£5000 FOR LIBRARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 194, 18 August 1931, Page 10

£5000 FOR LIBRARY.

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY.

CARNEGIE CORPORATION.

FELLOWSHIP FOR LIBRARIAN.

An intimation that the Carnegie Corporation would have funds available for the Auckland University College library within a year or two, and would be able to grant the college £5000 over a period of five years, was received by the Auckland University Council yesterday. The Corporation made the offer subject to the library being placed under the control of a thoroughly-trained librarian. The Corporation was approached by the University of New Zealand in 1928 with an application for £20,000 to bring the libraries of the constituent colleges up to date. Funds were then not available for use in New Zealand. From past experience in Canada and the United States, said the Corporation in its letter, it considered that the sudden acquisition of a large number of books was often a burden unless a college had the services of a thoroughly-trained librarian. Therefore it would be glad to consider ah application for a Carnegie Library Fellowship of £600 for one year's study at a recognised school of library science. The person selected to go to America should have a good scholastic degree. On the return of the librarian, the Corporation would consider an application for a grant for the purchase of books for undergraduate reading in the fields of art and science for £1000 a year for three years, on the understanding that such grant would in no way affect the provision usually made by the University College for its library. Following this grant, a further application of £1000 a year for two years would be considered.. , The president of the University Council, Sir George Fowlde, said the offer was very satisfactory, and would enable the library to attain a high standard. It was decided that the council should reply thanking the Corporation and offering whole-hearted co-operation. On the motion of Sir George, it was also decided to make formal application for a Carnegie Library Fellowship on behalf of Miss A. E. Minchin, who has expressed her willingness to undertake the course in the United States. Arrangements were left in the hands of the president.