The exhaustive report on co-operative cataloging rendered by the
Co-operation Committee of last year has disposed for the present, so far
as this committee is concerned, of the most important subject which has
of late years been brought to its attention.
Dr. Richardson reports that the index to theological periodicals is
progressing rapidly, and will probably be published before the next
conference of the A. L. A. The index will cover the years 1891-1900, and
will include all the standard theological periodicals, of Poole rank and
upwards, in all languages of which there are representatives in American
libraries, together with many references to theological articles in
general periodicals, in all not less than 25,000 references. It will be
an alphabetical subject index like Poole, but will differ from Poole in
giving regular author-title entry, and will be more bibliographical in
character through the select references to general periodicals. A
feature of the index will be a very brief definition of each subject.
Dr. Richardson has at present seven clerks engaged in the work, and is
pushing it as fast as possible.
The dictionary of historical fiction, in preparation by the Free Library
of Philadelphia, is making satisfactory progress, and will probably be
issued within the coming year. Since the announcement was made at the
Atlanta conference that this dictionary was in preparation there have
been many inquiries concerning it, and the prospect of its publication
will be welcome.
The committee has received no new information during the past year in
regard to plans for bibliographical work, and it would emphasize the
recommendations of previous years that all such plans be reported
promptly to the committee, so that they may be published in its annual
report.
WILLIAM L. R. GIFFORD, _Chairman_.