USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1912 > Part 20
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-
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
APPENDIX E. Scheme of Service.
ARTICLE I.
1. The staff of the Public Library of the City of Somerville shall be appointed, promoted, and retained for educational and technical qualifications and efficiency.
2. No relative or member of the family of a trustee shall be em- ployed in any capacity.
3. The staff shall be under the direction of the Librarian, subject to the Board and its committees.
4. Staff meetings will be held and lectures given from time to time. The members will be given every opportunity consistent with the regular library procedure to study the theory and practice of library science in libraries and in Simmons College or other library schools.
5. The members shall be divided into a Non-Graded and a Graded service, as follows :-
ARTICLE II.
NON-GRADED SERVICE.
1. The Non-Graded service includes the positions of Librarian and Assistant Librarian, which shall be filled by election by the Board of Trustees as it from time to time may determine;
2. Stenographers, apprentices, pages and helpers in positions in- volving simple routine duties.
ARTICLE III. GRADED SERVICE.
1. The Graded service includes employees, except as above, in whom efficiency requires knowledge of library science and experience in its practice.
2. Positions in the Graded service are divided as follows :-
Grade 1, Branch librarians, heads of departments, and specially experienced or trained assistants, of whom are required independent responsibility and initiative in execu- tive positions and specialized duties.
Grade 2, Senior assistants. Of special experience, skill, and judgment, and capable of fixed responsibility.
Grade 3, Junior assistants. Of some training and acquaint- ance with library technique, and capable of skilful dis- charge of routine duties.
Grade 4, Apprentices.
3. Appointments to any grade are to be made by the Board of Trustees, upon recommendation of the Administration Committee and Librarian, from the list of eligible candidates as provided below.
4. Candidates for appointment must possess general and personal qualifications satisfactory to the Administration Committee and Librarian, and receive 75% or over in examinations appropriate to the several grades and positions, and except in the case of candidates for Grade 4, in "experience ratings" based. on actual library work.
5. Candidates for appointment to Grade 1, unless they be gradu- ates of recognized library schools, must have been engaged in library work in approved institutions at least three (3) years; to Grade 2, at least two (2) years; to Grade 3, at least three (3) months.
6. Candidates on an eligible list who decline an appointment when offered will be dropped from their standing in the list.
270
ANNUAL REPORTS.
ARTICLE IV.
EXAMINATIONS AND EXPERIENCE RATINGS.
1. Examinations for candidates for any grade shall cover both educational and technical subjects appropriate to the several posi- tions, and be held from time to time as the library service may require.
2. Examinations shall be open to members of the library service in the same or the next lower grade, and to such other persons as may satisfy the Administration Committee and Librarian of their fitness.
3. Examinations, in the main, shall be written, and the papers ranked by the examiner without knowledge of the candidate's identity; and all marks shall be subject to revision by the Administration Com- mittee.
4. "Experience ratings" shall be based upon the records of the candidates' work, the reports made by the superiors under whom the work is done, and the observations of the Administration.
5. The final mark determining eligibility shall be based, 40% upon the examinations, and 60% upon the "experience rating."
ARTICLE V.
APPRENTICES.
1. From time to time candidates will be admitted to Grade 4, Apprentices, for the purpose of receiving elementary instruction, and an "experience rating" based upon its practice.
2. Such candidates must have had the equivalent of a high school education, possess the required general and personal qualifications, be in good health, and between 18 and 25 years of age, and pass an en- trance examination based upon the high school curriculum.
3. Apprentices will serve for three (3) months, without pay, the regular schedule of 40.5 hours per week; the instruction and experi- ence received being deemed an equivalent to the service rendered. Ap- prentices whose work is unsatisfactory to the Administration Com- mittee and Librarian may at any time be advised to withdraw.
4. Those who receive 75% or over in the "experience rating" and in the technical examination at the end of the apprenticeship become eligible for appointment to Grade 3, but no appointment is in any way promised or guaranteed.
ARTICLE VI.
SALARIES.
1. The salaries of the Librarian and Assistant Librarian shall be fixed by the Board of Trustees as it may from time to time determine. 2. The salaries of other persons in the Non-Graded service shall be fixed by the Board, upon recommendation of the Administration Committee and Librarian.
3. Salaries in the Graded service shall be as follows :-
Grade 1, $650 to $900 per annum. 2, $540 to $600 -
3, $360 to $480 4, No salary.
-
College graduates entering Grade 3 shall receive $500 their first year and increases in regular course.
4. The salary first received by an appointee shall be the lowest salary for the grade; except that the Board may fix a higher salary when recommended by the Administration Committee and Librarian for special qualifications and responsibilities.
5. A member of the staff whose "experience rating" for one year is entirely satisfactory may be given an increase in salary of $60 for the
271
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
following year in the same grade; but such an increase shall not be beyond the salary limit of that grade, and shall rest wholly in the dis- cretion of the Administration Committee and Librarian.
. 6. Absences within the year of more than a week in excess of the vacation allowance shall delay for a like time the date of this increase.
ARTICLE VII.
VACATIONS AND ABSENCES.
1. Two vacation periods will be allowed annually without loss of pay; one of three weeks between June and October, the other of one week during the winter.
2. Occasional absences of a few hours for social or business reasons may be allowed by the Librarian; and conversely a few hours extra service may be asked in case of emergencies. These facts will be considered in determining "experience ratings."
3. Absences exceeding a week shall be brought to the attention of the Board, and action upon the salary allowance taken by it upon recommendation of the Administration Committee and Librarian.
ARTICLE VIII.
HOURS.
1. The hours are 40.5 per week, divided into eleven (11) periods, nine day and two evening, not exceeding two periods being required in one day.
2. Regular schedule A follows; two similar schedules B and C are made by moving the arrangement of hours down one and two days, respectively, so that the days with evening periods fall on Tuesday and Friday, and on Wednesday and Saturday.
3. Schedule A. Monday, 1-5, Tuesday, 9-1, 2:30-6 6-9 Wednesday, 9-1,
Thursday, 1-5, 6-9
Friday, 9-1, 2:30-6 1 Saturday, 9-1, 2:30-6 -
1
APPENDIX F.
NO. 1. STAFF APPLICATION.
To serve successfully the citizens using the Public Library, the spirit of self-sacrificing helpfulness, tact, energy, strength, and as much knowledge of affairs and books as possible, are absolutely necessary. Somerville, Mass.,. 191 I hereby make application to be examined for a position in the Public Library of the City of Somerville, and declare the answers to the following questions to be true.
1. Name in full.
2. Residence.
3. Date and place of birth.
4. Full name of parents or guardian.
5. Are you in good health? Is your eyesight of the best?
6. In what schools or colleges were you educated? and dates of courses.
Give names
7. What is your present occupation?
8. Have you ever been examined for public service? If so where and when?
What experience, business or professional, have you had? Stenography, typewriting, etc.
272
ANNUAL REPORTS.
10. What library education or experience have you had? Name any special work.
11. Particular reasons for choosing to prepare for the profession of librarian.
12. What is your idea of "working with the public"?
13. In what department do you prefer to work?
14. Other remarks.
NO. 2. SCHEDULE FOR EXPERIENCE RATINGS.
Nos. 1-2 concern the Physical; 3-5 the Mental; 7-9 Good Will.
Rank each half of Nos. 1-6 on basis of 5 points, Nos. 7-10 on 10 points; have in mind as a norm the best exemplification of the quality in a person of like grade.
1. Physical (a) strength and (b) endurance.
2. Personal (a) attractiveness and (b) neatness.
3. (a) Accuracy and (b) quickness.
4. (a) Alertness and (b) promptness.
5. (a) Persistence and (b) retentiveness.
6. (a) Commonsense and (b) general experience.
7. Attitude toward and manner with readers; young, old, "kickers."
8. Attitude toward and manner with staff associates and the "Ad- ministration."
9. Attitude toward work; "a job" or a profession, self-seeking or self-giving.
10. Ability to command and solve "a situation." Total.
1912 ed. under revision-250.
NO. 3. SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS FOR ACCOUNTING PURPOSES.
I .- PREPARATION.
Purchase: stores, lists, order cards, bibliography, order, check bills, check order cards, review, return: requests.
L. of C. cards; order, check, place. Stamp, paste.
Classify; subject headings, book no., revise; class record.
Catalogue; entry forms; name list, revise; card, revise; alphabet, insert, revise; bookcard, revise.
Shelf-list; card, revise; arrange, insert, revise.
Mark, revise; shellac.
Periodicals; check, cut, paste, table, file.
Binding; collect parts, record, ship, check, stamp, paste, card, shelf-list. 55.
II .- USE.
Care of shelves; read, replace, adjust.
Registration; take, verify, card, register, file, revise.
Circulation; charge, discharge, card, count; overdue, reserve, re- new; recard, repair; agency, deposits, inter-change, schools. Reference; questions, lists; study.
Counsel; superintendence; consultation; records. 31.
III .- REPAIR.
Compare other eds. and copies, determine condition.
If rebound; directions, record; ship, check, paste, mark, revise. shellac.
If withdrawn; stamp, correct shelf-list, note replacement data, de- termine; reorder; correct catalogue. 18.
273
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
IV .- ADMINISTRATION.
Publicity, correspondence, notices, reports.
Finance; purchase; audit, enter; pay-rolls, statements.
Executive; staff, processes, printing, fittings, buildings.
Librarian; conferences with reports to.
Committees, conferences, meetings.
Trustees; conferences, reports, records. 27.
EXTENSION OF CLASSIFICATION AND REVISION OF CATALOGUE. (Special 1912-1913.) V.
Make selection, check lists by catalogue, remove shelf-list cards, determine.
Fetch "selecteds"; reserve outs; clean labels.
Fetch catalogue cards; place cards in "selecteds."
Library congress cards; order, check, place.
Determine main entry; make name list, insert, revise.
Extend classification, subject headings, book number, revise, check cross references.
Recatalogue, adjust and write catalogue cards, revise; insert in Revised Catalogue, revise; book-card, revise.
Re-shelf-list; correct, recard, insert in Revised shelf-list; revise. Plate, mark, revise, shellac.
Re-shelve selecteds.
Determine irregularities; classification, card forms, entry words. Instruction, consultation.
Planning. 49.
APPENDIX G. Forms of General Interest. NO. 1. APPLICATION BLANK. No.
(Mr., Mrs., or Miss)
Issued
Renewed
I, (Sign here.)
a resident in the City of Somerville applying for the right to use its Public Library, agree to obey all Library rules promptly and to give immediate notice of any change of residence.
Residence
Business address.
Occupation
Name of husband, father (or boarding house)
His occupation
and business address,
274
ANNUAL REPORTS.
NO. 2. JUVENILE APPLICATION AND LETTER TO PARENT.
No
(Do not write above this line.)
Date
I, a minor resident in Somerville applying for the right to use its Public Library, agree to obey all Library rules promptly and to give immediate notice of any change of residence.
Sign name.
and age.
Number and street.
School and grade.
I, the parent or guardian of the above minor, consent to the above agreement and guarantee the prompt payment of all fines and costs incurred for over-detention or loss of, or damage to the Library's books and printed matter.
Parent or guardian signs name.
Street and number
Occupation.
NO. 3. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
CENTRAL LIBRARY, Highland Avenue. WEST SOMERVILLE BRANCH, 40 College Avenue. EAST SOMERVILLE BRANCH, 153 Perkins Street. UNION SQUARE BRANCH, Washington Street and Bonner Avenue.
191 ..
To the Parent or Guardian :---
We should be very glad to give to the bearer of this note a Library Card for borrowing books to read at home, if you will come to the Central Library or to any Branch and approve an application for the card, as the rules require parents and guardians to sign for minors under 18 years of age.
You will find at Central and the Branches, ready to be looked at and taken home, a great many magazines, pictures, music scores, and books for both children and grown people. Among them there is sure to be some book or paper of interest. Any resident of Som- erville may use the reading rooms and borrow books to take home. If you do not already use the Library yourself, this would be a good opportunity for you to see what books it has and to take a borrower's card in your own name.
If you cannot come to approve the minor's application we will mail one for you to approve at home if you will fill in and return the following request. Very respectfully yours,
DREW B. HALL, Librarian.
Over 100,000 volumes. Over 200 magazines and newspapers. Over 30,000 borrowers. Over 500,000 circulation.
To the Librarian :-
Please allow. .
to sign an application and mail it to me for my signature as I cannot come to the Library at present.
Sign
(Parent or Guardian.)
Date.
275
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
DATING SLIPS IN THREE CLASSES OF BOOKS ; PRINTED ON DIFFERENT TINTED PAPERS.
NO. 4. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This book may be kept SEVEN days. One novel, two current periodicals and several non-fiction may be "out" on one borrower's card at one time.
Please bear in mind that others also wish to use this book.
NO. 5. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This book may be kept FOURTEEN days. One novel, two current periodicals and several non-fiction may be "out" on one borrower's-card at one time.
Please bear in mind that others also wish to use this book.
NO. 6. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This book may be kept ONE MONTH unless it is needed by another reader; then, as is provided in the 1912 Regulation extend- ing the time limit from two weeks, this borrower agrees to return it immediately after the fourteenth day, on Recall notice from the Library. One novel, two current periodicals, and several non-fiction may be "out" on one borrower's-card at one time.
Please bear in mind that others also wish to use the Library's books.
NO. 7. RECALL NOTICE.
was by the Library records charged on your Card, No. on .. more than two weeks ago. The regulation extending the time limit from two weeks to a month pro- vides that (1) if a book is needed by another borrower, (2) it may be recalled after the first two weeks of the month have elapsed. As these two conditions apply to the book named above will you please return it.
The usual fine accrues, beginning two days after the date of this notice, and one week after date the book will be sent for at an added charge of twenty-five (25) cents.
Very respectfully, DREW B. HALL,
Librarian.
Please bear in mind that others also wish to use this book.
276
ANNUAL REPORTS.
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POST CARD : OVERDUE NOTICE. NO. 8. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
191
According to the desk records.
No taken
is still out on library card No
This notice is sent as a courtesy; a reminder that the book appears to be overdue and a fine accumulating. When replying always present this notice and your library card at the desk. The Library cannot notify borrowers of the dates when books become due, nor does it assume responsibility for their failure to receive notices; telephone and verbal messages are received at the borrowers' risk.
If no reply is received within a week from the date of this notice, a further reminder will be sent by registered mail at a cost of 25 cents.
The fine is two cents per volume for each day overdue, Sundays and holidays included.
Please remember that other borrowers would like to read this book.
NO. 9. REGISTERED LETTER OVERDUE NOTICE : BOUND IN BOOKS.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY. Somerville, Mass., 19 ... .
The book
numbered. charged according to the library records
on. to Borrower's Card number.
was due and a postcard reminder of the record has been sent you; but the book is still charged as above. Please return it at once with the fine as below.
Also please send in your card; for cancellation of the charge on the return of the book, or for examination if an error seems to exist in the record.
For. .days' fine at two cents . $ For postage, registering letter, etc. .25
Amount due . $
Very respectfully, DREW B. HALL, Librarian. By.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. REVISED LAWS, CHAPTER 208. Section 84. Who- ever wilfully, intentionally and without right or wantonly and without cause, detains a book, news- paper, magazine, pamphlet or manuscript which belongs to a law, city, town or other public or incorporated library, for thirty days after notice in writing, from the librarian thereof, containing a copy of this section and given after the expiration of the time which by the regulations of such library such book, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet or manuscript may be kept, shall be pu ished by a fine of not less than one nor more than twenty-five dollars, or by imprisonment for not more than six months.
PUBLIĆ LIBRARY.
1
277
NO. 10. BOUND IN BOOKS ; THE NARROW "TEAR-OFF" IS A LOAN DESK RECORD.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY INTERCHANGE REQUEST
Author
Title
191
Borrower's Surname.
Author
Central
Central
Title
West
West
East
East
Subject
Union
Union
Report. by Not in library; Lost;
Missing; Charged;
Sent to
bindery;
Reserved;
Contagious
disease.
Order filled.
.by . .
Interchange Request
NO. 11. BOUND IN BOOKS ; THE NARROW "TEAR-OFF" IS A LOAN DESK RECORD.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Special Loan of Reference or other Restricted
Books
191. .
I have this day received from the Library Author Title Number
I agree to keep it uninjured and to return it within. days.
Borrower's Signature
Address.
Library Card Number
Returned to Issuing Desk.
No.
Author
Title
Borrower's Name.
'Address
Card No
Loaned 191 ..
For
days
Returned
to
Loan
Desk
To Loan Desk
Please send this slip with the re- turned book to the Issuing Desk.
Special Loan
J
Date
Loaned to From
Borrower's Name ...
Address
Card No
Issued
278
ANNUAL REPORTS.
NO. 12. BOOK REQUEST FORM.
AUTHOR
TITLE
Published by Approximate
date. and price. Particular edition?
TO THE BOOK COMMITTEE
SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The above book is of general interest to me and and
special
others
I suggest
that its purchase be considered. :
seriously request
Cross out the italics above not applying to your recommendation.
Signature
Address
Date.
(Obverse.)
Remarks
Passed by. Ordered.
.of.
Received
Cost.
Approved.
Number
Returned.
NO. 13. SPECIALIST'S NEW BOOK NOTICE. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The following books have recently been added to the library, and as they seem likely to be of interest to you, they have been reserved, and will be held for you until 9 p. m. but will then be returned to general circulation unless you request a continuance of the reserve for another day. Very sincerely,
DREW B. HALL, Librarian.
Per
279
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
NO. 14. RESERVE POST CARD. CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
191. . ..
for which you asked is now at the delivery desk and will be reserved for you until 9 P. M.
Please present this notice with your library card at the delivery desk when calling for the book. DREW B. HALL, Librarian.
VACATION BOOKS.
Patrons of the Public Library may borrow on their regular cards, which will be retained at the library, ten (10) volumes to be returned at the close of their vacations; periodicals, seven day books, and other works in demand excepted.
Such books cannot be taken or returned during "busy times" at the loan desks, when the "regular" work would be delayed or inter- rupted by this special charging.
Any book, so borrowed, may be recalled after two (2) weeks if it is needed by another reader.
NO. 15. CONTAGIOUS DISEASE NOTICE ON RETURN POST CARD.
CITY OF SOMERVILLE-PUBLIC LIBRARY.
We have been notified by the Board of Health that there is a case of contagious disease at your house. If you have any books belong- ing to the library or its branches, please send us the titles, numbers, and the dates on which they were taken from the library, and keep the books until after the house has been fumigated.
No fines will be charged for the detention of books over time, provided notice is given on the attached card, as requested above, and immediately after fumigation this card and the books are returned to the desk from which they were borrowed. This notice supersedes regular notices as to overdues.
APPENDIX H. Facts About Somerville.
Residential suburb, north of and adjoining Boston, east of Cambridge (Harvard Square one mile), and "20 minutes from Park Street." Area, 4.2 square miles.
Assessed valuation, 1912, $69,570,640.
Funded debt, 1913, $1,674,000.
Public property, $5,600,000.
Population, 80,000.
Pupils in school, 15,000; school buildings, 30.
Central library building on Central Hill Park.
West Somerville branch, 11/2 miles from Central; East Somerville branch, 34 miles, and Union Square branch, 34 miles from Central. The latter two are 34 miles apart also.
BOARD OF HEALTH. 1912.
WESLEY T. LEE, M. D., Chairman. JACKSON CALDWELL. WILLIAM P. FRENCH.
Clerk and Agent to Issue Burial Permits. GEORGE H. GALPIN, resigned March 12, 1912. LAURENCE S. HOWARD, appointed March 18, 1912.
Agent. CALEB A. PAGE.
Medical Inspector. FRANK L. MORSE, M. D.
Inspector of Animals and Provisions. CHARLES M. BERRY, V. S.
Inspector of Milk and Vinegar. HERBERT E. BOWMAN, Ph. G.
Plumbing Inspector. DUNCAN C. GREENE.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH.
OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH, City Hall, January 1, 1913.
To His Honor, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen :---
Gentlemen,-We respectfully submit the following as the thirty-fifth annual report of the board of health, in which is presented a statement, tabulated and otherwise, of the sanitary condition of the city and the business of the board for the year ending December 31, 1912 :-
Nuisances.
A record of nuisances abated during the year, in compli- ance with notices issued by the board, or under the board's direction, is presented in the following table :-
Complaints investigated and causes removed :-
Animals kept in cellars
2
Blacksmith shops whitewashed .
14
Cellars, water in
12
Cellars, filthy
12
Cesspools removed
2
Chimney too low
1
Defective garbage houses
3
Dirty milk utensils
24
Factories filthy
5
Fish. foul odors from .
Garbage thrown in yards
1 14
Horses being kept in yard .
1
Manure heaps, foul odors from
8 3
Milk rooms, screens not on
14
Plumbing unsanitary
17
Privy vaults, foul odors from
1
Roosters crowing
1 16
Sewer openings, foul odors from
6
Stables offensive .
1 6
Stables whitewashed
70
Stables ventilated
1
Stores (bakeries) whitewashed .
20
Stores and utensils dirty
6
Standing water, foul odor from
2
Standing water under stables
2
Tenements filthy .
2
Tenements unsanitary
2
Unlicensed animals
12
Unclassified
35
Water-closets, foul odors from
7
Water-closets without water
5
Water pipes burst
5
Water turned off, house not tenantable .
13
Yards filthy
202
Total -
. .
.
.
-
. 557
1 2
Hens being kept without permit
Hens running at large
3
Milk license not posted
Rubbish on vacant land
Slops thrown on ground or from window
.
Fish exposed for sale
282
ANNUAL REPORTS.
Complaints referred from 1911
8 557
Complaints received 1912
Total
565
Complaints referred to 1913 .
8
Nuisances abated 1912 . 557
Second, third, and fourth notices sent on
nuisances .
37
Total notices sent 594
In addition to the above, 297 dead animals have been re- moved from the public streets, and many nuisances have been abated on verbal notice from the agent, without action by the board, of which no record has been made. Each spring the whole city is examined, and cellars, yards and alleyways where rubbish and filth have collected are required to be cleaned.
Glanders .- Fifty-nine cases of glanders have been reported during the year. Prompt action was taken in every case, and fifty-four of the horses were killed, five being released from quarantine by order of the cattle commissioners.
Permits.
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