As Jewish Book Month approaches, here is a lighthearted offering from
Princeton University's Center of Jewish Life/Hillel. Feel free to use and
adapt it as you see fit.
Eliza Gouverneur, CJL Librarian
Rules of [Library] Conduct
Loosely based on the 'Ethics of the Fathers'
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
The Center for Jewish Life desired to purify <?xml:namespace prefix = st1
ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Israel;
Hence they established a Library rich in rules of conduct.
The library is based on three principles:
Study, kindliness, and getting books back on time.
Let your library be wide open to all;
Treat the books as members of your own family.
Get yourself a study partner
And judge all texts favorably.
Keep aloof from a page folder,
And do not associate with one who writes in library books.
Be of the disciples of Aaron,
Loving peace and pursuing quiet.
Be one who loves all fellow library patrons,
And draws them near to a good source.
Say little but do much,
And receive all questions cheerfully.
Be careful to report a minor repair
Just as well as a major one.
Value another's research as you would your own;
Sacrifice your convenience for the sake of leaving books for
others.
Let another student's quiet conversation be as dear to you as you own
And do not be easily provoked to anger.
Know whence each book came, whither it is going
And make sure to keep a strict account.
Give to the library a book of your own,
For you will be able to borrow it again.
One who treats books well is liked by librarians;
One who does not treat books well is not liked by anyone.
Who is wise? One who learns from every book.
Who is strong? One who subdues the temptation to take a book without
signing it out.
One good read draws another good read.
And one transgression leads to a fine.
Who is rich? One who has a library to use.
Who is honored? One who honors the library.
Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author
and are not necessarily endorsed by the AJL
===========================================================
Submissions for Ha-Safran, send to: Hasafran @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
Questions, problems, complaints, compliments;-) send to: galron.1 @ osu.edu
Ha-Safran Archives:
Current:
http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/maillist.html
History:
http://www.mail-archive.com/hasafran%40lists.acs.ohio-state.edu/history.html
AJL HomePage http://www.JewishLibraries.org
