Preparation for Librarianship

ALL the schemes that have been put in operation during the last few decades for teaching, outlining courses of study, examining, and otherwise assisting young librarians to gain a competent knowledge of the science and art of librarianship, have had two main objects: first, to promote the efficiency and value of the workers in a great public service; secondly, to elevate their calling to the status of a profession. Many would say there is a third motive; some would put this foremost. But the increased emoluments which are the natural adjunct of increased efficiency ought to be regarded, not of course as unimportant, but as the sure and certain by‐product of effort in the right direction. The labourer is worthy of his hire. If he is not satisfied with what he gets, let him make himself worthier. The man who has chosen his vocation, and the man or woman also who has come into it by necessity rather than choice, will be well‐advised to make himself of the utmost use in it; his reward will follow. The better article commands the higher price in every market.