‘A Rustic in the Library ’. The First Dr Pafford Memorial Lecture

Abstract

Argues that the elements that comprise ‘style’ in creative writing are directly applicable to librarians, in the choice of books and periodicals, and in the process of cataloguing and classification to make them accessible to users. By the selection and arrangement of their stock librarians reveal professional accounts of the culture they have inherited and are endeavouring to pass on to future generations. Illustrates the discussion with particular reference to the life and career of Dr John Henry Pyle Pafford, Librarian at London University, and in particular to his views on the development of general classification schemes, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification and Bliss Classification, and the work of the Classification Research Group. Concludes by noting his work in the fields of education, national and international library co-operation, and as Library-Keeper of the University.