A Library Primer

ing, fixture

n haste to build. As a rule it is better to start in temporary quarters, and let the building fund accumulate while trustees and librarian gain experience, and the needs

, easy access, ample space, and sufficient light. The library and the reading room should be, if possible, on the same floor. Make the exterior attractive,

ns are made. While no specific plan can be recommended that would suit all cases, there are a few general rules that meet with the a

g should be planne

ed especially for the kind of work to

ught to be planned before

nt should be sacrificed for

probabilities and possibilit

is essential in the worki

lanned with a view to ec

arranged as to allow complete supervis

ughout as much natur

e ceiling, to light thoroughly

ld be placed opposite the i

most in use should be shelved in fl

e left between floor cases. (If the pu

uld be higher than a person of moderat

quartos should be prov

are preferable to

floor cases in large rooms with space between the tops of the bookcas

s for readers near the books they want to

en shelves, and a depth of eight inches, are good dimensions for ordinary cases. Shelves should be made mov

open as possible. A light rail will keep intruders out of a private corner, and yet will not shut out light, or

-wood table is more dignified and easier kept clean than a cheaply carved one of oak. But get solid, honestly-made, simple furniture of oak or similar wood, if funds permit. Arm-chairs are not often desirable. They take up much room, are heavy to move, a

dvisable. Don't crowd your cases close to

d the projecting ends of the pegs, thus giving no obstructions to the free movement of the books. With some forms of pegs the slots are not needed. The uprights are made of inch and a half stuff, or even inch and an eighth. The shelves are inch stuff, finished to seven-eighths of an inch. The backs are half inch stuff, tongued and grooved and put in horizontally. This case-unit (3'

the duty and true economy of providing skilled assistants, comforta

trays, and labor-saving devices of all kinds

ade from a combination of wood and steel has been very successfully adapted to this use, and at a price within the reach of all libraries. One of the principal advantages in buying such "steel stack" shelving,