Garnett on "British Museum System" (an article), Dewey's "Decimal Classification," Greenwood's "Public Libraries," Brown's "Library Appliances," and a few review articles. Of all the books in this appalling list, the unfortunate candidate is expected to bring up "a thorough knowledge."
If the questions set are not absurdly superficial, the test is absurdly severe, and it is no wonder that candidates fail to present themselves. It should, of course, be understood that the examiners are nearly all librarians of popular libraries, and that the examination is intended for candidates for posts in those libraries. A set of questions given last year (1896) is here appended.
THE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
QUESTIONS SET AT THE EXAMINATION IN JULY 1896
Bibliography
Time 2½ hours. Five questions must be answered, including at least two among Nos. 1, 2, 5, and 7.
1. (a) Mention the titles of five block-books, (b) In what town was printing in use in the year 1470?
2. What do you remember of Horne's remarks on the rarity of books?
3. When did the following printers flourish, and for what are they chiefly known: (i.) Antony Koburger; (ii.) Foulis; (iii.) Bodoni; (iv.) Baskerville; (v.) Julian Notary.
4. (a) Explain the following terms: (i.) Register; (ii.) Palimpsest; (iii.) Colophon; (iv.) Incunabula; (v.) Format; (vi.) Gros bâtarde; (vii.) Inset. (b) What is meant by (i.)