Uniform statistics for library holdings.

Abstract

almost complete lack of uniformity among librarians in I maintaining and reporting statistics of their collections is notorious. As long ago as I876 the United States Office of Education's Special Report criticized variations in counting methods.' Pessimists are convinced that any standardization of practice is hopeless, pointing out the failure in the past of numerous attempts to achieve agreement. Optimists see one glimmer of hope for the future in the fact that many librarians recognize the need for standards. Like most other problems, a solution would be simpler if all libraries were starting from scratch; to change established routines and apply new rules retroactively would be an undertaking of great magnitude, particularly for large libraries. Surprisingly enough, in view of the attention which the matter has received from various groups, little published literature exists on the subject of statistics of library holdings. The results of such studies as have been made have apparently remained in committee and library-association files. Printed discussions are principally concerned with definitions of a volume and with differences between a pamphlet and a volume.