LIBRARY OF THE MUSEUM 



The adoption of sound principles of choosing what to add to its col- 

 lections is fundamental in a science library, and the growing mass 

 of publications increases the difficulty of determining what should be 

 acquired. Recommendations for purchase are chiefly the responsi- 

 bility of the scientists of the Museum staff, and special attention is 

 given to collections known to be weak. Some retrospective buying 

 has been done, primarily for the Division of Oceanic Archaeology and 

 Ethnology and the Division of Mineralogy and Petrology. Gaps are 

 gradually being filled. However, there are definite limits to the 

 amount of material that can be acquired, housed, and managed effi- 

 ciently. The Library faces a difficult situation in providing the 

 essential publications and keeping them available in perpetuity with- 

 in the limits of available funds and available space. 



Total acquisitions in the Library during the year amounted to 

 12,748 items, exclusive of book-order receipts (see a selected list of 

 books and serials on page 115). Volumes accessioned numbered 1,293, 

 and 405 volumes were withdrawn. Many of the volumes withdrawn 

 have been sold and the proceeds added to the Library purchase fund. 

 Others have been exchanged for wanted items or held for future sale. 



Many important gifts enriched the Library's resources. Grateful 

 acknowledgment is made to the donors (see page 115) both for their 

 interest in the Library and for their contributions to the collection. 

 The Library was the fortunate but sad recipient of the scientific 

 library of the late Dr. Karl P. Schmidt, Curator Emeritus of Zoology. 

 This notable and unique library consists primarily of a comprehen- 

 sive collection of literature on herpetology, although books and 

 papers on other divisions of zoology and on natural science in general 

 are included. The material constitutes a valuable reference collec- 

 tion and the Museum is indeed grateful for it. As for many years 

 the John Crerar Library again provided important journals, serials, 

 and individual publications on indefinite loan for use in the Museum. 

 The assistance given to us by the John Crerar Library and its interest 

 in our work are deeply appreciated. 



The Library has benefited more than ever during the past year 

 from its exchange arrangements with scientific institutions through- 

 out the world. Many important journals and monographs that the 

 Museum could not otherwise afford were received, many new ex- 

 changes were established, and some earlier exchanges were revised so 

 that institutions no longer actively engaged in publishing or having 

 little or no material to offer in exchange have placed subscriptions for 

 the Museum's papers. 



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