Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association: Held at Waukesha, Wisconsin, July 4-10, 1901
Science
Papers and Proceedings of the Twenty-Third General Meeting of the American Library Association: Held at Waukesha, Wisconsin, July 4-10, 1901
American Library Association; Library science -- Congresses
An annotated book list is of great service in connection with the
bulletin. This enables the children to gain an idea of the subject
matter of the various books, and, if the notes are attractive, induces
them to read a book which otherwise might be ignored. In teaching the
children the use of lists we are also preparing them for independent
work later. The books, it possible, should be placed on a shelf near the
bulletin, that they may be conspicuous and easily accessible.
No matter how beautiful the collection of pictures, nor how happy the
choice of subject, a bulletin will not be successful unless it is well
executed. Technical skill is also necessary in carrying out the idea.
Not only should the bulletin direct attention to books but it should
nourish æsthetic taste as well. Form is as important as subject.
Slipshod mounting, unequal margins, untidy work in general, detract from
the appearance of the bulletin, and are most disastrous object lessons
to children.
We must collect only material which is worth while and even from this
select with the greatest care. Sometimes it may be necessary to make use
of weak or faulty prints in reference work, if a subject is sparingly
illustrated, but such material should be reserved for this purpose
rather than posted on bulletins.
There is danger in exhibiting more than one bulletin at a
time--exception being made, of course, for such bulletins as illustrate
allied subjects, thus forming an exhibition. The display of too many
pictures on any one bulletin is equally inadvisable. Have we not all of
us at times felt oppressed and confused by the seemingly endless array
of pictures at a large art exhibit? The mind is overtaxed in the effort
to grasp it all. Knowing the patience with which little children study a
picture, even dwelling on the smallest detail with delight, it would be
better to choose with discrimination, and avoid bewildering the minds of
the children, and fatiguing their attention by a large collection of
pictures. A miscellany of pictures or bulletins defeats its one
purpose--that of making a definite impression which should lead to
further investigation of a subject.
The arrangement of the bulletin should make its central thought and
object apparent. A bulletin on Lincoln's life if properly arranged could
easily tell the story of the experiences between the log-cabin and White
House. The pictures should have some logical grouping, whether by
succession of events, or according to some natural relationship, as
bringing a collection of wild flowers together in the order of their
appearance, birds and animals by families, etc.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account