Page:The small library. A guide to the collection and care of books (IA smalllibraryguid00browiala).pdf/153

 wants a book on ferns to go to a series of book shelves and find displayed the whole literature of botany, arranged in logical order, and thus obtain in five minutes a better conception of his own subject and its relationships, than could be got by hours of study in a catalogue. The effect of access to the shelves has a tendency to convert mere 'readers' into students, and to introduce to notice hundreds of good books which would otherwise remain unknown. This latter fact can easily be ascertained by comparing the issue labels of certain historical, biographical and scientific works in an open and closed library. In the former case such works are generally dated to show frequent issues, while in the latter the issues recorded are either few in number or non-existent. There are other practical details of modern library practice, but these must be sought for in the special works noted in the Appendix. With these remarks, the following draft Rules are submitted as a series of suggestions for the compilation of codes suitable for small municipal libraries. Anything which does not suit local circumstances can be omitted, as hours and conditions must be fixed accordingly.

[] RULES AND REGULATIONS.

1.—The Library of is a society established for purposes of literature and science exclusively. The Librarian shall have the general charge of the library, and shall be responsible for the safe keeping of the books and for all the property belonging thereto.