Page:The small library. A guide to the collection and care of books (IA smalllibraryguid00browiala).pdf/152

 ing on an average to 300 or 500 a day, it is unwise to use indicators for any class of books save fiction. A library with a rapidly growing stock, which employs an indicator for all classes of books, is certain to reach a point where further expansion of the indicator is impossible, and then great difficulties are introduced. It should always be remembered that non-fiction forms about 70 per cent to 75 per cent of the total stock, but that it is not issued in the lending library to a greater extent than about 30 per cent to 35 per cent.; consequently it is wrong to add a constantly growing but little used apparatus to the equipment, when it is more likely to prove an obstruction than an aid as regards nearly three-fourths of the stock and work. An indicator for fiction only, plus a card-charging system in a busy lending library, is a reasonable compromise, but in small libraries a good card-charging system is infinitely more economical and satisfactory. There are plenty of simple and accurate card-charging systems on the market for recording the issues of books and enabling them to be traced at any moment, and these can be seen at any library outfitters. These card-registration systems are very rapid in operation, and when worked in conjunction with open shelves, furnish a perfect and satisfactory method of book issue and record. The public in general take more interest in libraries and the books they contain, when allowed direct access to closely classified shelves, there to examine before selecting literature. It is an education for a man who