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One of the most formidable problems in developing a satisfactory universal classification is the restriction imposed by standard forms of notation. The principal classification systems, Dewey, Universal Decimal, Library of Congress, Bliss, and even Colon, have been seriously inhibited by their notations. In all except Dewey, an attempt has been made to surmount this difficulty by such devices as special arbitrary symbols, decimals necessitating a four‐line call number, Greek letters, or positional mixed notation. In none of the classifications, however, has it proved possible to add new major classes, on a par with the original ones, because of the fundamental limitations in the primary notation.

Life studies are a rich source for further research on the role of the Afro‐American woman in society. They are especially useful to gain a better understanding of the Afro‐American experience and to show the joys, sorrows, needs, and ideals of the Afro‐American woman as she struggles from day to day.

The Classification Research Group was founded early in the 1950s and Leo Jolley joined a few years later. He was not able to attend every meeting, but when he did, he usually came armed with a very substantial contribution, and between meetings he regularly wrote in to comment on the minutes which he had received. He was a valued friend, and from conversations with him I know that he found the CRG meetings stimulating, and I believe that it was particularly in this area of the theory of integrative levels that he derived a good deal of value himself from our meetings.

The following annotated bibliography of materials on orienting users to the library and on instructing them in the use of reference and other resources covers publications from 1980. Several items from 1979 were included because information about them had not been available in time for the 1980 listing. Some entries were not annotated because the compiler was unable to secure a copy of the item.

THIS number of THE LIBRARY WORLD closes one of the most distinguished years in the history of libraries. The opening of the National Central Library by the King on November 7th was undoubtedly the most important public happening in this country, not only of that particular day, but for a very long period. For the first time the highest personage in the land gave his countenance and approval to the work of the public library through the National Central Library which is its natural crown. In describing the Library as “a university which all may join and which none may ever leave,” His Majesty added a memorable phrase to library literature, and gave a new impulse to library activity.

The Library Association of Ireland issued last month the first number of An Leabharlann, their new official journal. The title, for those of us who do not speak the language of Erin, means The Library. It is an extremely interesting venture which will be followed by librarians on the mainland with sympathetic curiosity. In particular our readers would be interested in the first of a series of articles by Father Stephen J. Brown, S.J., on Book Selection. The worthy Father lectures on this subject at University College, Dublin, in the Library School. It is mainly concerned with what should not be selected, and deals in vigorous fashion with the menace of much of current published stuff. No doubt Father Brown will follow with something more constructive. Mr. T. E. Gay, Chairman of the Association, discusses the need for a survey of Irish libraries and their resources. We agree that it is necessary. The Net Books Agreement, the Council, Notes from the Provinces, and an article in Erse—which we honestly believe that most of our Irish friends can read—and an excellent broadcast talk on the Library and the Student by Miss Christina Keogh, the accomplished Librarian of the Irish Central Library, make up a quite attractive first number. A list of broadcast talks given by members of the Association is included.

Aarhus Kommunes Biblioteker (Teknisk Bibliotek), Ingerslevs Plads 7, Aarhus, Denmark. Representative: V. NEDERGAARD PEDERSEN (Librarian).

SOME amount of loss by enemy action has occurred in libraries since our last writing, but none of it has been on such a scale as we had to record earlier. This may be due to the more restricted raiding of the winter months, and, as we have so often remarked, is no assurance that more and great damage may not be endured—for it will be endured—when the boasted offensive takes place. It is gratifying to know that readers in heavily bombed areas continue faithful to libraries. Books have taken an even higher place lately, and if in these areas the circulation figures are smaller, it is because the populations are smaller. Individual readers use more books than ever.

The adaptability of the theory of integrative levels to a generalised classification scheme is questioned in that its hypotheses have not been adequately developed and confirmed. Application to the humanistic disciplines seems particularly inappropriate. Relationships between nineteenth century philosophical systems are traced and the Classification Research Group's dependence upon James Duff Brown's classification scheme is emphasized. It is suggested that not enough cognisance has been taken of twentieth century relativistic thinking in which space‐time is treated as a continuum.