H—32

1950 NE W ZEAL A N D

GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY REPORT OF THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1950

Laid on the Table of the House of Representatives % Leave

To the Chairman, Joint Library Committee. Sir,- - I have the honour to reporl on the operations of the General Assembly Library for the year 1949-50. Redecoration of Main Reading-room Early in the recess preparations were made for the replastering and repainting of the main reading-room which was in bad repair. This necessitated removing the books from the shelves around the walls so that these were no longer available for use. The actual work of restoration did not begin, however, until shortly before Christmas. The plastering work was finished by mid-February but the repainting was delayed till the plaster dried out, and had not been started at the end of the financial year. This has proved a serious handicap in the work of the Library and has made it impossible to open to recess privilege, holders, which is to be regretted. Staff Changes in the staff have caused difficulties this year, there, being periods when the temporary shortages have affected some departments adversely. An important, change Iras been made with regard to the cataloguing section. This is now housed in room 30, which was renovated for the purpose. The change should add to the efficiency of this department as the staff can work without being subjected to constant interruptions as in the past. Three members of the Library staff lent valuable 1 assistance 1 by erecting the necessary shelving from old materials to hand and removing the furniture. (Jonsequent on the change more space has been made available to students and others engaged in research work, and additional tables have been placed in the annex to the reading-room where they are in constant use; and the quieter conditions attained are more conducive to serious study.