Report of the Chief Librarian for the Year Ended 31 March 1958: Special Centennial Issue   By: J. O. Wilson

REPORT OF THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 1958

(SPECIAL CENTENNIAL ISSUE)

Presented to the House of Representatives by Leave

BY AUTHORITY: R. E. OWEN, GOVERNMENT PRINTER, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND 1958

CONTENTS

Page

Year's Work 3 Acquisitions 3 Copyright Deposit 4 Microfilming 4 Bindery 4 Use of the Library 5 Reference Inquiries 5 International Exchange 5 Library Fund Account: Statement 6

APPENDIX

LIBRARY SERVICE TO PARLIAMENT 1858 1958

Beginnings 7 1860 1870 8 1870 1900 9 Early Librarians 12 Twentieth Century 14 Copyright Deposit 15 Librarians 16 Fire and Fire Insurance 17 General 18 Circulation of Books 18 Fiction 19 Inter library Loan 19 Recess Privileges 19 The National Library 20 The Library as a Museum 20 Purchase of Books 20 Aims of the Library 22 Books and Men 23

To the CHAIRMAN, LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

Sir,

I have the honour to report on the activities of the General Assembly Library for the year 1957 58.

The year 1958 marks the end of the first century of the Library's existence, I have thought it a good opportunity to tell briefly the history of the Library during the period in an appendix to this report.

THE YEAR'S WORK

Staff changes have not been as great during the past year, though Mr C. B. Newick resigned to go overseas and there were four other resignations and appointments. Fortunately these did not greatly affect the senior staff.

Routine work has mainly occupied the staff though stock was taken of class 500 (science) and 600 (useful arts). A few books were missing but losses are not serious.

During the year the new circulation counter was erected in the lobby downstairs. Not only does it improve the appearance of the area, but the change has enabled proper oversight to be given over those leaving the Library. The new books are now placed in the room next to my office and are immediately available to members.

ACQUISITIONS