REPORT.
COPY OF A LETTER
Addressed severally to the Hon. Edward Everett, of Cambridge; Charles Folsom, esq., Librarian of the Boston Athenæum; Joseph G. Cogswell, esq., Superintendent of the Astor Library, New York; George Livermore, esq., of Boston; Samuel F. Haven, esq., Librarian of the American Antiquarian Society, and the Rev. Edward E. Hale, of Worcester.
Dear Sir: The Smithsonian Institution, desirous of facilitating research in literature and science, and of thus aiding in the increase and diffusion of knowledge, has resolved to form a general catalogue of the various libraries in the United States, and I submit to you for examination the plans proposed by Professor Jewett, librarian of the Institution, for accomplishing this object.
1st. A plan for stereotyping catalogues of libraries by separate titles, in a uniform style.
2d. A set of general rules, to be recommended for adoption by the different libraries of the United States, in the preparation of their catalogues.
Professor Jewett will present to you his plans in person, and I beg leave, in behalf of the Executive Committee of the Institution, to request that you will give this subject that attention which its importance demands, and report:
First. On the practicability of the plan presented.
Second. On the propriety of adopting the rules proposed.
You will also confer a favor on the Institution, by giving any suggestions with regard to the general proposition of forming a catalogue of all the libraries in this country.