The safeguarded open-access system, by which borrowers are allowed to choose books from the shelves, was considered
by the Committee and the Council in 1905, but not adopted. The system was then in its infancy, but has since been introduced into many public libraries.
The provision of catalogues of the Library was considered by the Committee in 1905-6, and it was decided to provide type-written sheaf catalogues of authors and subjects for the Lending Department, which were completed in 1906-7.
Owing to the inadequate accommodation in the Reading Room on the first floor, the question of extending the Library building received the attention of the Committee for a considerable period, and eventually the City Engineer prepared plans for the extension of the building, to provide a reading room on the ground floor. The new room cost about £1,640 and was provided with book-cases, furniture, etc., at a cost of £267, and was opened to the public in April, 1907. Most of the book-cases were provided for shelving several classes of the Lending Library books, partly because more shelving accommodation was required, but principally to permit the public to inspect the books, “the object being to induce a more general use of these works in place of fiction.” A collection of directories, annuals, and reference books was placed on open shelves in the room for ready reference.
In accordance with the Committee’s decision to adopt the Dewey Decimal System of Classification, some attempt was made to classify the books according to this system.
An experiment which aimed at fostering the use of the Library by school children was made during the winter of 1907-8. “By arrangement with the Education Committee a selection of books likely to meet the tastes of elementary school children was made by several of the teachers. These books were placed on Saturday mornings in one of the rooms on the top floor where tables and chairs were provided. One or more teachers attended in rotation to superintend the young readers . . . It has to be confessed, however, that the attendance, once the novelty had worn off, was not sufficient to justify the expenditure of time and trouble which was necessarily involved.” [70]
Owing to ill-health Mr. Tennant, who had served the Library faithfully for about 21 years, was compelled to vacate the
office of Librarian in 1909, and light occupation was found for him in the capacity of Superintendent of the Reading Room, which post he filled until his death in August, 1911. He was succeeded as Librarian by the Sub-Librarian, Mr. Haggerston, who resigned his appointment on 1st March, 1911. Following Mr. Haggerston’s resignation, the Committee advertised for a trained librarian, and from 110 candidates the author of this History, who was the Chief Assistant Librarian of the St. Pancras Public Libraries, and who received his earlier training at the Bishopsgate Institute, was appointed in May, 1911.
The administration of the Library for many years had, in the words of the Report for 1909-10 “proceeded steadily on the old lines,” and when the present Librarian took office his first duty was to present a comprehensive report to the Committee on the condition of the Library, and to make suggestions for its re-organisation on up-to-date methods of library administration. The Report was approved in principle, and since that date the work of re-organisation has proceeded as rapidly as the conditions have allowed.
The work of re-organisation may be briefly described. The rules and regulations for the conduct and management of all departments of the Library were revised with the view of affording additional facilities to the public. Structural alterations were made for the better lighting and arrangement of the Lending Library, and improvements were made in the electric lighting of the several departments.