As college libraries form such an important part of the work of their respective institutions, a glance at the relative size of the libraries of American colleges will not be amiss. The latest table of figures which is authoritative is taken from the ninth edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica dated 1881. Of course since that time some changes in the relative positions have taken place, but they are not many, and the list stands substantially correct to day as regards position. The growth of all American libraries has, however, been rapid during the last few years and large numbers of books have been added to almost all the collegiate libraries. Take our own for an example and it shows the following rapid progress. In 1876 the Harvard library contained 227,650 volumes, in 1881 these figures had increased to 259,000, and in the present catalogue the number of volumes is set at 290,800

In order that the high stand of college libraries in the country may be seen, their rank is given with relation to the whole number of libraries in the United States. For sake of reference the twelve largest libraries are added, and among them are found the libraries of both Harvard (third) and Yale (eighth)