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quests were sent in for "25 or 30 volumes of the latest fiction," of course the order could not be filled, but the patrons consented to a compromise selection that included volumes of more substantial literature.

In the selection of books we have been guided to a great extent by recognized authority. Large purchases have been made from lists recommended by the Board of Control of the Ohio Teachers' Reading Circle. Many agricultural books have been selected on the approval of the lecturer of the State Grange. The calendars of Women's Clubs that were received early in the year were used as guides in purchases for that class of patrons. Catalogues and supplemental lists of other libraries have been consulted in making selections for the consideration of the Board of Library Commissioners, who pass final judgment.

From the issue of the first traveling library the importance of keeping a complete and accurate record of all books issued, has been fully realized. The serial number of each traveling library, the name of the organization and the librarian to whom it was sent, postoffice address, express office, county, number of volumes, date of issue and return, have all been made matters of permanent record. Duplicate lists of books properly indexed have been kept for reference, so that a complete history of the system, including a full account of what has been issued to every patronizing organization, is constantly at hand for reference. The books sent out over the State have been, as a rule, carefully handled. The entire loss to the State has been only five volumes. It is expected that the price of these will be recovered in due time.

1900.

TRAVELING LIBRARIES.

The demand for traveling libraries increases steadily. From November 15, 1900, 711 of these libraries, aggregating 19,505 volumes, were sent out. They were distributed as follows:

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Not only has the traveling library been popular within the State, but correspondence in this office shows that what has been done in Ohio has attracted attention and favorable comment in other states.

Renewed interest has been manifested in the county library system and the establishment of local traveling libraries with the county seat as a center of distribution.

COLUMBUS.

SUPREME COURT LAW LIBRARY:

The Ohio Supreme Court Law Library is one of the best in the United States. It contains twenty thousand volumes and is open for reference to the citizens of the State. It is under the control of the Judges of the Supreme Court. The latest catalogue, published in 1901, is a useful reference book for all attorneys. This library has attained its present high standard largely through the efficient and long continued service of Frank N. Beebe, who has been librarian since July 12, 1880. Tenure of office is dependent upon efficient service, and changes in the library staff are infrequent.

The library has been moved into the new Judiciary building, where it occupies the most beautiful and commodious library quarters in the State.

The law books forming a part of the State Library were taken to the rooms assigned for the use of the Supreme Court and Law Library in the present Capitol building as soon as said rooms were ready for occupancy. There is no data obtainable showing just when this change was made, but it was about 1860. At this time the number of volumes could not have exceeded a couple of thousand. In 1866, a count showed about 2,500 volumes. The Library was first in charge of the messenger of the Supreme Court, who was assigned the duty of librarian.

In 1867, an act was passed providing for the appointment of a law librarian, taking effect February 9, 1867, and the positions of crier and messenger of the Supreme Court were abolished, the law librarian being made ex-officio crier of the court, said crier to furnish an assistant.

For a number of years volumes added to the Law Library were taken as part of the State Library, and the State Library figures given of the number of the volumes enrolled included all those which had been set apart as the Law Library of the Supreme Court and additions thereto. This was discontinued early in the seventies, and the first record kept, showing additions to the Law Library, was made in 1873. From this time on more attention was given the subject of books, and in 1875 the library had grown to nearly four thousand volumes. In 1880, when the first catalogue was made, the library contained about seven thousand five hundred volumes.

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LAW LIBRARY OF THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO, JUDICIARY BUILDING, STATE CAPITOL.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY FREE TRAVELING SCHOOL LIBRARIES, AT THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SYSTEM-JUDGE GALLOWAY, COUNTY SCHOOL EXAMINERS, AND TEACHERS LIN COUNTY.

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