The Library World Volume 20 Issue 2

Such librarians as are able to get away from their libraries are now enjoying a respite from the severe round of the year; and we wish them all the renewal of health and energy which should result from holidays well spent. We are quite aware that many are not in a position to enjoy such a privilege of rest; want of staff, the scarcely diminished demand of the public, the prevalent lack of funds for personal purposes, and, in some cases, a disinclination almost morbid to take vacation in war‐time—these things will keep many in their usual places. At the same time we think the library service gains greatly if the librarian goes into “retreat” for a few weeks yearly. Daily labour in the same groove, however intense it may be, and perhaps because at present it is so intense, is apt to bring about a mild sort of coma which effectually reduces the average value of the worker. Change of scene and mode of life brings new ideas, and ideas are the things that librarians most need to‐day. We are therefore strong apologists for holidays for librarians even in war‐time.