THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE

During the past twelve months many of the faults which had in the past plagued Widener were corrected. The time spent on the hard benches waiting for a book to be resurrected from the stacks was reduced, for example, and the withdrawal period shortened from four to two weeks. For these changes much credit is due the Library staff, but there are still several improvements which would serve even further to increase the efficiency of the Library. Among these, two should be immediate; first, the erection of a chute by which books might be returned, and second, the breaking down of an entire wall to furnish additional space in the Delivery Room.

Little time or money would be required for the institution of a receptacle for returned books. If placed near the ground level, much after the fashion of the arrangement at Boylston, it would save a great many unnecessary steps, and would make it possible to return books late at night instead of early in the morning. To prevent damage to the books thus returned, a slightly inclined chute--similar to those now in use at Columbia University--might be provided. Since a delivery system is neither intricate nor expensive there should be no serious objection to its immediate installation; and if the extensive use of the Boylston chute, which handles approximately a thousand books a month, is any indication, such an innovation is very worthwhile.