The selection of prose fiction is not an easy task. Selection should be made on principles as given in Lesson 3. Consideration must be given to the percentage of fiction in relation to other classes, also the class of fiction in demand. Principal authors of all countries should be represented. Foreign masterpieces should be obtainable in the original. Exclusion of immoral works essential. The librarian or selector will soon realise that he has the most difficult class of reader to satisfy. Selection of novelists will differ with each selector, as in most cases it will be found possible to make only a selection from a selection. About 50 new novels are published weekly, and only the largest libraries are able to purchase most of the suitable fiction. The question of duplication must be carefully considered. The replacement of worn-out and withdrawn books. The second-hand book market. A knowledge of the many guides to fiction necessary, supplemented by periodical literature. Note the literary histories of the various countries, especially the “Cambridge history of English literature” as useful guides to selection. For lists of bibliographies consult Williams’s “Manual of book selection,” pp. _45-47_, and Mudge’s “New guide to reference books,” pp. _141-143_. READING LIST. Bacon--What makes a novel immoral? _L.A. Vol. 13, 1910-13, pp. 129. Also in Wisconsin Library Bulletin, Vol. 6, 1910, pp. 83-95._ Baker--French fiction in public libraries. _L.W. Vol. 2, 1899-1900, pp. 68-81._ Baker--Standard of fiction in public libraries. _L.A.R. Vol. 9, 1907, pp. 70-80; 98-103._ Bascom--Selection of fiction. _Wisconsin Lib. Bul. Vol. 9, 1913, pp. 34-40._ Brown--In defence of Emma Jane. _L.W. Vol. II., 1908-09, pp. 161-6._ Brown--Manual of library economy. _1907 edition. Chap. 11, para. 177, pp. 145-6._ _or_ Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. _Sect. 181._ Crunden--New novel problem. _L. (New Series). Vol. I., 1899-1900, pp. 92-100._ Guppy--French fiction and French juvenile literature for the public library. _L.A.R. Vol. 2, 1900, pp., 357-371._ Herdman--Place and treatment of fiction in public libraries. L.A. _Vol. 6, 1909, pp. 357-380. Discussion, pp. 381-2._ McIntosh--Fiction selection. _P.L. Vol. 19, 1914, pp. 389-392._ Sawyer--Questionable books. _L.J. Vol. 40, 1915, pp. 691-699._ Shuman--How to judge a novel. _P.L. Vol. 14, 1909, pp. 259-260._ Sinclair--In defence of the novel. _L.A. Vol. 18, 1925, pp. 35-47; 56-57._ Walsh--What our libraries should supply. _L.J. Vol. 40, 1915, pp. 297-298._ QUESTIONS. _1._ You are called upon to form a collection of 10,000 volumes of prose fiction. State what works you would consult to aid you in your selection? _2._ Compare the following bibliographies, as aids to the selection of prose fiction:-- Baker--A guide to the best fiction in English. Bowen--Descriptive catalogue of historical novels and tales. Nield---Guide to the best historical novels and tales.