Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/131

Rh inches may be considered enough, but this should be considerably increased in the rooms used for study and in reference libraries. An ordinary chair is about 18 inches across, but arm-chairs will take a floor space of quite 24 inches, and a little room must be left for movement of the chairs. In the Mitchell Library at Glasgow, where it has been necessary to pack the readers in the smallest possible space, 196 persons are seated at 14 tables in a room 68 feet by 38, an allowance of less than 13 square feet of floor space for each reader, as part of the room is taken up with use of catalogue counter, &c. To allow of proper freedom in movement, at least 16 square feet floor space should be given to each reader in a magazine- or newsroom, and 20 in the reading-room of the reference library.

Flat topped tables are generally used for newspapers and magazines, but some should be provided in the reference library with sloping tops for the accommodation of the larger books. These should have a slight ledge at the bottom edge to prevent books and papers from sliding on to the floor. In libraries where there are valuable books, the table tops should be padded to prevent injury to the bindings. In the Newcastle-upon-Tyne reference library they are covered with billiard-table cloth, in the British Museum with cowhide. A few of the tables in the reference reading-room should be fitted with slides for use when several books are consulted.

The British Museum provides an elaborate desk