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COURSE FOR LIBRARIANS IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS A course for librarians and assistants in Government Departments was held from 14th March, to 14th April, 1949, in the afternoons. Thirty-one students attended this •course from 21 Departments. Miss M. S. Fleming, of the Library School staff, and Mr. A. G. Bagnall, Librarian, National Library Centre, were instructors, with the assistance •of members of the National Library Service staff. The purpose of the course was to present the fundamental principles of librarianship and their adaptation to the particular problems of Government Departments. 1949 PROFESSIONAL COURSE As in 1948, the professional course 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 covers the subject-matter of the General Training Course, and both groups of students work together for the last two terms. The course opened on 7th February with 19 students. Three librarians are expected •as students for the second and third terms. The interest and value of the course given at the Library School derives in no small measure from the lectures given by many New Zealand librarians, by members of the National Library Service staff, and by a number of subject specialists. To these, and to those libraries which answer our frequent calls for books, we are most indebted. It has to be admitted that the work of the School is considerably hampered by lack of space. This prevents us from building up certain collections which would make our work easier and more effective. Much time and energy have to go in hunting, collecting, and then dispersing material for the various courses. There is need for a permanent in the School, but the present congestion makes this impossible.

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