The public for whom the library exists has little conception or comprehension of its power. How shall such publicity as will give this knowledge of it be given? Such publicity should make clear the larger aspects of the library's service, showing that the life of any society is "an indivisible inheritance" and the welfare of all made or marred by the condition and service of each one, therefore the library should be equipped to be universal in its appeal and service, a public necessity for individual use. The public for whom the library exists gives it support insufficient for the task it should perform. If the library commanded respect would it not receive funds? Books are the treasure to be gathered for its work. What shall be the principles of buying? How create the "leaven'd and preparéd choice?" Books are the medium of appeal, the stuff of human knowledge, experience and wisdom stored by means of the printed leaf. The extent to which each individual shares in the stored treasure of the race-mind, is, in its sum, the measure of public safety and happiness and the starting-point for service. How show, how make known the attraction and stored power of books? Every individual must choose his own path. How leave him free to choose in a wide field? Service, but not authority, must be at hand. What shall the tests of fitness for such service be? The staff fit for such service must be of rare material and quality. The members of the staff are instruments of the highest elaboration and most delicate adjustment. The requisite quality of service can only be rendered under fit conditions. It is not a matter of knowledge, conscience and will solely, it is a matter of these things plus insight, sympathy and response. Exhaustion, or an approach to it, discouragement from lack of appreciation, are like a ground wire for loss of power. Body, mind and spirit are all involved in this service. How conserve their strength, well-being and joy? Unskilled people cannot render fit service. What are the things that matter in training? How far can training be effective. These are the subjects that your Program Committee has thought it might interest all to consider. Certain leaders will discuss them, each according to his own will and way. In their wisdom and in that of the discussions with which you will follow them will lie all the value of this conference. =Books Consulted: A Short List= =Bosanquet=, Bernard. The principle of individuality and value. Macmillan. 1912. =Bryce=, James. The American Commonwealth. Vol. 2, p. 828, and chapter CII. Macmillan. 1910. =Chesterton=, G. K. Manalive. Lane. 1912. =Douglas=, Robert. The choice. Macmillan. 1911. =Eliot=, C. W. The function of education in democratic society. In his Educational reform. Century. 1908. =Goldmark=, Josephine. Fatigue and efficiency. Charities Pub. Co. 1912. =Hobhouse=, L. T. The individual and the state. In his Social evolution and political theory. Columbia Univ. Press. 1911.