The Library World Volume 20 Issue 7

The year opens with omens good, and foreboding, for librarians. Of the first kind is the re‐opening after two years of the Science Museum at South Kensington. The second was the astounding proposal of the Air Ministry to commandeer the British Museum for its administrative work. After three years of a war which has shown the devastating results of the neglect of things educational and spiritual the rulers of this country had apparently acqui sced in a proposal which, in the words of the President of the British Association, would “cause a shudder to run through all civilised countries. Were it carried out it would cover the British nation with lasting obliquy.” As we go to press, however, it is announced that the proposed outrage is not considered to be necessary and will therefore not take place. We rejoice over the repentance of the Government; but the fact that the proposal was made seriously, and for a time upheld, is so significant that it behoves all who value the treasures of the nation to be upon their guard. The war, also, is not over yet.