The Realities of Library Specialization

Abstract

T NHE discussion to follow will profit if we fix at the outset the meaning of and its relation to the wider movement called Libraries can co-operate in many different ways and in many different activities. In order for library co-operation to exist, it is necessary only that two or more individual institutions agree on a policy or action to be jointly carried out. There can be co-operative purchasing, cataloging, storage, binding, service, etc. On the other hand, library specialization is a definite type of activity which has no necessary relationship to library co-operation. An individual library could decide to specialize in a given field of collecting or service in total disregard of the practices of every other library. That is to say, specialization per se no more involves co-operation than cataloging per se involves the sale of catalog cards or co-operative cataloging. It is commonly supposed among librarians, however, that specialization by libraries ought to entail a co-operative plan whereby special collections and services could supplement one another. On its surface such a scheme would seem most desirable, and definite attempts are now being made to include library specialization among the cooperative ventures undertaken or planned by libraries and librarians. There is one further question of meaning which can be quickly disposed of before proceeding to the business at hand. The value of co-operative specialization may recommend itself to small public or college libraries because of problems arising from limited funds or staff. Large university or research libraries, however, find the motivation for co-operative specialization in the supposedly limitless demand on their collections and facilities arising from the essential character and requirements of