Select collection of reference books is the foundation of a good reference library. Its utility reckoned by extent and quick service its selection will furnish when demands are made. Large reference libraries should satisfy all demands. Small library collection from a selection, with “quick reference” books its strongest section. How to judge whether a book is more suitable for the reference than the lending department. Place books in the department where they will be most useful. Such works as encyclopedias, directories, dictionaries, atlases, maps, etc., state and parliamentary papers are obviously reference books; antiquarian works and exceptionally large books are also reference books. Allocation of rare, art, and large books. Cost of a book should not be a consideration in deciding lending _versus_ reference books. How far should duplication be carried? Great number of reference works may be obtained second hand. Latest editions, excepting art, essential. Occasional text-books necessary. Local industries well represented. How a reference library is supplemented when in the same building as the lending library. If lending library books are available in the reference library decision of allocation becomes easier. Special facilities available for the loan of reference books. Periodical literature is a valuable asset to a reference library. Many good articles never appear in book-form. READING LIST. Ballinger--Municipal library and its public. _L. (.N.S.). Vol 9, 1909, p. 309._ Barrett--Selection of books for a reference library. _L. Vol. 8, 1896, pp. 473-481._ Borrajo--Books for the reference library. _L.A.R. Vol. 1, 1899, pp. 770-780._ Brown--Manual of library economy. _1907 edition. Chap. 11, para. 185, pp. 152-3._ _or_ Revised edition by W. C. B. Sayers. _Sects. 188; 411; pp. 176-177; 382-386._ British Museum.--_Department of printed books._ List of books forming the reference library in the reading room. _2 vols., 1910._ Dent--Notes on the formation of a small reference library. _L. Vol. 8, 1896, pp. 531-535._ Moore--Municipal reference libraries. _In Public Libraries, 1917, pp. 70-85._ Mudge--New guide to reference books. _A.L.A. Chicago, 1923. Introduction._ Reference work and reference works. _Ont. Lib. Rev. Vol. 4, 1920, pp. 98-131. Every effort should be made to read this valuable article._ Richardson--Reference books. _L.J. Vol. 18, 1892, pp. 245-247._ Williams--Manual of book selection. _pp. 66-71._ Williams--Reference book selection. _L. & B. W. Vol. 8, 1917, pp. 4-6; 23-25._ Wood--Selection of books for a reference library. _L. Vol. 8, 1896, pp. 522-530._ QUESTIONS. _1._ In forming a reference collection of 10,000 volumes, how would you ensure that no important author or subject had been missed? _2._ What principles would guide you in deciding whether a book is more suitable for the reference than the lending department?