From: Julie <juliecummins>
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:17:12 -0400 (GMT-04:00)

I've been following this thread on early children's books editors and Anne Carroll Moore with great interest since I am one who followed in her very large footprints as the seventh Coordinator of Children's Services at New York Public Library. Her mantle was heavy and yes, without doubt, she had her quirks. Despite the barbs aimed at her character, she was a significant and major influence on children's publishing.

Speaking for her 'good' side, I offer the following "respects" that she taught to all new children's librarians. Frances Clarke Sayers cites them in her biography of ACM, titled ANNE CARROLL MOORE published in 1972 by Atheneum.

"The Four Respects"
 1. Respect for children. Think of and respect them as individuals and neither talk down to them or call them pet names. Consider their requests and to satisfy them.

2.Respect for books. They were to be well-written and none rewritten in words of one syllable. All books were to be sincerely and clearly written.

3.The third respect was for fellow workers. Remember that 'we' were part of the whole. Branch work concerned all staff and all were to receive due credit and respect for their share in it. Know something of the other library departments, ask for and give cooperation.

4. The fourth respect was for the professional standing of children's librarians. They were not to be dictated to by others against their better judgement. ACM felt children's librarians were the best trained and most informed staff members on the subject of children's books and reading.

And how appropriate these 'respects' are still today!

Let's just say the old gal had her good points.

Julie Cummins Former Coordinator of Children's Services, The New York Public Library
Received on Sun 27 Jul 2008 07:17:12 PM CDT