FREDERICK W. FAXON,
Editor Useful Reference Series.
AUTHOR’S PREFACE
On being asked to write on “Library Architecture” for this series I hesitated, knowing little about the subject except as applied to the insides of libraries. But on this limited branch I have had some experience which I am willing to embody under the narrower title finally chosen, for the benefit of librarians, architects, and building committees. I even venture to hope some chapters may get to the notice of trustees, donors, and other citizens interested in libraries.
The themes of this volume are:
- Preëminence of utility over display.
- The practical nature of library work.
- The importance and variety of its details.
- Their differentiation from other kinds of work.
- The vital need of consulting library experts.
The treatment adopted is, to cover every point and touch on every detail involved in building a large library of any class. I hope that readers interested in lesser libraries, even those of small grades, may be able to pick out hints to help them, or at least to look ahead to growth and larger problems yet to come.
I have not undertaken to discuss methods of library work, and only allude to them so far as they affect construction. Nor have I undertaken to recommend specific makes of furniture or fittings, although I have felt free in a few instances to suggest principles which should govern selection.