John Cotton Dana,
A Library Primer — Chapter XXXV, Advice to a librarian
(1899)
“ As a matter of fact the position of librarian is more of an executive business affair than a literary one. Let me give you fair warning—it is in no sense your business to dictate to others as to what they may or may not, should or should not, read, and if you attempt to assume such responsibility you will make unnumbered enemies, and take upon yourself a thankless and uncalled-for task. ”
John Cotton Dana,
A Library Primer — Chapter XXXV, Advice to a librarian
(1899)
“ I have been impressed with the fact that librarians seem to think that they must or ought to know everything, and get to think they do know. It is a delusion. One can't know it all, and only a hopeless case tries. ”
John Cotton Dana,
A Library Primer — Chapter XXXV, Advice to a librarian
(1899)
“ Be more than content to be ignorant on many things. Look at your position as a high-grade business one, look after the working details, have things go smoothly, know the whereabouts and classification of the books, and let people choose their own mental food, but see to it that all that is put before them is wholesome. ”
