Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/105

Rh been issued) the tray or trays contain 500 blocks from the indicator, with 500 readers' tickets sandwiched between them. The librarian takes the first pair, and sees that the number of the reader's ticket entered on the block is correct. He then enters in the reader's ticket the number of the block (or book) issued and the date, and places it in a numbered compartment of what is to all intents and purposes a second compressed indicator. He then picks up the block again, and under the number of the reader's ticket puts the date of issue and number of the compartment in which the reader's ticket has just been placed. The block is then returned to the public indicator and is replaced, but this time with the title edge turned towards the staff, to indicate that the book is out. On the return of the volume the assistant goes to the indicator, takes out the block, and reads the date and issue number of the last entry. Supposing it is the 201st of the 11th inst., he turns to the reader's ticket indicator frame for the 11th, and takes out the ticket from compartment 201, which he gives to the borrower, and replaces the wood block, this time with the title end to the public in the indicator, to show that the book is now obtainable.

The chief feature of this indicator is the register or indicator of readers' tickets. A separate frame is used for each day of issue, the date being shown by a movable slide at the top. Those for the last week of issue will be comparatively full of readers' tickets, those for earlier dates more empty. If the time allowed for reading is a fortnight, for example,