Essentials in the Training of University Librarians—I

Abstract

IN CONSIDERING the essential training of the future university librarian, I wish to deal with the subject from three points of view. First, the nature and complexity of the position for which the university librarian is to be trained; second, the character and extent of the demands which the university administration may make upon the university librarian and library staff; third, the appropriate preparation of the librarian and library staff for the effective discharge of their duties. The modern American university had its beginning in the establishment of Johns Hopkins University in 1876, the year of the founding of the American Library Association. Even though it grew out of a colonial college or early state university, it has assumed its present organization, characteristics, and functions within the period of the lifetime of some of us who are participating in this program. And, just as the activities of the university have become infinitely more diverse and complex since 1876, the demands which the university makes upon the university library have become correspondingly diverse and complex. These variations may be readily illustrated. In 1900, Harvard led in enrolment with 4062 students. Today California leads the state universities with 25,530, and New York the private universities with 37,677. The physical plants required to house such universities are so immense and so complicated that special maps and organized tours are necessary to enable new students to find their way about. Curriculum offerings have multiplied many fold, and departments, schools, and institutes have similarly increased in number. Funds for endowment and research have likewise greatly expanded. Johns Hopkins had $3,000,000 for endowment in 1900. It has approximately $31,000,000 today. Harvard had approximately $14,000,000 in 1900. Today it has over ten times this amount. Each of these developments has had an indirect effect upon the university library. Certain changes within the library itself have also contributed to its complexity. In 1900 the Harvard book collection numbered 525,000 volumes. Today it numbers approximately 4,000,000, and for the past ten years it has added an average of 1 17 ,000 volumes annually. Universities in each of the six major regions of the country,have book collections of more than 500,000 volumes, as well as special collections of pamphlets, manuscripts, prints, films, and other highly specialized materials.