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In addition to lectures, several hours were set aside for the informal discussion of problems and special questions raised by the students. Members of the Library School and National Library Service staff took part in these discussions. 1948 PROFESSIONAL COURSE The professional course this year consists of the regular three-term course, and a shorter two-term course for librarians who qualified for the General Training Certificate of the New Zealand Library Association before 31st March, 1948, who have been recommended by the Selection Committee of the New Zealand Library Association and approved by the Minister of Education. So far as possible, the first term's programme will cover the subject-matter of the General Certificate, and the two groups of students will work together for the last two terms. The course opened on 9th February with 16 students approved by the Minister of Education. Nine librarians are expected as students for the second and third terms. The Library School must again express its warm appreciation to those librarians of the National Library Service and other libraries and to the subject specialists who have given lectures as well as to the libraries which continue to lend us books. SECTION in.—NATIONAL LIBRARY CENTRE Report by the Librarian : Mr. A. G. Baghall UNITED STATES INFORMATION LIBRARY Following the closing of the United States Information Library on 31st July, 1947, arrangements were made for the National Library Service to take over the stock and maintain the reference service. This has been done, the service being given through the public-library system of the country in accordance with library policy. The State Department continues to supply 100 general periodicals and 30 Governmental serials with much vertical file material, the more important of which is notified on receipt to certain libraries. Small stocks of books are also received. "While the closing of the Library has left an unfortunate gap in New Zealand library services, the continued receipt of material is a greatly appreciated aid in the national coverage of American publications. CENTRAL CATALOGUING In January, 1948, the National Centre commenced the preparation, duplication, and distribution of catalogue cards for New Zealand material. The cards, which are being sold individually and at a subscription rate, are being prepared in accordance with the American Library Association rules for all titles published in New Zealand,-for all important material published overseas dealing with the country, and for books by New Zealanders not in either of the other two categories. Cards are not being done for primary and secondary school texts and minor items such as prospectuses, trade catalogues, corporate body rules and constitutions, and souvenir programmes. Books not dealing with New Zealand which are first published overseas and later reprinted liere are also excluded from the scope of the scheme. Up to the 31st March, cards for 70 titles had been distributed to 25 libraries. The collection of the material and the requisite bibliographical checking for information is being done in close collaboration with the General Assembly Library. INDEX TO NEW ZEALAND PERIODICALS Work on the Index to Neiv Zealand Periodicals was continued during the year.' The New Zealand Library Association, as arranged, issued the Index for the first six months of 1948, the entries for which had been prepared by the Centre. The 1947 cumulation is at present in the press. Work is proceeding with the typing of the cumulation for 1941-46 inclusive.

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