Report of the President 



The activities of this institution have been very fully chronicled in 

 the newspapers and the library bulletin; in view of this fact and the 

 scarcity of paper and cost of printing, the directors deem it wise this 

 year to make the annual reports brief. This does not indicate, however, 

 any diminution in the work of the library and museums. On the con- 

 trary, the past year has been altogether the busiest in the history of the 

 Association, with the attendance at the museums and the use of the 

 library larger than ever before. 



In the new galleries at the Art Museum, Mr. George Walter Vincent 

 Smith has installed additional cases, and new material of great rarity 

 and value. These rooms now contain an admirable display of exquisite 

 examples of the art of the Far East — chiefly cloisonne enamel, metal 

 work, embroideries, rugs, and other textiles — assembled with the same 

 skill in arrangement that is in evidence throughout the entire collec- 

 tion. Classes in history, civics, and art from the schools, as well as 

 an appreciative public, are using the museum in increasing degree. 

 The decision of the American Association of Museums to hold its next 

 annual meeting in Springfield is not only a recognition of the worth of 

 our museums, but comes also as a deserved compliment to Mr. Smith. 



In the Museum of Natural History especial emphasis of late has 

 been placed upon class work and lectures, and the five series held the 

 past year have been conspicuously successful. Here, too, the daily 

 attendance has been the largest recorded. 



At the Library, notwithstanding the closing of the children's depart- 

 ments for several weeks because of infantile paralysis, and in spite of 

 such distractions as movies," automobiles, industrial prosperity, and 

 interest in the war, the circulation has been larger than in any previous 

 year. It is gratifying at this crisis in the nation's history to have 

 available for our citizens so important a collection of books. Volumes 

 have been supplied to the Second Regiment men on the border, and for 

 the soldiers at present encamped on the armory grounds. For our 

 people, who must adjust themselves to the present unusual conditions, 

 lists of helpful books on vegetable growing and home gardening, on thirft 

 in diet and economical cooking, on poultry raising, military science, and 

 similar subjects have been printed and distributed. Munition-makers, 

 manufacturers, and business men, have been aided in every feasible way. 

 Many books for these purposes have been added to our own shelves, 

 and others have been borrowed from distant Hbraries. Articles on the 

 library's resources that are of particular value to the business men 

 have been published in the Board of Trade News. Lists of technical 

 books, lists on scientific management, of books on factory organization, 

 exporting and South American trade, and various other phases of 

 business and manufacture have been distributed. Information has 



