N.Z. LIBRARIES

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 May 1934, Page 2

N.Z. LIBRARIES

U.S.A. EXPERT’S CRITICISM. [PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] , WELLINGTON, May 14. In a constructive criticism of New Zealand libraries, Mr Ralph Munn of the Carnegie Library, Pittsburg, U.S.A., at present on a tour of Dominion libraries, on behalf of the Carnegie corporation, expressed the opinion it was only by making libraries free to the people that they could adequately serve the community. He suggested that great advantage could be obtained by a national library system, which he contended would have to be established eventually in the Dominion.

In reply to questions, he said it would be within the scope of the Carnegie corporation if some national scheme were devised, to finance it for a limited period, if it were assured the plan would be continued by public funds, if it proved successful. He said he had no official connection with the corporation, and could do no more than indicate the general policy. He said that tbo greatest criticism against Now Zealand libraries was that they were not regarded as tin essential part of the educational system. Among other things, he said, there was no college library in New Zealand, which was adequate support of the ordinary undergraduate instruction. and they offered little or nothing to the advanced student or faculty members. The Carnegie corporation had recognised this, and offered to supplement the college library book funds for a limited period on condition that the colleges provide adequate personnel for libraries, and meet certain administrative requirements. So far, Victoria College was the only one that had qualified for these grants, and it had by far the best library of the four colleges.