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[Coat of Arms]
REPORT
OF THE
NATIONAL LIBRARY SERVICE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 1958
_Presented to the House of Representatives by Leave_
BY AUTHORITY: R. E. OWEN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WELLINGTON, NEW
ZEALAND--1958
CONTENTS
PAGE
Letter of Transmission 3
Scientific, Technical, and Commercial Library Service 3
Regional and District Library Service 4
National Library Proposal 5
Book Stock 5
Request Service 5
Expenditure 5
Country Library Service 6
Free Public Libraries 6
Book Van 7
Minimum Standards for Public Libraries Participating in the
Country Library Service 8
Independent Subscription Libraries 9
Hamper Service 9
Lighthouse Service 9
Free Service to Ministry of Works, State Hydro-electric, and
New Zealand Forest Service Camps and Stations 9
Hospital and Institutional Library Service 9
Loan Collections 10
Periodicals Service 10
School Library Service 10
Loans to Smaller Public Libraries 11
Information and Request Service 11
Book List 11
Assistance to Islands Schools 13
Library School 14
National Library Centre 14
Inter-library Loan 15
Central Bureau for Library Book Imports 15
Libraries of Government Departments 16
Book Resources Committee of the NZLA 16
Union Catalogue 16
Bibliographical Section 16
The Hon. the MINISTER OF EDUCATION.
Wellington, 16 July 1958.
SIR,
I have the honour to submit the following report of the activities of
the National Library Service. The report covers the work of the Service
as a whole and its four divisions--Country Library Service, School
Library Service, Library School, and National Library Centre.
The functions of the Service may be summed up as the provision of such
assistance to any New Zealand library maintained directly or indirectly
from public funds as circumstances and policy permit. More specifically,
help is given by a lending service to rural, borough, and county
libraries, by the provision of books for school libraries, by advancing
professional training through the Library School, and by maintenance of
records of all library holdings of books and periodicals, as well as
other facilities and stock to aid the cooperative use of this material.
The National Library Service was formed in 1945 from the Country Library
Service by Cabinet decision with the strong support of the New Zealand
Library Association. During the war the Country Library Service had been
given responsibility for several tasks of national scope, such as the
War Library Service, the Central Bureau for Library Book Imports, the
formation of a Union Catalogue, and the operation of part of the
inter-library loan scheme.
The Country Library Service, which began in 1938, has maintained
its van services to rural areas and has been brought into closer
contact with its districts by decentralisation to three district
offices--Christchurch in 1944, Palmerston North in 1948, and Hamilton
in 1953.
The number of free libraries regularly receiving service has grown to
112. Special assistance in a number of cases has been given to libraries
serving a population of up to 50,000 operating a free and rental
service. The assistance given to the Gisborne and Wanganui Public
Libraries has continued. New Plymouth Public Library which changed to
free service in November 1957, and Palmerston North Public Library,
which is expanding its service, have also received assistance. The
fundamental principle of encouraging full local responsibility for
adequate rate-supported libraries has continued.
The School Library Service has continued to bring a wide range and
variety of books to school children, the rate of issue now exceeding one
million copies annually. Distribution is effected through 15 centres.
During the year this Service received three valuable sets of books
chosen to represent all phases of American life and thought. The
Carnegie Corporation of New York made these sets available to some 26
libraries in New Zealand.
_Scientific, Technical, and Commercial Library Service_--A
recommendation has been made by the New Zealand Library Association that
impetus be given to scientific and technical library service, chiefly
through public libraries. At a time when increasing reliance is being
placed on the efficiency of our secondary industry the necessity of
providing the fullest technical information to aid manufacturers will be
apparent. Authority was obtained 12 years ago to establish such a
service but it was not then possible to obtain qualified persons to
begin it. It is hoped that conditions will permit a senior appointment
during the present financial year to inaugurate the service.
_Regional and District Library Service_--Study has continued on the
problems of ensuring an efficient and soundly based library service for
New Zealand's whole population. The problems facing a local authority
overseas with a population of 2,000,000 within a radius of a few miles
are minor ones compared with those facing New Zealand library
authorities, where the secondary cities are small, where the pattern of
local government is uneven, and where the population as a whole has a
high standard of education and is avid for books. Costs in New Zealand,
per head of population, are bound to be relatively high; vigilance is
necessary to ensure that they are no higher than they need be.
It has been apparent that cooperation between local authorities will be
the major factor in making economies on a national scale. A note of the
work of the Working Party on Library Cooperation of 27-28 August 1956
appeared in last year's annual report, and it was recorded that the
Minister of Education, at the request of the New Zealand Library
Association, had authorised payment of travelling expenses for its
Committee on Regional Planning to enable its work to be carried out.
The committee worked during the year and met in Wellington for two
full-day sessions on 6 and 7 June 1957 for consideration of the
"establishment of regional and district library services as the best
method of providing a more effective library service for the whole
country". Its report was made to the New Zealand Library Association.
After consideration by the executive of the Local Authorities Section,
some amendments were made and the report published by the Association as
_Co-operation: A New Phase_. Fifteen hundred copies were printed and
were circulated to all local authorities for discussion.
The report states:
"1. The main problems facing public libraries are:
(i) The unfair distribution over the whole community of the costs
of library service.
(ii) The continuing growth of the cost of municipal government to
the point where it has become an embarrassment to the cities
and boroughs concerned.
(iii) The failure of some local authorities to provide for library
services."
"8. The basic factor in improving library services will be cooperation
among local authorities. Such cooperation should be the condition of
increased Government assistance."
"10. Government assistance to such federations should take the form of
cash subsidies on all expenditure approved for subsidy by the
federation, and by the Minister (or National Library Board)."
This report formed the main topic of discussion at the New Zealand
Library Association conference in Invercargill in February 1958. The
Association approached the Government for favourable consideration of
the proposals contained in the report on 11 April 1958.
In the meantime the work of the Royal Commission on Local Government
Finance is being followed carefully, as its findings will have
considerable bearing on the problem of library finance.
An effort is also being made to foster among local authorities the
willingness to cooperate, but progress in this field is slow.
_National Library Proposal_--The report of the Working Party of the
Public Service Commission on the National Library proposal was earlier
considered by the Government, which had approved it in principle. The
House of Representatives last year approved the terms of reference of a
Select Committee to be appointed to make recommendations for "ways and
means of carrying out the decision of the Government to establish a
National Library" and to consider various other associated matters. The
decision to appoint such a Committee was reaffirmed in February 1958,
the Committee was named shortly afterwards and has since met on several
occasions. Independently of any solution of the accommodation problems
of the Service which such a move might bring, the proposal merits the
most careful consideration.
_Book Stock_--During the year, 19,283 fiction and 35,573 non-fiction
were added to stock, a total of 54,856. Of these, 10,442 separate titles
of non-fiction and 205 fiction titles were added to the headquarters
collection, which now contains approximately 135,000 titles together
with 11,000 volumes of periodicals; 15,305 volumes were
withdrawn--12,134 fiction and 3,171 non-fiction--making the net
additions 39,551. The total of headquarters and Country Library Service
stock now amounts to 652,308, comprising 176,600 fiction and 475,708
non-fiction. As at 31 March 1958 the stock of the School Library Service
was 1,091,189 the grand total of stock in the Service as a whole being
1,743,497.
_Request Service_--All libraries and groups receiving library service
from the Country Library Service and all Government Departments may ask
for special short-term loans of books of an informational type from the
headquarters stock of this Service and, in addition, the headquarters
stock is used extensively to satisfy inter-library loan requests. (See
also the report of the Librarian, National Library Centre.)
BOOKS REQUESTED AND SUPPLIED
Year Ended 31 March Increase
1957 1958 Per Cent
To Country Library Service libraries 55,782 61,870 10.9
To Government Department libraries 6,423 6,998 8.9
To interloan libraries 8,051 8,801 9.3
Total issues 70,256 77,669 10.6
During the year, 26,047 requests (an increase of 9.2 per cent) were
referred to Wellington. Of the total issues, 4,975 were books belonging
to other libraries throughout New Zealand, whose willing cooperation is
gratefully acknowledged.
_Expenditure_--Expenditure under Subdivision XII, vote "Education", for
the year was £264,956. This figure includes £94,544 for the purchase of
books, of which £45,357 was for books and periodicals on behalf of
Government Departments. The expenditure on behalf of Departments
represents 12,146 books and standing orders for approximately 11,000
serial publications.
Expenditure under Subdivision III for the purchase of books by the
School Library Service was £50,580.
G. T. ALLEY, Director.
SECTION I--COUNTRY LIBRARY SERVICE
On 31 March 1958, 989 towns and small centres were receiving regular
loans of books, an increase of 32 centres over the previous year. In
addition, 54 Ministry of Works, State Hydro-electric, and New Zealand
Forest Service camps and stations were given library service. Books are
also on loan to six places in the Chatham Islands, and to Niue,
Rarotonga, and Pitcairn Island. Free loans of books on a population
basis are given to mental hospitals and prisons situated both in country
and urban districts.
Books, periodicals, and information are available to country people in
the following ways:
(a) Free loans of books on a population basis to libraries controlled by
the local authorities, which in turn agree to make their libraries
free and to maintain reasonable standards of library service.
(b) Loans of books to independent subscription public libraries at a
small annual charge per fifty books loaned.
(c) Loans of books through hamper collections to isolated groups of
readers at a small annual charge.
(d) Free loans of books to lighthouse keepers and similar very remote
readers.
(e) Free loans of books on a population basis to Ministry of Works,
State Hydro-electric, and New Zealand Forest Service camps.
All libraries served under (a) and (b) and the majority under (c)
receive regular visits from one of the especially equipped book vans of
this Service; at least three visits being paid to each library during a
normal year. In addition, all persons, by whichever of the above means
they receive library service, may obtain loans of requested books by
post.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES: "A" SERVICE
On 31 March 1958 there were participating in the service 107 libraries
controlled by the following local authorities:
Administrative counties 5
Borough councils 94
Independent town districts 6
Dependent town districts 2
In addition, the following counties contribute to the funds of a public
library supplying a free service to county residents:
County Public Library
----------- --------------
Eltham Eltham
Patea Waverley
Wairoa Wairoa
Golden Bay Takaka
Lake Queenstown
These libraries served an estimated local population of 437,000, with a
considerable number in surrounding areas. Besides the many requested
books and periodicals 91,954 books are on regular loan to them.
By arrangement with the Waitemata, Patangata, Egmont, and Rangitikei
County Councils the public libraries at Titirangi, Otane, Opunake, and
Bulls respectively receive a free service.
Library buildings continue to improve. During the year new libraries
were opened in Geraldine, Greymouth, New Lynn, and Morrinsville, and new
buildings are planned in several other centres. This Service continues
to assist in making available material on good overseas practice and New
Zealand achievement. Assistance is also given in the design of the
interiors of libraries and in specifications for equipment.
The best results are achieved when a local authority and the librarian
prepare a written building programme, specifying the functions of the
library, the various areas to be provided, the relationship between
each, the number of books, readers, and librarians to be accommodated,
and the equipment to be housed for efficient service. Such a document
gives a clear directive to the architect, but at the same time allows
him complete freedom of expression in designing the building.
The shortage of trained librarians continues. Three students from the
1957 Library School professional course accepted positions in public
libraries serving centres of under 20,000 population, but they were all
replacements for qualified librarians who had taken library work in
other fields, so there was no net gain. There was at least one public
library in a small town unable to fill its vacancy for a qualified
librarian.
The short course for librarians from smaller centres, held at the
Library School from 12 to 30 August 1957, was of great value to the
participating librarians. The demand for training is very great and,
with such eagerness to learn, the training given is immediately
effective.
Cooperation between libraries participating in the Country Library
Service has been developing slowly. A little more interest has been
shown in the cooperative book-buying scheme fostered by this Service.
There are now 22 libraries taking part. Libraries working together in
this way for the first time this year are Blenheim, Cambridge, Kaikoura,
Morrinsville, Picton, Putaruru, and Te Kuiti.
Assistance in staffing was given to the public libraries at Morrinsville
and Picton for reorganisation and extension of local services. Field
librarians continue to advise and assist on their regular visits.
A collection of 300 books was lent to the New Zealand IGY party at Scott
Base, Ross Dependency, as had been done in the case of the New Zealand
Antarctic Expedition a year earlier.
During the year ministerial approval was given for provision of a
full-time librarian and complete service to be granted to the library at
the new Benmore camp, subject to the Ministry of Works providing a
satisfactory building.
_Book Van_--During the year one of three book vans operating in the
South Island was replaced. Using experience gained in recent
replacements in the North Island the new van is constructed of aluminium
alloy on a four-ton, long-wheel-base chassis. Particular care was taken
in providing good sealing against dust and water, adequate natural
lighting, and the best possible insulation.
Excellent insulation is achieved by a thick layer of expanded
polystyrene on all sides, roof, and floor. Very efficient lighting
without excessive heat problems has been provided by the installation of
two large roof lights of double glazed, toughened, anti-sun polished
plate, the upper light being held an inch above the roof line with a
free flow of air between the panes. This form of construction has
contributed to the good handling qualities of the van. Approximately
2,000 books are carried.
_Minimum Standards for Public Libraries Participating in the Country
Library Service_--Overseas, most national and State organisations
consider it their responsibility to publish statements of standard
library practice, and codes for its evaluation. The most important
statement is _Public Library Service: A Guide to Evaluation, with
Minimum Standards_, which was approved by the Council of the American
Library Association and published by the Association in Chicago in 1956.
In 1952 the New Zealand Library Association Standards Research Committee
prepared its "Basic Standards for New Zealand Libraries, 1952", which
was published in _New Zealand Libraries 15_:121-131; 145-150, Jl-Ag, S
'52. This was based on the survey attempted by the visiting American
librarian, Miss Miriam Tompkins, in 1950, but was not a formal
pronouncement of the Association.
For the Country Library Service the problem has been present since 1938.
Assistance to local authorities has been given on three conditions,
approved by the Minister of Education at the inception of the Service.
The third of these conditions is that the "local authority should
maintain the library at a reasonable standard of service".
Country Library Service assistance to libraries has always been planned
as service to assist local effort, not to supplant it. Where the local
service does not reach a certain standard a certain proportion of the
Country Library Service assistance loses its force. No matter how much
the assistance is increased the local people cannot benefit fully from
it unless the local authority houses it in a fair building, grafts it on
to a reasonable local book collection, and has the whole serviced by an
active and informed librarian. Continuity of good service is assured
only when the basic objectives of library service are enunciated and
clearly understood by the local authority.
Local authorities have not abused the flexible interpretation given to
the "reasonable standard of service" condition, but have appreciated the
fact that the Country Library Service always took into consideration any
local difficulties that existed. Libraries generously supported by their
local authorities without exception have made full use of all the
services the Government has offered, and the local people have benefited
from a first-class library service in its fullest cultural and
educational sense.
Local provision has naturally varied, but since 1950 the pattern of
local achievement has become more apparent, and the possibility was seen
of drawing up some code for evaluation. Local authorities participating
in this service were consulted and agreed to provide statistical notes
on their own work. These data formed the basis of a draft statement
which set out standards under headings of functions, service, staff,
books, and buildings, and which was sent to local authorities for
comment. It was gratifying to receive replies from so many, saying that
they would consider such a statement quite fair and reasonable.
Accordingly, the "Minimum Standards for Public Libraries Participating
in the Country Library Service" was approved by the Minister of
Education on 22 April 1958 and issued formally.
The document emphasises that it gives standards for minimum provision,
and that local authorities aiming to give good service will not be
satisfied until they are exceeded. That they are exceeded in several
centres is a matter for congratulation, and the local authorities
concerned have reason to be proud of their libraries, and are in every
case anxious to maintain their good record.
SMALL INDEPENDENT SUBSCRIPTION LIBRARIES: "B" SERVICE
During the year, 832 of these libraries were linked with this Service,
compared with 801 for the previous year. Of these libraries, 253 are
served from Hamilton, 191 from Palmerston North, and 388 from
Christchurch.
Altogether 75,997 books were on loan to the 832 libraries, an average of
over 91 books per library. Over the past 10 years the average for each
library has increased from 79 books, or 15 per cent, thus demonstrating
the increasing interest that country readers are taking in the type of
books supplied by this Service. The figures shown as basic issues do not
include the thousands of books loaned to these libraries on short term
through the "request service".
"C" OR HAMPER SERVICE
In places where no library exists and where it is not possible for one
to be formed and visited by a book van, a service to properly
established groups by means of hampers is provided. During the year 45
of these groups received service, there being 3,325 books on regular
loan to them. The hamper service is also extended to six places in the
Chatham Islands and to Pitcairn Island.
LIGHTHOUSE SERVICE
The postal service has been continued to lighthouse keepers, fire
lookouts in State Forests, and a few very remote readers in coastal
islands. During the year a total of 1,851 books was issued, mostly by a
hamper service.
FREE SERVICE TO MINISTRY OF WORKS, STATE HYDRO-ELECTRIC, AND NEW ZEALAND
FOREST SERVICE CAMPS AND STATIONS
During the year 54 camps or stations received visits from the book van,
in addition to one receiving hamper service from the Christchurch
office. Altogether 7,691 books are on loan to such places.
HOSPITAL AND INSTITUTIONAL SERVICE
Visits have continued from the book vans to 12 general hospitals with an
exchange of 1,405 books. Twelve mental hospitals received 3,910 books
and 13 prisons 3,125 books. During the year assistance has been given to
the Department of Justice in book and periodical selection.
Difficulties occur from time to time in connection with the service to
prisons and mental hospitals. They arise from the lack of supervision of
these libraries by trained library staff. Officers engaged in other
duties are not in a position to organise the full service which would be
of such benefit to patients and prisoners.
From the special TB collection 1,620 books were exchanged at
four-monthly intervals for 15 sanatoria and tuberculosis wards of public
hospitals. Three hundred and thirteen books were sent on request (250
non-fiction and 63 fiction). Sixty-four requests could not be fulfilled
as the required books were not available through the stock or through
purchase, and the resources of other collections are not used for these
borrowers.
LOAN COLLECTIONS
Collections of books, pamphlets, and periodicals to illustrate
particular subjects are available for short periods not only to
affiliated libraries but also to university and the larger public
libraries.
USE OF LOAN COLLECTIONS
Year ended 31 March
1957 1958
Number of collections sent 628 640
Number of books included 26,667 26,645
PERIODICALS SERVICE
A total of 1,127 titles is now taken by the Wellington office, of which
821 copies are circulated regularly to Government Department libraries.
Four hundred and eighty copies are sent direct from the publishers to
the Country Library Service offices in Hamilton, Palmerston North, and
Christchurch, and are sent out regularly to 93 affiliated libraries. In
addition, the periodicals held in Wellington are available on short-term
loan to public and other libraries which are interested in them.