Different types have been used as follows:
- Author Headings.
- Subject headings.
- Title entries.
In a catalogue of local literature, full bibliographical entries would make the volume inordinately long and unnecessarily expensive. Nevertheless, much of this kind of literature requires comparatively long entries, or the items catalogued (many of which do not appear in any other catalogues or bibliographies) are hardly identifiable. In the former editions, practically all entries were confined to one line, but, in the present case, no such artificial restriction has been adopted, and comparatively full titles have been given.
With all these explanations, however, the chief reason for the enormous growth of the catalogue is the growth of the collection itself. In 1885 there were less than 80,000 volumes in the Reference Library. Now there are nearly 275,000, and the large number of entries with numbers over 200,000 shows how rapidly the collection is still growing.
The catalogue has been prepared under great difficulties. The re-cataloguing of so large a collection occupied many months and was not finished when the war broke out. As the slips for books on the same subjects were often made at long intervals, it was intended to subject them to considerable editorial revision before sending them to the printer, but, with a sadly depleted staff, this could not be done to the extent that had been hoped. Consequently, inconsistencies will be found, though none, it is hoped, of a very serious nature. The progress of the catalogue through the press has also been slow, owing to shortage of staff both at the library and at the printers. This will explain the inclusion of certain books in the latter part of the volume under one entry only, the other entries remaining in manuscript.
It is a pleasure to express hearty and cordial thanks to those who have helped the work.
Mr. Councillor E. Marston Rudland proposed the printing of the catalogue during his Chairmanship of the Committee, and, notwithstanding long absences from Birmingham on war work during the last two years, has followed the work with the greatest possible interest.
Mr. Howard S. Pearson has been a generous donor to the Birmingham Collection for many years, and his great knowledge of Birmingham literature gives special value to his introduction to this Catalogue. He has also read the whole of the proofs, and it is difficult to express the thanks that are his due.
Mr. R. K. Dent, historian of Birmingham and Librarian of Aston Manor Public Library from its opening in 1878 till its inclusion in the city in 1911, has not only read all the proofs, but has supplied most of the historical notes to be found in the catalogue. His wide knowledge, great enthusiasm, and kindly help, ungrudgingly given, have been of the greatest possible assistance.
Of the services of Mr. Herbert J. Cashmore, Deputy Chief Librarian, it is impossible to speak too highly. So far as the preparation of the "slips" was concerned. Mr. Cashmore simply carried out official duties, though I suspect that much of the work was done in his own time. But shortly after the printing was begun. Mr. Cashmore joined the Army, and has since had an exceptionally busy time. Notwithstanding this, he has read through the whole of the proofs, both in galley and pages, in his 'spare' time. His corrections and suggestions made, not in the Library with the material at hand, but from a military camp, have been a wonderful tribute to his knowledge and enthusiasm, as well as his recollection of the details of much the obscure literature which passed through his hands.
Thanks are also due to Mr. E. J. Packer (Chief Assistant), Messrs F. J. Patrick, J. F. C. Watson, G. L. Burton, and Miss A. D. Mackintosh, members of the staff, for work on the catalogue at different stages of its progress.
