How much is the library appreciated? / by Charles Perry Fisher.

  • Fisher, Charles Perry, 1857-1940.
Date:
1907
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: How much is the library appreciated? / by Charles Perry Fisher. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    [Reprinted from Medical I^miiaby and Historical'Iournal, June, 1907.] 03 HOW MUCH IS THE LIBRARY.^P^^IATED? By Charles''] Librarian, College of Physicians of Philadelphia. WHILE I am sure that we are unanimous in our belief that the library is appreciated, yet how far that appre- ciation extends, and how we can broaden and create a permanent interest in the library is worthy of a little of our time for discussion. I have omitted the word medical from the title to permit of wider views and comparison if it is thought advisable. My experience is limited to one locality and, in a practical sense, to one library; but I think it highly probable that in connection with this subject what applies to one place will, in a degree, apply to all. For a quarter of a century I have watched over and given my time and attention to the growth of a library, and my earnest endeavor has been to create a feeling of personal interest in its affairs and development. From the beginning I turned naturally to those who made use of the library for assistance by either word or deed, and not a great period of time had elapsed before I had formed an opinion which later years have proven many times; that, while all readers or workers greatly appreciate the library, especially if it contains the books desired, their interest seldom lasts longer than the time required to complete the work in hand. It is this class that we should endeavor to stimulate to a more permanent interest in the development of the library. There are exceptions, great and noble exceptions, men who are ever loyal; but it should be our effort to assist in relieving the burden of a few and dis- tributing the load among the many. While money is not, by any means, the only assistance desired, yet it is a most important factor; occasions may arise in the history and growth of all libraries when an unexpected expenditure of money must be made at short notice; or, an opportunity for the betterment and advancement of the library allowed to pass, in some cases for all time; in most cases for a long period of years. My task has required me to make repeated calls upon the generosity of the men connected with the institution which I represent for subscriptions of money, and my experience has been that only by personal solicitation