Chairman: Journal is the word used. The Library Journal is the official organ of the A. L. A. Probably if the committee had gone beyond that it would have been exceeding its province.
"The committee earnestly recommends that the practice of giving dates of birth and death be used extensively. It is convinced that a very large share of the work has already been done and may be easily obtained for the use of the Central Bureau. Expressions from various members of the committee have shown a great readiness to assist in this."
Mr. Merrill: I would like to inquire whether that means that dates shall be given only to distinguish men of the same name or whether they shall be used in every case.
Chairman: It is not designed that the use of dates be intended only for distinguishing writers, but it is urged that dates be given extensively.
Mr. Bowker: Doesn't that mean that the dates should be used where the authors are not of the same names?
Chairman: Yes.
Mr. Bowker: In the case of living authors, is it intended to give date of birth if possible?
Chairman: Yes.
Miss Browne: At the Boston Athenæum for years they have been giving those dates on their cards, and now they are scratching them off.
Mr. Bowker: Does anybody know why?