The reference librarian should keep a record of the questions most frequently asked, specifying places in which answers to the same can be found. It is well, if time does not allow for analytic work to be inserted in the card catalog, to keep this record near the information desk, writing the questions on cards with reference where found, and filing alphabetically. Much caluable time is consumed in looking up the same question over and over again. Lists of all references on such subjects as Christmas, Arbor Day, Thanks-giving Day, Washington’s Farewell address, lives of noted personages, Washington, Lincoln, Lowell, Holmes, etc., should be always at hand covering every available reference in the library on the subject.
Isadore Gilbert Mudge
Leave a reply