Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/13

Rh incident to the accommodation of books, and the adaptation of all parts of a library to the public service, have been actually dealt with in the most civilised parts of the world. Librarians and architects are thus supplied with a number of models to choose from, and abundant hints for further deve10pment from the combination of the best points of existing edifices. With this will be found much valuable counsel respecting the organisation of a library in. so far as the material fabric is concerned, including in this deﬁnition furniture and fittings, mechanical aids to efficiency, and protection from fire and other perils.

One important feature of a work like this is that it enables us in a manner to codify the maxims already deduced from experience. It will be found that there are many points upon which librarians are practically unanimous; arrangements common to most of the leading libraries here described, other arrangements which they practically concur in rejecting. Such observations may be developed into a code of rules, extending gradually by experience, until, allowing for the inevitable differences in the special needs of the various libraries, all important points have the sanction of general consent. It is impossible to enumerate such details within the limits of a preface. One cardinal rule may be laid down, always to design with reference to the probable future of the library. If it is destined to perpetual insignificance, no particular provision is necessary; but if to a great expansion, this should be foreseen and provided for from the