Word: metcalf
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Dates: during 1930-1939
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Coming here from the New York Public Library, Metcalf was visibly dismayed by the complexity of the Harvard College Library, which numbers almost 80 libraries of varying size and scope, and announced that he would spend the first half-year studying the organization of the library...
Having compiled a mass of statistics, Metcalf was yesterday in a position to speak on a question which has long been a matter of dark speculation, just what happens when a prospective borrower turns in his slip at the call desk...
Seven times out of ten, the book is forthcoming, Metcalf asserted. Of the books asked for which cannot be obtained, 20 percent are at the bindery, 40 percent have been placed on reserve, and the remaining 40 percent are out. Surprisingly few of the books out are in the possession of instructors. Metcalf revealed...
...averages, confirmed by Widener investigation, shows that of the books that have been borrowed, half have been out more than two weeks when demanded, half less than two weeks. For that reason, Metcalf said, the project of limiting loans to two weeks, subject to renewal if no demand had been made, was "being seriously considered." He pointed out, however, that only six percent of the borrowers would benefit from this plan, whereas many would be inconvenienced...
...Metcalf disclosed that when he ar- rived, one book in every ten dominated was "not on the shelf," but that since he had appointed a special chaser is handle these "N. O. S." cases, only one book in forty could not be located when asked for. Even this was inefficient, he declared, and for that reason he did not favor more general use of the stacks...