University Libraries.-In comparison with the libraries of some of the provincial univer sities, that of the University de Paris, or the Bibliotheque de la Sorbonne (600,000 vols.), is of relatively recent birth, having been founded in 1762. Next to the Bibliotheque Nationale it is the richest in special collections and source material. In 1897 it was housed in the build ings of the New Sorbonne, even then inade quate for its collections. Many of the pro vincial university libraries date from the mediaeval foundations of their schools. Thus the Bibliotheque Universitaire, Aix-en-Provence (85,000 vols., 63,000 theses) was established in 1409, that of the University of Bordeaux (107, 000 vols., 174,400 theses) in 1441. More recent foundations are the University of Grenoble (1879; 175,000 vols.) ; Lille (407,000 vols., 194, 000 theses); Lyon (137,352 vols., 117,000 theses); Montpellier (126,399 vols., 127,000 theses) ; Nancy (107,254 vols., 106,000 theses); Poitiers (114,000 vols., 170,000 theses) ; Rennes (1733; 193,000 vols., 68,000 theses); Toulouse (1879; 140,000 vols.).
Prior to the 20th century France was per haps better supplied with excellent collections of hooks than other countries. Her institutions have tended to cling to old methods, hence the modern movement that has transformed biblio graphic systems in the United States and Eng land has been but slowly accepted there. In
1906, however, the Minister of Public Instruc tion appointed a committee to study the condi tion of the archives and libraries of France which presented a report recommending radical reforms in methods, and a more liberal treat ment of libraries and their personnel in income and scholarly recognition. At this time, also, a national library association was founded and a periodical started which might serve as an organ of intercommunication between libra rians. There is every reason for believing that this movement will prove as wholesome for library conditions in France as the similar ones in Great Britain and America. Consult Mar cel, H., and others, (Bibliotheque Nationale' (2 vols., Paris 1907); Franklin, 'Guides des savants, des litterateurs, etc., de Paris' (Paris 1908) • Le Prince, 'Essai historique sur la Bibliotheque du Roi, aujourd'hui Bibliotheque Imperiale) (Paris 1856); Martin, (Histoire de la Bibliotheque de l'ArsenaP (Paris 1899); Morel, 'Le Developpement des Bibliotheques publiques' (Paris 1899) ' • Mortreuil, 'La Bibli otheque Nationale' (Paris 1878); Pecheur, (Histoire des bibliotheques publiques du De partment de l'Aisne' (Soissons 1884) ; Saint Albin, 'Les bibliotheques municipales de la Ville de Paris> (Paris 1896) • Supercaze, 'Les bibliotheques populaires, scliolaires et Oda gogiques) (Paris 1892).