work which he cannot
satisfactorily perform.

If, however, the librarian has executive ability, it will be wise for
the trustees to let him control the selection, management, and dismissal
of all his assistants; if he has good judgement and what may be called
"the librarian's faculty," it will be wise to let him arrange the
methods and details of library work; if he has literary taste, it will
be especially wise to allow him at least the initiative in the choice
and purchase of books, for he has (or ought to have) constant contact
with the public and an intelligent knowledge of their wants.

Although it may not be considered best for the librarian to act as their
secretary, the trustees should take him into their confidence, consult
him freely, and invite his presence during some part of each board
meeting and of all committee meetings where his advice might be of
service. The librarian can properly reciprocate by allowing the board
and the committees frequent opportunities for private conference and
"executive session," unembarrassed by his presence.

In brief, while the trustees cannot forget that they control both
library and librarian, they should remember that the librarian is chosen
to be their expert advisor and their executive officer, and, so long as
he fills these positions satisfactorily, they ought not to hamper or
interfere with, so much as to assist and sustain him by their actions.

The relations of an active librarian with an active board of trustees
demand discretion and consideration on both sides. But if the librarian
is sensible, and not too sensitive, and the trustees are reasonably
harmonious and judicious, the cooperation herein outlined may be carried
out with success.

THE DUTIES OF TRUSTEES AND THEIR RELATIONS TO LIBRARIANS

Although Mr. S.S. Green says that he has prepared this paper
"from the standpoint of a librarian," he is competent to
speak from that of a trustee also, for he served as both,
having been a trustee of the Worcester Public Library for
some time when he was chosen its librarian. A sketch of
Samuel Swett Green will be found in Vol I. of this series.

In the symposium in which we are now engaged, I understand that I am to
consider the subject which we are talking about from the standpoint of a
librarian.

The position can be stated in a few words.

A librarian should be regarded as holding relations to his trustees
similar to those he