau and the archival function
with the state librarian serving as state record commis-
sioner, ex-officio. Two private historical libraries
maintained by the Rhode Island Historical Society and the
Newport Historical Society also receive their funds through
'the state librarian.

The State Law Library is under the Supreme Court

which appoints the librarian.

 

1General Laws of Rhode Island, 1938, p. 50.

.HMfihopma cam mxoon
now coumaumopmnm hocoa mam mo manpavaodxm
mHoppdoo cmwnwnnaa opwum pan amedepHpmsa opw>anm .H

,H

 

%pmfioom
HonHOpmHm
pponaoz

 

 

 

 

 

mpmnnfiq awq opmpm \

 

 

280

 

aaoapaq opapw A

 

 

 

 

Npoauow
Hooaaopoam
ooaHmH ooonm

 

 

 

 

 

 

opwpm mo muwpmpoom

 

 

 

 

mHmHOHUSh

 

 

 

azaqu muomm

SOUTH CAROLINA

South Carolina's State Library was established in
1898 without specific functions assigned by law. The
Legislature still elects the state librarian for a four—
year term. She acts under the direction of a Board of
Trustees consisting of the governor, secretary of state
and superintendent of p blic instruction, ex-officio. The
only qualifications for the position of state librarian
are "any woman, resident of the State two years, who has
attained the age of twenty-one."1 This library is pri-
marily a state documents, reference, and newspaper collec-
tion. The state librarian is the only employee and the
reference service is limited.

Library extension work is under a State Public
Library Association with a Board of Directors of five ap-
pointed by the governor upon the recommendation of the
superintendent of education for five-year terms. The
Board of Directors elects a chairman and secretary annu-
ally. "The Secretary, if possible, shall be an experi—
enced librarian of administrative ability, and shall be

2 The Board-

chosen from within or without the said Board."
is given broad powers to assist in the establishment and

development of county and regional libraries and also pro-

 

1South Carolina, Constitution, art. 17, sec. 1.

2South Carolina, Code, Suppl., p. 231.

282
vides reference and book loan service to libraries and
individuals.

The Supreme Court Library is in the custody of the
clerk of the Court who employs a suitable person annually
to attend to the library. The suitable person must meet
only the same requirements set for the state librarian.

The State Historical Commission has the archival
and historical library function. The Commission has legal
status, but is independent of state government except for
appropriations and reporting to the General Assembly. The
secretary and other officers are appointed by the governor.
The Commission consists of the history department heads of
four state colleges, one member elected for ten years by
the State Historical Society, one member elected for ten
years by American Legion, and one member appointed by the
United Confederate Veterans.

In 1949, a Legislative Council was created to pro-
vide legislative reference and bill drafting service. This
function was previously assigned to the State Library but
with no additional personnel. The Council consists of the
president of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the

code commissioner.

283

.coammaaeoo ovoo Una chaom Ho noxwomm .mpmcom Ho unouamond mo mpmamcoo .m

mccoaaooon coapmosno mo pcocqopcanoqdm

.ovwa mam munmapnaomdm onomon nozuobom op

.mnmnaoa o>Hu Haw mpaaomdm pomuo>ou .N

.GOHpmozoo mo pcoccopcathSm .opmpm mo mnwponoom anochopow mo comedaou .H

 

 

 

mnmupfiq
pafloo oaoHQSm

 

noapwHOOmmd
hnwnnaq
oaanfim madam.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

manOfiwgfi

 

 

 

N

 

mnouomuaa
no unmom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

nonuo>ow

 

«Zqumdo mfibom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

  

 

 

 

 

hwwnnaa a Hwocfioo .

opwum 14,o>prHmHmoq

a an Haaoo

moopnsnal HonHOpmHm

no cuwom madam .
onnpwamamoa

 

 

 

SOUTH DAKOTA

The state library extension and loan agency in
South Dakota is known as the Commission Library. It was
established in 1913, and is now under a Free Library Com—
mission of five, the governor and superintendent of public
instruction, ex—officio, with the latter serving as presi-
dent of the Commission, and three other members appointed
by the governor from nominations of three each made by
the South Dakota Library Association, the South Dakota Ped-
eration of Women's Lwlubs, and the South Dakota Federation
of Home Demonstration Clubs. The Commission appoints the
director, a graduate of an accredited library school with
at least two years of successful administrative experience}
The library had the reference and legislative reference
functions transferred to it in 1943, but its budget was not
increased sufficiently to allow for these to be performed
adequately along with library extension.

The historical and archival function in South Da-
kota is under the Department of History of the State His-
torical Society. Eleven trustees elected by the Society
plus the secretary, governor, secretary of state and state
auditor, make up the executive committee. The secretary
is also, by law, the superintendent of the Department of

History, state librarian and the director of the state cen-

SUS-

 

lSouth Dakota, Code, 1939, pp. 1190-02.

285
The law library is known as the Supreme Court
Library and is under the control of the Judges. The clerk

acts as the law librarian.

.ooppaaaoo
opapdomxm mo mnonama mum uouaodw opmpm ampmpm mo mpmponoom anonho>oo .N

. .doammaaaoo on» no
muonfima oaoamuouxo ohm noapoaupmca 0HH93Q Ho pcocnmpnanoQSm paw Honno>oo .a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mumnpfiq _ humnnaq . knopmwm Ho
unsoo maonnnm m noammaaaoo pqoaunwmoq
N
10 HL NHHWHOO
Mm noammasaoo Hmowaoumam
muwnnaq oonm muoxwm npnom
manOuSh noduo>oo onspwamamoq

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dHoM¢Q mHDow

TENNESSEE

Tennessee has been going through a series of
changes in the organization of its state library agencies.
The state library and archives agency has been combined
under a state librarian and archivist since 1919. In 1937
it became a division of the Department of Education. In
1947, an act was passed placing the Division of State Li—
brary and Archives under another division of the Depart-
ment, the Division of Instructional Materials and Library
Service. In 1949, it was again made a separate division.
This division consists of federal documents and state docue
ments, archives and history, and is primarily a reference
library.

Public and school library extension service is
still in the other division of the Department of Education,
the Division of Instructional Materials and Library Ser-
vice. The program of this division puts a strong emphasis
on the development of regional library service.

A self—survey of state library service by the Tenn-
essee Library Association in 1950, revealed that:

The functions of the State Library

have been performed by a woefully inade-

quate staff . . . . In Tennessee there

are at present thirteen professionally

trained librarians employed in the state

program to serve about one—half of the
state's population.

 

1"The State's Role in Library Service," Tennessee
Librarian, III (1950), pp. 4-8.

 

288

As a result, legislation has been drawn up pro-
viding for an independent library commission under which
general, extension, historical and archival state library
service would be administered.1

There are three State Law Libraries, one at Nash-
ville, Jackson, and Knoxville, under a Law Library Commis-
sion consisting of the chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
the attorney-general, and the presiding Justice of the
Court of Appeals. The clerk of the Supreme Court is the
secretary of the Commission and serves as the librarian
and archivist of the library, ex-officio.

Tennessee has a Legislative Reference Bureau of
three members, the assistant attorney-general and two mem-
bers of staff of State Planning Commission, named by the
chairman of the Law Library Commission. Even under the

proposed reorganization, these law and legislation refer-

ence services would remain independent.

 

H

Ibid., pp. 9-13.

289

.oofi>nom mamapfla Hmnowmon paw Hoonom moavcmm .m

.ooamao m.amnmcomumocp0ppw Scum gonads oao cam mmwpm noammfiaaoo mafiacwam
opwpm song mnonaoa can go mamamcoo

.aonp mo>nom can manpmamwmoq mp copmopo .N

.Hwnouomihoznoppm cam mamoddm

Mo pusoo mo ooapmsn mcacamond «pusoo osoHQSm mo mafipmsn mmazo no oomoaaoo .H

 

a

 

moanwnnfiq
3mg

 

 

 

 

 

Gowwmfiaaoo
mumnan 3mg

 

 

 

 

mamaoapfi~

 

 

 

m

wwapnom madnndq
a maoaumpw:
Hmaoapofiavmam
Ho aoamapaa

 

 

 

 

oo>asoo< ops
anagram opapm
no aoaoa>an

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m
compsm
oodopomom
coauwoncm . o>fipmamflmoq
mo pcoapnwdoo a
a
_
A
nonhopou onfipmamamoq

 

 

 

 

 

mmmmmzzms

TEXAS

The Texas Library and Historical Commission gov-
erning the State Library dates back to 1909. The present
Commission consists of five members appointed by the gov—
ernor for six-year terms. The state librarian is appoint-
ed by the Commission. The law specifies a trained, exper-
ienced librarian of administrative ability. All the state
library functions, except law, are included under the State
Library.1 This is a good administrative organization but
poor personnel and lack of leadership has hampered progress.

In 1950, a survey of the State Library "appeared
to say that the trouble was a lack of definition of the
area of the commission's policy function and the state 1i-
brarian's administrative task."2 The state librarian re-
signed and aneflarming report followed:

Capitol authorities were discussing

a reorganization plan by which each of

the five loosely related functions of the

commission would be absorbed by other

agencies and departments: the Legisla—

tive Reference Library to the Legislative

Council; the Extension Division to the

Adult bducation Section of the State Ed-

ucation Agency; loan and general refer—

ence material for the blind to the Edu-

cation Agency; records to a proposed state

records agency; archives to the Secretary

of State's office; Texana to the Bar er
History Center, University of Texas.

 

1Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, 1941, XVI,pp.43-A9.

2"Texas State Library May Be Parcelled Out," Library
Journal, LXXV (1950), 1812.

3Ibid.

291

This reads like a design for extinction.

292

.ponnm>om on» an copnfioadw whopaoa o>Hm .H

 

 

muwupaq
punoo oaopqfim

 

 

 

 

 

mumaoacdw

 

 

m¢xma

muonan
mpwfim

 

 

 

 

 

 

.aaoo HwOHHOpmHm
a mnwunwg mono?

 

 

 

nonno>oo

 

 

 

 

UTAH

There is no general state library service in Utah,
but only a state law library. The law, however, refers to
this as the State Library. The clerk of the Supreme Court
acts as librarian and the Justices of the Supreme Court
plus the governor and secretary of state act as a Board
of control.

The only legal provision for library extension work
is that "the State Board of Education shall promote the
establishment of libraries and gymnasiums throughout the
State."1 There was a part-time library director in 1945,
but the latest organization chart of the State Board of
Education shows no provision for this function.

The archival function is under the State Historical
Society under a Board of Control of ten members appointed
by the governor. The Board appoints its own officers in—
cluding the librarian.

A Legislative Council was created in 1947 under
the Legislature to provide reference, research and bill
drafting service. The Council appoints a secretary who

also serves as director of reference and research work.

lUtah, Revised Statutes, 1933, p. 777.

294

N

anemonaop o>Hm .mnopwcmm o>fiu

.mmSOm mp ego and .opwcom an ono .noflpo>om
hp ono «weapwamfiwoq mo mnonaoa pom omega cum amo>fipwp

“whopaoa nompnanp no mpmfimcoo .m

cahHHHO mogmpmfixm Hmwmq 0“

.oocopmaxo Hmwoa mm:

cam nosmm>om 0p manoaop pan whoofimmo use mason cso mpomam .m

oflwfihmHDHH mw mQOw PPSOO .HO XHQHO .N

.oumpm mo mpwponoom cam noano>om .pHSOQ oaoudsm mo mpmfimcoo .H

m

 

noama>wa
huwnnfiq

 

 

 

 

 

 

mamnnfiq
opmpm

 

Hooaaoeoam oeoem

hpoaoom

:oapofiupmnH oaansm
mo pcoapumdoa _

 

 

 

 

 

 

H

 

 

Hoppcoo
mo namom

 

 

 

 

 

 

mnmwoacsh

 

 

 

 

 

aonpcoo
mo venom

 

noapwofivm
Ho camom

 

 

 

 

_

 

L

 

 

 

 

nonho>oo

 

m<HD

m
Haoqsoo
o>HpmHmHqu

 

 

 

 

 

filww59mamfimoq

 

 

VERMONT

The State Library in Vermont was created in 1825,
primarily as a law library. However, it is now a general
reference library as well and also has archival and legis-
lative reference responsibilities. It is under the direc—
tion of a Board of Trustees of ten; four ex-officio, the
governor, chief Justice of Supreme Court, commissioner of
education, and president of the Vermont Historical Society.
There are six other trustees. The Board is self-perpetu-
ating as far as these six trustees are concerned. The
Board appoints the secretary and state librarian, for
whom no qualifications are set.

The state librarian shares the archival respon-
.sibility with the president of the historical Society,
Jointly choosing a custodian and expending funds. The
state librarian is also a member of the Board of Curators
along with the secretary of state and auditor of accounts.

The library extension work is under a Free Public
Library Commission consisting of "the Commissioner of Ed-
ucation, ex-officio, and two persons, one of whom shall be
a woman, who shall be appointed by the Governor with the
advice and consent of the Senate for a term of four years."1
The governor biennially designates a member of the Commis-

sion to serve as chairman. The law does not provide for a

 

lPublic Laws 9;; Vermont, 1933, p. 738.

w-’

296
paid executive to carry out the work of the Commission
but there is one.

In carrying out its library extension program to
aid existing libraries and bring service to those areas
without it, the Commission has established five regional
libraries from which books and field workers travel in
mobile units. These units visit library stations in
small villages and farm homes as well as make stops at
rural schools. These five regional libraries cover the
entire state and through them all residents can now obtain
direct library service. This type of expansion of state
library service is recommended by the Public Library In-
quiry as a realistic and efficient way of raising the
standards of library service in a state and, at the same

time, bring service to all state residents.

297

.maopmnso no wamom esp cam muowoom mo
mponama mam cmflpmppaa mumpm cam mpqsooom mo Houfivsw .opmpm mo mpmpmnomm

.pocHo>om map
mp copsfioaam Acmsos w mcov mcomaoa nmmpo 03p .coflpmosoo mo moccammflaaou

.mmopmsnu
nogpo me new «upmwoom Hwowpopmflm uncapo> .pcwvwmmnm cam .GOHpmonvm
mo poCOHmmHEEOO .ppsoo mamnmdm mo mowpmsn wofino .pocpm>oo .mmopmSQB awe

 

mumaoom HmOHaoumHm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

m1
fMHOpmnso mo opmom uuuuuu znmppwq opmum
a
N momprpa
Ecofimmfiasoo mnmanflq mo camom

 

 

 

oaansm swam

.
r}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hocum>ou ondpmamflmmq

 

 

 

 

Bzofimm>

VIRGINIA

The Virginia Code of 1936 includes the provision:
It is hereby declared to be the

policy of the Commonwealth, as a part

of its provision for public education,

to promote the establishment and de-

velopment of public library service

throughout its various political sub-

division.l

With this provision as background, it is easier to
understand why the State Library in Virginia offers a more
centralized and well~supported service than most. It in-
cludes the general reference, extension and archival func-
tions. Up to 1944, the State Library was under a State
Library Board of five members appointed by the State Board
of Education. In that year, the State Library Board was
changed to seven members, six appointed by the governor
for five-year terms plus the superintendent of public in-
struction, ex-officio. In July 1948, under the terms of
a reorganization act, the State Library also took over the
activities of the Land Office and World War II History
Commission.

Even in a state with as much centralization of
state library service, there are still other state library
agencies. The State Law Library is under the Supreme

Court of Appeals who appoints the librarian and makes the

library's rules and regulations. Two branch Law Libraries

 

1Virginia, Code, 1936, p. 107.

 

299
are maintained at mytheville and Staunton with the clerks
acting as librarians.

As a holdover of the domination of the State Li-
brary by the Lepartment of Education, the school library
extension service is still located in the Department's
Bureau of Textbooks and Public School Libraries.

A Division of Statutory Research and Drafting is
organized under the General Assembly with a director in
charge who is elected by the General Assembly for a term
of four years. The Division has access to the State Law
Library and the State Library and conducts research and
drafts bills upon request of the governor or General As-
sembly.

An interesting provision of the law reads:

All requests for the drafting of

bills or resolutions by the Division

shall be submitted in writing and shall

contain a general statement respecting

the policies and purposes which the

Governor or member making the request

desires incorporated in and accomplished

by the bill. All requests and required

statements shall be signed by the person

submitting them. Neither the Director

nor any employee of the division shall

reveal to any person outside of the di-

vision the contents or nature of any

such request or statements except with

the consent of the person signing the

request.1

This is probably why most legislative reference

services are directly responsible to state legislatures.

 

lCode _§ Virginia, 1950, p. 48.

 

300
They want to make sure that outside influence will not
find its way into legislative bills and that they will

have full control over legislative reference staff.

301

.aowposupmca OHHQSQ mo psooCmpcaanSm
mafia Hocnm>om on» an cmpnaongm mnmnaoa Nam .H

 

 

 

 

 

sawapau snappag madam
twq mpmpm ,

 

 

 

 
   

 

 

Gum m,

noapwosom .I.un.
humanaq mywum

Ho pcmapgmnoa

a zonmommm
myopSPmpm
yo GoamH>HQ

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

noapmozcm mo
vhmom mpmum

_I

C‘

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

huwHOHSSH nocnoboo mnnpwamammq

 

 

 

 

 

«HzHomHs

WASHINGTON

In 1929, a State Library Committee consisting of
the superintendent of public instruction, the commission—
er of lands and the state treasurer was abolished and its
functions were transferred to the superintendent of pub—
lic instruction. In 1941, the Washington Legislature re—
versed the trend toward centralization of state library
functions under education departments and re-established
a State Library Commission. The superintendent of public
instruction does remain as ex-officio chairman of this
Commission with four other members appointed by the gover-
nor, one a library trustee, and one a certified librarian.l

The State Library provides reference and loan ser-
vice to state departments, libraries and individuals
throughout the state, provides advisory service to local
libraries through its extension activities and field visits,
and preserves the state's history and archives. Legisla-
tive reference service is also one of its functions.

There are three other historical libraries on whose
boards state officials are represented and which collect
historical materials. However, the societies are privately
organized and incorporated even though they are in the
state law and receive some state funds. The State Library,

however, has the official archival responsibility.

 

lRemington's Revised Statutes, 1941 Suppl., p.567.

303

The State Law Library is now under a Commission
consisting of the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the
attorney-general and the secretary of state who appoint
the law librarian. This service, too, was originally cen—
tralized under the State Library Commission, created in
1903. for a time, the assistant state librarian served as
the law librarian. When the centralized Commission or-
ganization was changed, the Law Library was put under its

own Commission and so it remains.

304

.mpmpm map on nm>flw mmcflcaflsn ca comnom

mucaoaaw coapmHOOmmm ans

cmnacwmno mampw>finm mam mowpmfioom may

.uocno>om mnp mo pnmmcoo spas nonwpzo

.mmwpmfina mo cumom mo mHoQSma wcapo> pup .oaoammouxm
mam :OHposapm2H oaansm no unoccmpzfithSm opmum was macaw mo mnmpwaomm .nocam>oo .q

.mopmnoanooza cam

.mdeUHHsn monsonmpmpw ma cmmdon mam cam

meHpmflnqoammm mumpm m>aoomn monp was «mowaowoom omen» mo mAOpmaso mo camom map
mo mpmnama mafiuo> pap «oaoammouxo mam monummmhp mpwpm souwpm mo hnwpouomm «nonum>oo .m

.wpmpm_

mo unsympomm as» was .HmnocmmnhmGQOppm one «uaaoo maoAQSm asp mo mafipmsn Mmflno one .N

 

 

 

mnwapaq tag

 

 

 

scammasaoo

mamapfiq

Bwq opmpw
_

 

 

 

_
_
.
»

 

 

 

mpwHoHnSh

 

.pamapnfioqam mo mean on» ya xaok mamnnfia a“ ummmm
Iqm kHHmSpow nmfimmnnfia cmfimappmo a one mam pamapcaonmm mo mafia on» pm mopmsHp
hamanfla m mp Hamzm 3033 no mco anonym>om on» an ompafiommw mamaofimmaaaoo Anew

cam .coammaaaoo cflwm mo awanamno oHoHHHOiNm ma :oapodapmqw oflansm mo pcmucoucaanSm .H

 

 

saannflq mpmpm.

 

 

 

 

mmwaoom
HaoHHOpmHm spasm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

copmnfinmma :hmummm a
noapwHUOmm<
H hpmfioom HmoHHOpmHm Hmownopmfim
Gowmmfiaaoo mpmum QOpmGHSmma Hepflamo mpmpm.
shaanaq muapm a _
_ .
I. lllllllll _ llllll in
nocno>ow

 

 

 

ZOHOZHmm¢B

 

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia has no state library, general ref-
erence or legislative reference service at a state level.
The Library extension law was passed in 1929, creating a
State Library bommission, but no appropriation was made
to it until 1942. The Commission consists of five ap-
pointed by the governor with the advice and consent of
the Senate for four—year terms. At least two members
must be women. The Commission appoints a secretary, "who
shall be a person trained in library methods."1 The sec-
retary has charge of the usual extension functions, organ-
izing new libraries, improving established ones and su-
pervising traveling library service. The law includes the
Commission's right to establish, maintain and operate a
public library for a region of two or more counties.

Archives in West Virginia are under a Department
of Archives and History. The governor appoints the state
historian and archivist directly. He reports directly to
the governor and establishes all rules and regulations to
operate the department. State departments may turn over
their official records provided that they keep certified
copies in their files.

In 1933, the Legislature passed a law giving the

Division of Documents at the State University the right

 

1West Virginia, Code, 1931, p. 262.

306

to accept the same kinds of materials as a gift. This
may result in overlapping and duplication of functions.
The State Law Library is under the Supreme Court

of Appeals which appoints the librarian.

307

m

.mamommm mo padoo maoamdm map as Umpcwoqu ma cmfipmapflq

.nocpm>ow an voucfiommm mumnama m>Hm

.pmH>Hnoam cam cmHHOpmHS mumpm mucfloaam nocam>oo

 

 

hnwnpfiq 3mg
chHmnH> umms

 

 

1
. H
_
M

a»
mawHOflSSh

 

 

 

 

N

 

scammflaaoo
humnnflq

 

 

 

 

 

H
smasfinoaa
a cmfisowmfim

 

 

 

 

whopmam
a amoaomnonm
mo pcmapnwama

 

 

 

 

 

«HzHumH> HmMB

 

 

 

nocnm>oo

 

 

WISCONSIN

The State Library in Wisconsin is the law library.
It is under a Board of Trustees consisting of the justices
of the Supreme Court and the attorney—general. The Board
appoints the librarian and specifies his duties including:

To report to the presiding officer

of each house, five days before the ad—

Journment of each session of the legis-

lature, the number of books taken out

of the Library by the members of each

house and not returned, giving titles

of books, dates of taking, and names of

members to whom charged. All such books

shall be immediately returned.1
A similar anachronistic and inoperative provision appears
in many other state library laws.

The Free Library Commission was established in
1895. It is the library extension agency, but also in-
cludes general reference, book loan and legislative refer-
ence service. The Commission consists of four members
appointed by the governor for five—year terms plus the
president of the University, the state superintendent of
education and the director of the State Historical Society.
The Commission appoints a secretary to take charge of its
work. No legal requirements are set for the position. In

that year the school was transferred to the State Univer-

sity. Extension service to school libraries is under the

 

1Wisconsin, Statutes, 1949, sec. 43.05.

309
Department of Public Instruction.1
The archival and historical function is under the
State Historical Society. This is a private society re—
ceiving state funds. The governor, secretary of state

and state treasurer are ex-officio members of the Board

of Curators.

 

llbid., sec. 43.09.

310

.maOpwudo mo unmom no whopama oaoammouxm
mam ampSmwmap mumpm cam .mpmpm mo mamuonoom anonym>oo .mumHOOm mpm>fipm .m

.p:wam mo mason m mmHuQSOO HmumcmmummcHOppm cam pnsoo oBonQSm mo mooapmSh .N

.hpwmam>finb no unovwmmna cam .mpmwoom HmOHpOpmHm opmpm mo hepomafic .noap
topapmna ofiansm mo pnmcawuqflnomzm mafia nonnm>om an cmpafionmm mnonama much .H

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

humanaq
opmpm
a _ m
N scammfiaaoo I llllllll _ hpmfloom
moopmsae mo wamom mampnaq comm _ Hwowaoumfim mumpm
. maopmaso
mo unmom
hawHoHSSH nodao>ow Q

 

 

 

 

 

szzoomHE

WYOMING

The organization and administration of the Wyoming
State Library is unique. The state librarian is appointed
by the governor by and with the consent of the Senate.
The judges of the Supreme Court make the rules and regu—
lations on the loan of books. At the beginning of each
legislative session, the librarian is required to give a
report to the Legislature. In addition to this adminis—
trative confusion, the librarian is given the legal re—
sponsibility for the labeling and classifying of a cabinet
of geological specimens to which all citizens of the state
are invited to submit samples. Few additional specific
responsibilities are included except to have "charge and
custody" and "receive and label" library materials.1

The State Law Library is a division of the State
Library and subject to its rules and regulations. A sep-
arate fund, proceeds of state land sales, has been set up
for its maintenance. The state librarian, at present, is
also the law librarian and responsible for legislative
reference work.

Authorization to do library extension work and give
book service to the public and school libraries of the state
was not passed by the Legislature until 1943, but is now

also part of the State Library service.

 

1Wyoming, Revised Statutes, 1931, pp. 1802-04.

312

The state librarian is also ex-officio state his-
torian ”without additional compensation" and secretary of
the State Historical Board. The Board is made up of five
elective state officers, the governor, secretary of state,
treasurer, auditor, and superintendent of education.
Wyoming history and archives are the primary interest of
the Board.

The Wyoming State Library has had a great turn-
over in state librarians. There are no professional qual-
ifications for the position and no state board to protect
it. The result is political control. Statutes do not
provide for a staff in addition to the state librarian.

In practice, the librarian recommends staff members and

they are approved by the governor and his advisors.

313

.maaaopmna mumpm oaoaamo-xm ma awaaapnaa spasm one .m

mpmpw mo mcoapMHSmop mam mmHSp mm>onaam pedoo maonQSm mne

H

A

W

spannan mpaem

 

 

a
_
_
n
_

fl
_

 

a hnwfioacdh

 

 

ozHfiowB

 

 

 

nosam>oo.

 

 

.mnmppfiq
.wmemm
mm» mo pcmmnoo on» 59H? mum an QmHnwana opmpm may mdeOQmm pocpm>oo one .H

N

 

 

.sna smasanopa a
.aama Haoasopmam

 

 

 

.
_

unwom

r HmOHHOpmHm momum

 

 

 

 

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Advisory Committee on Education. "Staff Study, No. 11,"
Lgbrary Servigg.

American Library Association, Library Extension Board.

The State Library Agency (5th ed., Chicago: Amer-
ican Library Association, 1945). (Mimeographed).

American Librar Directory (New York: R. R. Bowker Co.,
1948}.

Arizona. Report of the Department 3; _ibrary and
Archives,_I948.

Arkansas. Digest 9; Statutes, 1937, Vol. 1, Sec. 5467.
Ibid., Vol 8, Sec. 12238.

Armstrong, Charles M. Development 3; Library Seryices

ip_New York State Albany: University of the
State of New York, 1949).

Breitel, Charles D. nPublic Library No Adjunct," Library
19.12.221.21. LXXV (1950) .

Buck, A. E. The Reogganization g; State Governments ;p
the United States (New York: Columbia University
Press, 1938 .

 

ppypg‘lpgiana Statpges Annotatgg, 1933, Vol. 11, Sec. 63.
California State Library. News Notes of California
Libraries, VL (19507?— """’ "' *—
Carrol's Lgpppcky Statgtes, 1936, Sec. 4618.
gp;g., Sec. 2439.4.
Code 2; Alabama, 1940, Title 55, Sec. 278.

 

Code 9; Vir inia, 1950.

 

Colorado Library Assogiation Bulletin, June 1947. "Colo-
rado's 1947 Library Act."

Compiled Laws 93 North Dakota, 1919.

c
.

s I
, ‘ I

"I

_ Q
._, ,--
‘.
a , t. _-
"i
I
. .
- I
D
'
.
.
.
u .0

;\

316
Garceau, Oliver. The Public Library $3 the Political
Process (New York: Columbia University Press,
1949}.

Gates, Charles M. "The Administration of State Archives,"
American Archivist, I (1938).

General Laws 9; Rhode Island, 1938.
Georgia Code, 1933.

Georgia Laws, 1947.

Grave, Edmund H. A State Plan for Library Develo ment
(Albany: State Education Department, 1947 .

 

 

Graves, W. Brooke. American State Government (Boston:
D. C. Heath and Company, 1945).

Harris, Helen. "How Can Public Library Extension Be
Best Administered at the State Level in
Tennessee?" Tennessee Librarian, II (1950).
Hutchins, Frank A. Traveling Libraries (Boston: Houghton,
Mifflin and company, 1900 .
Idaho Code Annotated, 1932, Vol. II.
Ibid., Vol. I.
Ibid., Vol. III.

Illinois Legislative council. Librar Service in
Illinois, Publication No. 45 (1942).

Illinois Revised Statutes, 1941, Chap. 128, Sec. 12.8.
Iowa dee, 1939, Sac. 4541.02.

Iowa. Twenty-fourth Report p£_the Iowa State TraveLr
ng Librar , 1948.

 

 

Joeckel, Carleton Bruns. 2p? Government 2; the Amer-
ican Public Librar Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, I935).

Kansas. General Statutes, 1935, Sec. 75.

.
1- ’ ’ 7 - ' ’ ' ‘ .
v. a
. ._ g.
'Q
, - r
_ L - . _..
7 .
.
I 7 ’
o
.
“ ., ‘
O \ -
o ' '
I. l ‘
,
‘ _ .
n A - ‘
x. - ‘ ’ ’
. l I
I.)
. I’
~ _ \
- \. _.__. ,
l L ‘ . y
a i- a
. ...-
I ' .
l I. ' ‘ .
a ‘ ‘
A - ~-~ ‘
I . ‘
a
I
1
. .
a “ ~' b—. r
I
.
V
.
I n ) ‘
'. I . l r
. , a. r h '
. .
‘ A
‘I -. »
A . I t -0 '

,a

A

316
Garceau, Oliver. The Public Library ip the Political
Process (New York: Columbia University Press,
1949}.

Gates, Charles M. "The Administration of State Archives,"
American Archivist, I (1938).

General Laws 9; Rhode Island, 1938.
Georgia Code, 1933.

Georgia Laws, 1947.

Grave, Edmund H. A State Plan for Library Develo ment
(Albany: State Education Department, 1947 .

 

Graves, W. Brooke. American State Government (Boston:
D. C. Heath and Company, 194 .

Harris, Helen. "How Can Public Library Extension Be
Best Administered at the State Level in
Tennessee?" Tennessee Librarian, II (1950).

Hutchins, Frank A. Traveling Libraries (Boston: Houghton,
Mifflin and company, 1900 .

Idaho Code Annotated, 1932, Vol. II.

Ibid., Vol. I.
Ibid., Vol. III.

Illinois Legislative Council. Librar Servic ip
Illinois, Publication No. 45 (1942).

Illinois Revised Statutes, 1941, Chap. 128, Sec. 12.8.

Iowa dee, 1939, Sec. 4541.02.

Iowa. Twenty-fourth Report 93 the Igwa State Travel:
ng Library, 1948.

 

Joeckel, Carleton Bruns. Eh? Government p£_the Amer-
ican Public Library Chicago: University of
Chicago Press, 1935).

Kansas. General Statutes, 1935, Sec. 75.

a...

317
Leigh, Robert D. ihe Public Library in the United
States (New York: Columbia university Press,
1950;.

Library Journal, LXVI (1944). "As Maine Goes, So Goes
the Nation."

Ibid., LXXV (1950). "New Jersey Authorities
Restore State Libraries, Museums, Budgets."

Ibid., LXXV (1950). "Texas State Library May
Be Parcelled 0ut.‘

Library News, XIV (1950). "Library Legislation."
Louisiana. Twelfth Biennial Report of the Louisiana
State Librar , W246-194 1948.

Macdonald, Austin F. American State Government and
AdministrationfTNew York: Thomas Y. Crowell
W.

Maine. Revised Statutes, 1940, Chap. 305, Sec. 3.

Maryland. Annotated Code p£_Maryland, 1939, Vol. 1.
lpig., I, Art. 41, Sec. 123.

Ip;d., I, Art. 41, Sec. 100.
Ipig., II, Art. 54, Sec. 17.
gpig., II, Art. 77, Sec. 163-167.

Maryland. Constitution, Art. VII, Sec. 3.

Mason's Minnesota Statutes, 1927, I.

Massachusetts. General Sgyp, 1932, Chap. 6, Sec. 33.
Ipig., Chap. 15, Sec. 4, 8, 9.

Ipig., Chap. 78, Sec. 19.

Michigan. Spas; Sill Np. Q, 1949.

Michigan. Michigan S333; Library, 1828-1928.

Michigan. Public Act , 1937, Act. No. 106, Sec. 5.

, v
r, ,
,.
t
. .
_. , .
g 3
i .. - . .
o
. ,‘
~ I v 0
o - I f
. -_.
O E .

.5

\I-q-

. u
a
,
,
I O
n a
.
a
_, . .
;
9 -,
.,.
.
, . I - 7
r V 4....
.- ....--
I' .
' I
l - —-« «—
e “’ r
, O
1 h .1.
L... .
. , -
Q a .
- - -
.
3 ,
Q " '
.. «a-
.. a
.
v A
L ..
c O .' u
.
D I .
, - ‘ .—..
.
O ‘ .
. ..
.
O
_ ~

318

Michigan State Board for Libraries. Michigan Libragy
Laws, 1944.

Minnesota Department of Education. Minnesota Librar-
ies, 1945.

Minnesota Legislative Research Committee. Minnesota
Libraries, 1950.

Mississippi Qggg, 1930, V01. 8, Sec. 8.

Mississippi Qggg Annotated, 1930, II.

Mississippi. Constitution, 1890, Sec. 106.
pp;g., 1938, Sec. 1727.

Mississippi. General Laws 9; Mississi i, 1940, Chap. 135,
Sec. 5.

Missouri. Proposed New Constitution Adopted _1_t the
19 942-1254 Constitutional Convention Lf Missouri,

1944.

Missouri. Reenacted Laws, 1945.

Missouri State Library. FortLeth Annual Re ort, 1949.

National Association of State Libraries. Proceedings
and Pa ers, 1948-1949 (Rochester, N. Y., 1949).
Ibid., Committee on Organization of State Library
Agencies in the structure of State Government,
Tentative Report (Albany: New York StateLibrary,
19505.

Nebraska. Compiled Spatutes, 1939 Supplement.

Nevada. Compiled Laws, 1929.

New Jersey. Annual Report Lf the State Board Lf Educa-
tion and the Commissioner Lf Education_ to the
Le islature, 1943.
Ibid,,1947.

New Mexico. Laws 9; 1241, Chap. 129, Sec. 2.

New York. Re ort Lf Lhe Tempora1_1_State Commission pp

Coor ination of State Activipies (Albany: Wil-
1iams Press, 1949;.

 

319

New York Senate Document 67, Vol. 1, 1860. Report 9;
the Joint Library Committee on the State Library.

Noon, Paul A. T. "The Role of the State Agency in
Library Extension," Library Extension Problemg
and Solutions (Chicago: University of Chicago
Press, 1946;.

North Carolina. Code of _222.

Norton, Margaret C. "Organizing a New State Archives
Department,‘ Illinois Libraries, XXVIII (1946).

Ohio, General die, 1936.

Oklahoma Library Commission. Regorts_g£ the Oklahoma
Library Commission and Survey 9; Libraries 9;

Oklahoma, 1943.
Oregon. Compiled Laws Annotated, 1940.

Palmer, E. W. "Are You Ready for the Questions?"
Ignnessee Librarian, II (1950).

Pennsylvania Library Association.§ulletig, Vol. I (1950),
"P.L.A.'s State-Wide Library Program.‘I

Public Laws gg Vermont, 1933.

Purdon's Pennsylvania Statutes, 1930.

Reningtonflg Revised Statutes, 1941 Supplement.
Revised Code g; Montana, 1935, I, Sec. 1548.
Ridgway, Helen A. “Library Legislation and Planning,"

Book 9; the States (Chicago: bouncil of State
Governments, 19505.

Schacht, Robert H. "Wisconsin Has a 'Library for
Libraries'," Libgary Journal, LXXV (1950).

Shaw, Gerald W. aProposed Reorganization of the Ten—
nessee State Library System," Tennessee Ll?
brarian, III (1950.

South Carolina. Code, Sugplement.

320

South Carolina. Constitution, 1868, Art. XIV, Sec. 1.
Ibid., Art. 17, Sec. 1.

South Dakota. Code, 1939.

Tennessee Libgarian, II (1950). "Who Should Make Up
the Membership of a State Library Board."

Tennessee Librarian, III (1950). "The State's Role
~in Library Service."

Utah. Revised Statutes, 1933.

Van Male, John. "The Function of the State Library,”
Colorado Library Association Bulletin, April
1949.

Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes, 1941, XVI.
Virginia. Code, 1936.

West Virginia. Code, 1931.

Wheeler, Sumner Y. l'Law Libraries and the Service Which
They Render," A.L.A. Bulletin, XX (1926).

White, Leonard D. Introduction to the Study 9; Public
Administration (New York: The Macmillan
Company, 1948).

Wight, Edward A. and Liddell, Leon. Connecticut Library
Survey (Hartford: Connecticut State Department
of Education, 1948).

Wisconsin. Statutes, 1949, Sec. 43.05, 43.09.

wyer, James I. The State Library (Chicago: American
Library Association Publishing Board, 1915).

wyoming. Revised Statutes, 1931.