Open Access in Public Libraries Exposed: Being a Reply to Mr. H. Keatley Moore's Paper in the Library (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from Open Access in Public Libraries Exposed: Being a Reply to Mr. H. Keatley Moore's Paper in the Library

The Clerkenwell and Croydon libraries are particularly referred to. If the deplorable picture Mr. Moore has drawn was based on experience at either of those libraries, prior to the advent Of Open access, it would be impossible to refute him. They were under my observation; and at that time Croydon might well have been dedicated to Chaos, while weary Clerkenwell suffered from too many inventions. In both instances any alteration could scarcely have proved for the worse and readers, long worried by frequent changes and ineptitude, were naturally glad to be told to help them selves. This, however, does not warrant the attitude of superiority assumed by the promoters of a resuscitated free and-easy refuge for incapacity; nor is it any reason why more than ninety per cent. Of public libraries all over the kingdom should alter successful methods of administration. Having witnessed the pathetic failure to provide satisfac torily for readers at Croydon, Mr. Moore appears to have pioneered the committee to open access as a goal for heroic despair. Knowing what had been, and, perhaps, foreseeing what might be, he may 'have displayed perspicacity.

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