222 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1959 
Visitors to the library numbered 9,202 persons who consulted the 
reference books and periodicals in the main reading room. Visiting 
research scholars used the library’s facilities for checking and verify- 
ing references, and librarians and scientists from other countries came 
to acquaint themselves with the collections. The lbrary staff an- 
swered 20,799 reference questions, which in most cases required the 
consultation of many different publications. These queries are from 
individuals who either write, telephone, or come in person to the li- 
brary, and always it is rewarding to be able to provide them with the 
desired information or refer them to an authoritative source. 
Care of the collections includes the task of relieving crowding of 
the books and keeping them clean. The addition of 26 new cases in 
the stacks of the main library has provided additional shelf space for 
the growing accumulation. Vacuuming the books and washing the 
shelves are underway in this area, and routine cleaning schedules are 
in effect in other stack areas. 
In September 1958, the branch library for the Museum of History 
and Technology began operation. ‘This collection of books and jour- 
nals formerly served the staff in the Arts and Industries Building. 
The initial phase of the project of cleaning and discarding unused ma- 
terials has been completed. The specific task of making this into a 
working library is in progress with a shelf inventory started, a bind- 
ing and repairing program underway, the acquiring of necessary 
source and reference books and missing journals in process. This 
library will in the future supply source materials on the historical and 
technical development of this country. In spite of numerous handi- 
caps during the 9 months of operation, 3,498 reference questions were 
answered, 2,559 books were charged out, 999 volumes were sent to the 
bindery, and 1,042 persons who came to the library for service were 
assisted. 
It has been possible for the library to acquire some long-needed 
equipment. New microfilm reading machines and a book-copying ma- 
chine have increased the service and efficiency. Other items such as a 
new charge desk and catalog cases have improved the appearance of 
the library and the morale of the staff. The repainting of several of 
the rooms has enhanced the whole cleanup program. The value of 
these new improvements cannot be measured, but their total effect 
on individual performance is more than gratifying. 
Professional members of the staff attended the annual conventions 
of both the Special Libraries Association and the American Library 
Association, where they took advantage of the specialized activities 
that pertained to the functions of this library. 
