Fig. 2.[2]—Standard Book-case without Partition.
The shelves should have rounded edges, and ought not to exceed 3′ or 3′ 6″ in length. If longer ones are used they must be thin, in order to be easily moved, and so these become bent in course of time, especially if heavy books are placed on them. The objection to long shelves which are very thick is simply that they are unhandy and difficult to move and waste valuable space. All shelves should be movable, and if possible interchangeable. No paint or varnish should be applied to any surface with which the books come in contact, but there is nothing to be said against polishing. Indeed, to reduce as far as possible the constant friction to which books are exposed in passing to and from their resting-places, it ought to be remembered that smooth surfaces are advantageous. Few libraries can afford leather-covered shelves like those of the British Museum, but all can have smoothness and rounded edges.
Fig. 3.—Ledged Wall Book-Case.
Reference library cases are constructed similarly to those above described; but as folio and quarto books require storage in this department, it is necessary to make provision for them. This is usually done by making the cases with projecting bases, rising at least 3′ high, and in the enlarged space so obtained fair-sized folios and quartos can be placed. Very large volumes of plates or maps should be laid flat on shelves made to slide over hard wood runners like trays, as they frequently suffer much damage from standing upright. A special, many-shelved press should be constructed for books of this generally valuable class, and each volume should be allowed a tray for itself. If the tray is covered with leather, felt, or baize, so much the better. Wall cases, and cases arranged in bays or alcoves, are generally much more expensive than the plain standards just described, because, as they are intended for architectural effect as well as for storage, they must be ornamental, and possibly made from superior woods. The plan of arranging books round the walls has been almost entirely abandoned in modern lending libraries, but there are still many librarians and architects who prefer the bay arrangement for reference departments. The matter of arrangement is one, however, which depends largely upon the shape and lighting of rooms, means of access, and requirements of each library, and must be settled accordingly.
The question of material is very important, but of course it depends altogether upon the amount which is proposed to be spent on the fittings. It is very desirable that the cases should be made durable and handsome, as it is not pleasant to have bad workmanship and ugly fittings in a centre of “sweetness and light”. For the standards previously mentioned there can be nothing better or cheaper than sound American or Baltic yellow pine, with, in reference cases, oak ledges. This wood is easily worked, wears very well, and can be effectively stained and varnished to look like richer and more expensive woods. Of course if money is no object, oak, mahogany, or walnut can be used; but the cost of such materials usually works out to nearly double that of softer woods. Cases with heavily moulded cornices should be boarded over the top, and not left with huge empty receptacles for dust and cobwebs. This caution is tendered, because joiners very often leave the space made by the cornice vacant and exposed.
SHELF FITTINGS.
Fig. 4.—Metal Shelf Fitting.