A Library of Text Books.

A library of text-books has been collected in Seyer Hall, the general plan of which is unique, as far as is known. The existence of the library and the history of its formation are comparatively little known.

Several years ago Professor Hanus invited some of the leading American publishers to make an exhibit of text-books at the Harvard Summer School, under the conditions that the books exhibited should be placed in charge of Harvard attendant and should not be offered for sale. The object of these conditions was to make it possible for the teachers at the Summer School to examine critically representative text-books without being solicited to buy them. In response to Professor Hanus's invitation several hundred books were sent and after the close of the Summer School the publishers allowed these to ramain in the University as a permanent exhibit. Since the first books were sent the publishers have made a great many additions to the collection, until a library of about 3500 text and reference books has now been formed.

The books have been arranged on shelves, in Sever 15, and have been catalogued both under their subject and titles, and under the names of their publishers. During the University session the library is open only to men studying in Education 3 or Education 20a; during the Summer School term it is in charge of an attendant, and open to the use of student of the school. Each year before the Summer School opens the different publishers revise their exhibits, taking out books which are out of date and adding whatever new books they care to show. Through these constant revisions the best and most improved text-books are left in the collection, and it is thus made a valuable library for the students in education for the practical study of the books used and the work done in the schools.