avoided,
and that, in order to keep the members of a community in a contented
frame of mind, their wants must not only be supplied, but supplied
promptly.

Trustees should remember that it is important to give librarians and
some of their assistants time in which to aid users of libraries,
instead of keeping every attendant constantly employed about routine
work.

Trustees should guard themselves against the notion that library work
is easy, and that it is only the occupations which they are usually
engaged in, in which employment is wearing and hard.

It must not be supposed, from anything which I have said, that the
position of a director or trustee of a library is, in the opinion of
librarians, a sinecure.

Our idea is far from this, as will be seen if the remarks already made
are carefully considered.

It should be said in conclusion, that one of the most important duties
of trustees is to look around among libraries in different towns and
cities, to read library reports and accounts of meetings of librarians,
with the purpose of finding out whether they are getting as much and as
good service from librarians in the communities whose interests they
have to look after, as citizens are obtaining in places where libraries
and their management have attained a high standard of excellence.

With the same end in view, they should see to it that librarians are
provided with the current issues of the best library journals and with a
collection of the best bibliographical works.

They should also put themselves, and insist upon librarians putting
themselves, into vital relations with other libraries, and with the
whole body of librarians.

Librarians should never forget that the real authority in a library
rests with the board of trustees, or fail to render immediate and
cordial submission to its directions.

They should also seek and accept with gratitude all practical
suggestions that may be made to them by trustees or other persons.

When any members of the board of trustees are specialists, they should
be urged to give the library the benefit of their special knowledge, by
proposing for purchase lists of books known to them to be of particular
value.

I wish to add to what I have written, the statement that I have always
been very fortunate in having over me a body of directors of unusually
good judgment, and of the kindest disposition toward me.

In fact, the remarks which I have made regarding the duties