Just a few thoughts

This book is really fascinating. Same with Blair, what struck me most is the conflict and reconciliation of the two professions in the process of professionalization which were embodied in building public libraries. Van Slyck must be highly sensitive and insightful to be able to sense all the subtle relationships including controls, conflicts, struggles, cooperations, etc.

However, I am somewhat surprised by the comments on the last two chapters. To me, these chapters make the story complete, both in structure and in content.