LIBRARY SCHOOL 111

completed sufficient work to classify them as sophomores in an accredited
college, while three years of college work or its equivalent are most desir-
able, and are urged upon all. Applicants taking the entrance examinations
should understand that the examinations are designed to test their educa-
tion, reading, and general information. Sight translation from one foreign
language is also included, the candidate having the choice of French or
German.

6. A personal interview with prospective candidates is desirable when-
ever possible. Besides the background of education, so much depends upon
the spirit in which library work is undertaken and the personal fitness for
it, that much attention is given to the selection of students. Candidates
are tested not only by college records or entrance examinations, but also by
correspondence, by the testimony of their references, and by the personal
interview.

The class entering in September of every year is made up not later
than the first of July and includes the college graduates whose applications
have already been accepted and the candidates who have passed the entrance
examinations. Students are admitted only at the beginning of the first
semester.

As the quarters of the School are limited, the number of students ad-
mitted for any one year can not exceed its desk room. If there are more
candidates than can be accommodated, entrance is made competitive and
those who pass the examination with the highest percentage are first ac-
cepted, together with college graduates. The others are placed on a wait-
ing list, from which is filled any vacancy created by the withdrawal during
the summer of an accepted student.

PREREQUISITES FOR ALL APPLICANTS

Accepted candidates must meet several special entrance requirements
before the School opens in September. All who have not had experience
in library work must spend at least one month in actual work in a desig-
nated library before joining the class. The library and the conditions under
which the work is to be performed must be satisfactory to the Principal
and, if desired, arrangements for such work will be made by her.

Candidates must be skillful with the typewriter before entering, as
the School requires its use in the preparation of many of the lessons, and
no instruction is given in the School. Detailed information concerning this
requirement is sent with the application blank. It is also required that
the standard “library handwriting” be mastered. Accompanying the appli-
cation blank is a required list of books to be read in preparation for the
first appointment of the school year in book selection.

SUGGESTED PRELIMINARY PREPARATION

Undergraduates in college who are planning to enter the Library
School on the completion of their college work are advised to select courses
from the following groups:

English literature, especially survey courses in English and American
literature and others in literary appreciation and criticism. Courses
dealing with such literary types as the novel, the drama, and the
short story, not only in English but in foreign languages, should be
included, also work in composition or rhetoric.

Modern languages. French and German are most needed in library
work. It is advisable to begin the language preparation in high
school and to continue the study for at least two years in college.