Hand-Book of Mechanics' Institutions, with Priced Catalogue of Books Suitable for Libraries

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ...Institution. A thin board, about 15 inches high, is placed upright before the Librarian. Upon it are the numbers of all the books arranged in vertical columns. One to 100, --101 to 200, and so on, so that the tens and units of each hundred are in a horizontal line, and, therefore, easily found by the eye. In every number is a small hole, and on each book being taken from the library, a small brass-headed nail is placed in the hole of that number. On each book being returned, the nail is taken from the hole, and placed in a tray at the bottom to be used again. The advantage of this plan is that the state of the circulation may be seen almost at a glance, and any member requiring a book may ascertain, by looking at the board, whether it is in circulation. Books needing repair have a nail placed in the hole with a small collar of blue paper, and those for reference only have a collar of red paper. Those books only, the numbers of which have the holes empty, are free for circulation. Bespoke Book.--In libraries where many books are much in request, and members are anxious to secure the opportunity of perusing them, it is convenient to have a bespoke book, so that each member who has entered hi request may be supplied in turn. It is also advisable to have a book in the Reading-room always accessible to the members, in which entries should be made of any book which a member wishes to be procured, stating the title, price, and name of the publisher. Any suggestions for the improvement of the Institute, or complaints, might also be made in this book, which should be submitted to the Committee at every meeting. Every entry should be signed by the member making it, and also by such other members as are favourable to its adoption. INTRODUCTION TO THE..