The committee finds that the difficulties encountered by traveling
libraries in attempting to supply satisfactory and adequate reference
material to the many study clubs largely dependent upon them for books,
is chiefly because of the miscellaneous program, covering a wide
variety of subjects.
In addition to this, many traveling libraries receive requests for
study outlines or are asked to prepare them; hence it was decided by
the committee that a plan should be submitted for the preparation of
study outlines.
This plan once in use by traveling libraries preparing outlines, would
bring about a certain standardization, thus making an outline prepared
by one useful to all. Such a plan could not only be utilized by
traveling libraries but by other organizations concerned in providing
outlines for study clubs.
A plan was presented at the midwinter meeting of the middle-west
section of the League, which after discussion has been revised and is
herewith again presented with the following recommendations:
=First.= Plan for preparation of study outlines.
=Basis.=
=A. One book selected as foundation for outline.= If a single book
suitable for text cannot be found, outline to be based on fewest
number of books necessary for the purpose. Texts selected to be
authoritative, reasonable in price, readable and stimulating.
=B. Five to ten books as collateral reference.= Selected to cover
subject in study outline and amplify the text. Publisher and
price given for all books included, for use in purchase. A more
extended list of books can easily be prepared by any library where
additional material is available.
=Lessons should be outlined by:=
=C. Question method.= Five to ten definite questions on each
lesson.
=D. Or, Topical method.= Topics assigned under each lesson should
be those which present special phases of the general subject.
The two methods may sometimes be combined. Written papers, if
included under either Question or Topical form of study outline,
should be assigned only for subjects which require some degree of
original thought; all information to be derived from text books
and encyclopedias should be covered by the regular lesson for oral
discussion. Note. Number of meetings of study clubs vary. Probably
not less than sixteen or more than twenty-six lessons. Many
average two meetings a month. October to May.
=Second.= That this committee be authorized to draw upon the
League treasury for a definite sum for the employment of a capable
compiler to prepare outlines based on this plan.
=Third.= That if possible the coöperation of some publisher be
secured to print the outlines thus prepared, or others passed
upon by the committee, and furnish them at reasonable cost to the
various commissions operating traveling libraries and to club and
individuals desiring them.
=Fourth.= That the study outline committee be constituted a
sub-committee of the publications committee and be empowered to
select subjects, revise and pass upon all outlines submitted,
before printed.
MARGARET BROWN, Chairman.
=Explanatory Notes on the Plan of Preparation of Study Outlines=
=A.= The use of a few designated books (or a single book) as a basis
for common study of the same subject, or closely related topics,
provides the means by which the unity and co-ordination is secured,
which is essential for effective and satisfactory results.
Each member may, if she so desires, provide herself at nominal cost
with the source references necessary to cover the essential point
contained in the outline.
=B.= The books for collateral reading should be carefully evaluated and
selection based upon their real value in supplementing text, from the
standpoint of reliability, readableness and stimulative quality, also
that the price shall not be prohibitive of purchase by clubs, local
public libraries and duplication in traveling libraries of large number
of copies for use in supplying many different clubs.
Any local or traveling library may easily provide additional books
for collateral reading whenever the collection permits. It is not,
however, deemed advisable to have such extended lists incorporated in
the outlines; as a demand would then be created which could not be
supplied by the small library, and therefore would become a handicap
and embarrassment.
=C.= In outlining lessons by the question method, the questions should
be so formulated as to stimulate discussion; not simply to be answered
in the affirmative or negative.
The question method permits a free expression of individual opinions
based on personal reading. Such "discussion awakens the keenest
interest through the activity of different minds upon the same fact
or idea," as each member is expected to prepare herself to answer all
questions.
The question method is endorsed by many educational experts as a
desirable method for the conduct of study classes, and has been found
to be practical and satisfactory by many study clubs.
=D.= In outlining lessons by the Topical method, care should be taken
to include no more topics than can be thoroughly discussed, and such
phases of the subject assigned as topics as will amplify the general
subject which has been studied in common by all members from the text
upon which the outline is based.
The report was accepted. On the motion of Mr. Bliss it was voted that
the chairman of the committee be authorized to draw upon the treasurer
of the League for any amount not to exceed $100.00 to defray the
expenses of preparing some experimental outlines carrying out the plans
suggested in the report. It was moved by Mr. Dudgeon that the chairman
be instructed to enter into negotiations with some publisher to secure
coöperation in printing study outlines approved by the committee, to
be sold to study clubs and library commissions at reasonable cost.
Carried. On the motion of Mr. Bliss, it was voted to continue the study
outline committee, with Miss Brown as chairman, and to authorize the
committee to select subjects, revise and pass upon all outlines before
printed.
Adjourned.