Has he the presence and force which would lend weight to his opinions against a positive architect?
“Has he a mind broad enough to argue on equal terms with an experienced architect?”—Mauran.[129]
Should you consider him “a capable man of business,” as Mr. Hallam suggested thirty-two years ago?
Is he too young to teach, or too old to learn?
“A very good librarian may yet have no great fitness for the task of planning a building.”—Miss West (now Mrs. Elmendorff).[130]
And a junior librarian need not feel hurt if he is not trusted as an expert. As the best English authority[131] says: “Do not expect too much from a low-priced librarian.” To this I should add, “Do not expect too much of any librarian, even a leader in the profession, and do not expect omniscience of leaders.”
And it is, of course, superfluous advice not to take your local librarian at his own valuation. He is most likely to assume the function of an expert in building when he is least fitted. The really experienced librarian is apt to be modest and to ask assistance, in the belief that “two heads are better than one.” It will not be difficult, through a little quiet inquiry, to find where you can get the best advice, at home or elsewhere.