H—32A

Block licences as follows were granted to 1 special, 4 city, and 3 University libraries : United Kingdom .. .. .. .. 12,177 United States .. .. .. .. .. 9,975 Other countries .. .. .. 1,812 £23,964 DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARIES Books and periodicals to the value of £21,989 were ordered through the National Library Service during the year, catalogue cards for 8,475 books being prepared and issued to the purchasing Departments. Accession lists of books and pamphlet material received by the National Library Service were prepared and issued to Departments. During the year staffing assistance was given to 2 Departments in the absence of the librarian. The Librarian, National Centre, co-operated in the planning and operation of the short course for departmental librarians held by the Library School in March and April, 1949. UNITED STATES INFORMATION LIBRARY SERVICE American books and periodicals have continued to be received as part of the policy of the United States Department of State to continue on a limited scale the service previously given through the United States Information Library. Six hundred and forty books were received and subscriptions for 145 periodicals are maintained. This material, which forms a much appreciated addition to the country's book resources, is available on request from the National Library Service. BOOK RESOURCES COMMITTEE One meeting of the Book Resources Committee was held during the year. Aspects of the subjects noted above were discussed and, where necessary, recommendations made. Consideration was also given to the coverage of standard fiction by public libraries, and the obtaining of general reading-material in foreign languages. A report was prepared and published on microfilm facilities available in New Zealand. A progress report on library specialization in New Zealand was also received.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (889 copies). £4O.

By Authority: R. E. Owen, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 949.

Price 6d.]

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