A Plan, Not Yet a Fact
The proposal — a clearly stated aim, a brief account of the current situation, suggested improvements under their own headings, persuasive language built on modal verbs, and a conclusion asking directly for approval — written by Demetria to settle what the essay only argued about, taught by Sophia and precisely footnoted by Philo.
So I'm meant to solve what Philo only argued about — catalogue everything, or leave room for someone to trip over the next diary?
A proposal doesn't have to choose one side entirely. It has to describe, precisely, what should happen next — and make whoever reads it want to say yes.
Stating the Aim
The report opened by stating its purpose. Is this the same move?
Related, but aimed forward instead of back: "This proposal outlines a plan for cataloguing the storerooms while preserving space for undirected discovery." A report opens on what already happened. A proposal opens on what hasn't happened yet.
The Current Situation, Briefly
"At present, storeroom contents are catalogued irregularly, which recently allowed a diary to remain undiscovered for years." One sentence of background, then straight to the plan.
Brief enough that no one falls asleep before you've said what you actually want.
Suggested Improvements, Under Their Own Headings
Routine Cataloguing. Every arrival logged within a week. The Uncatalogued Shelf. One shelf per storeroom left deliberately unsorted, open to any scholar on the last day of the month.
You've given the clerk his order and given me my chaos, each its own heading, each easy for the Librarian to approve separately if not both together.
Persuasive Language, Built on Modals
Notice which verbs you're reaching for — the same family we studied for certainty and obligation, now doing persuasive work instead.
"This would reduce future confusion. It should also satisfy those, like Philo, who value a well-timed accident. The library could even publicize the monthly shelf as an event in its own right." Confident enough to sound decided, careful enough to still sound like a suggestion.
Asking Directly for Approval
"For these reasons, I recommend the Librarian approve both measures for a trial period of one year." Is that too forward, ending on a request?
It's the entire point of the form. A report closes a matter that's already settled. A proposal closes by asking someone to settle it — plainly, and by name.
Approved, provisionally — which leaves you two, and neither of you is writing about the library at all this time.
The letters.