Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/63

 CHAPTER III

METHODS OF SHELVING THE BOOKS, AND CONSTRUCTION OF BOOKCASES IN WOOD AND METAL

is important to fully consider the different methods of shelving books, in order that the most economical arrangement may be adopted, and a true estimate of the maximum number of volumes which a library will hold be arrived at. Considera- tion has already been given to the difference be- tween the alcove and the stack systems; this chapter will, therefore, be chiefly concerned with the question of the size, shape, materials, fittings, and construction of the shelves and bookcases. Bookcases may be of two kinds. In one the books are only shelved upon one side, the flat back being generally placed against the wall—these are termed "wall-cases"; in the second, the cases have shelves on both sides, and are placed in the centre of the rooms away from the walls—these may be termed "stack cases."

In considering what height the bookcases should be, we have, firstly, to endeavour to obtain some unit which may be divided by the shelves into spaces which will take the books without wasting 39