Loans to Public Libraries 61 



messenger and are there exhibited for from one to two months. 

 Their purpose is to stimulate an interest in books on geography, 

 history and nature study and to increase cooperation between 

 the Libraries, the Public Schools and the Museum. The ex- 

 hibits are seen not only by the casual observer, but are also 

 studied by classes from nearby schools, and often serve as 

 illustrative material for the librarians' "Story Hour." 



There are seventeen of these collections in regular circula- 

 tion. They have been furnished to fifteen libraries, in which 

 more than 104,567 have seen them. 



The instruction in the exhibition halls is the equivalent of 

 indoor field work and laboratory instruction. As often as was 

 requested, members of the Department Staff met 

 Exhibition classes from the city or suburban schools, Boy 

 Instruction Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, men's and women's 

 clubs, and individuals, and conducted them 

 through the exhibition halls, calling attention to the principal 

 exhibits and their meaning. The total number annually 

 served in this way is considerable, and the work helps to 

 spread the educational influence of the Museum. 



The regular staff members have been ably assisted in the 

 work throughout the year by Miss Annie E. Lucas, who as a 

 volunteer assistant has been very helpful in conducting 

 wounded service men through the Museum. 



General education has been advanced by the large amount 



of photographic work done. Our two photographers have 

 been fully occupied in making illustrations for 



Photographic Natural History, in supplying prints to the Pub- 

 licity Committee, in making photographs for the 



scientific publications, and in preparing large numbers of 



slides for lectures and for sales. 



In October, Miss Ann E. Thomas, who had been a member 



of the Staff since 1914, resigned to accept a position with the 

 Bureau of Industrial Research. Miss Ruth E. 



Changes m Crosby, a graduate of Wellesley, was appointed 

 to this vacancy and has been placed in charge of 



the work for the blind and the library loan? and also assists in 



