The report of the committee on study clubs outlines, prepared by Miss Margaret Brown was read by Mr. Dudgeon. It was as follows:
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STUDY OUTLINE
The committee finds that the difficulties encountered by traveling libraries in attempting to supply satisfactory and adequate reference material to the many study clubs largely dependent upon them for books, is chiefly because of the miscellaneous program, covering a wide variety of subjects.
In addition to this, many traveling libraries receive requests for study outlines or are asked to prepare them; hence it was decided by the committee that a plan should be submitted for the preparation of study outlines.
This plan once in use by traveling libraries preparing outlines, would bring about a certain standardization, thus making an outline prepared by one useful to all. Such a plan could not only be utilized by traveling libraries but by other organizations concerned in providing outlines for study clubs.
A plan was presented at the midwinter meeting of the middle-west section of the League, which after discussion has been revised and is herewith again presented with the following recommendations:
First. Plan for preparation of study outlines.
Basis.
A. One book selected as foundation for outline. If a single book suitable for text cannot be found, outline to be based on fewest number of books necessary for the purpose. Texts selected to be authoritative, reasonable in price, readable and stimulating.
B. Five to ten books as collateral reference. Selected to cover subject in study outline and amplify the text. Publisher and price given for all books included, for use in purchase. A more extended list of books can easily be prepared by any library where additional material is available.
Lessons should be outlined by:
C. Question method. Five to ten definite questions on each lesson.
D. Or, Topical method. Topics assigned under each lesson should be those which present special phases of the general subject. The two methods may sometimes be combined. Written papers, if included under either Question or Topical form of study outline, should be assigned only for subjects which require some degree of original thought; all information to be derived from text books and encyclopedias should be covered by the regular lesson for oral discussion. Note. Number of meetings of study clubs vary. Probably not less than sixteen or more than twenty-six lessons. Many average two meetings a month. October to May.
Second. That this committee be authorized to draw upon the League treasury for a definite sum for the employment of a capable compiler to prepare outlines based on this plan.
Third. That if possible the coöperation of some publisher be secured to print the outlines thus prepared, or others passed upon by the committee, and furnish them at reasonable cost to the various commissions operating traveling libraries and to club and individuals desiring them.
Fourth. That the study outline committee be constituted a sub-committee of the publications committee and be empowered to select subjects, revise and pass upon all outlines submitted, before printed.
MARGARET BROWN, Chairman.