In addition to the very uncertain and unsatisfactory method of thus choosing new books by their titles, because it amounts to very little else, some arrangement is required whereby libraries can obtain non-fictional books on view, so that they can be properly examined before being ordered. Publishers are generally willing to submit new publications to librarians through their booksellers, and visits to large book stores should be made frequently. A good plan is for a public library to maintain one or two subscriptions with a large commercial circulating library, through which new books may be read or examined.
204.
204. The best guides to the titles of old books, which, of course, include modern books other than recent publications, will be found in [Appendix II.], [p. 507]. Here again, no doubt owing to the largeness of the field, notes in aid of choice are badly wanted. Nelson’s and Sonnenschein’s books are the best in this respect, if the special annotated lists in the latter are excepted.
Bibliography
205. General
205. General:
Bascom, E. L. Book Selection. In A.L., Man. of Lib. Econ. Preprint of chapter xvi., 1915.
Bisseker, H. (Ed.). Students’ Library, 1911. Kelly.
Brown, J. D. The Small Library, 1907. Routledge.