If a book-plate is adopted let it be small and simple. Have a special plate for gifts, with space on it for writing the name of the giver.
Books wear better if they are carefully opened in a number of places before they are placed on the shelves. This makes the backs flexible and less likely to break [with rough handling.] In cutting the leaves be sure that the paper knife does its work to the very back edge of the top folds, that it is never sharp enough to cut down into the leaves, and that it is held nearly parallel to the fold to be cut.
The following is a list of things to be done before books are ready for use in a public library:
1 Book notices and reviews are read and the library's needs and funds considered.
2 Order slips are made out, arranged alphabetically, and compared with the catalog to see if the books listed on them are already in the library.
3 Order list is made out, approved, and sent to dealer.
4 Books arrive and are checked by the bill, and brief notes of date of purchase, initials of dealer, and price are written on the left margin of the second page after the title-page.
5 Bill is checked for items and prices by order slips.
6 Gifts when received are a) properly acknowledged; b) entered in gift book; c) marked with small gift-book plates pasted inside the front cover.
7 Books are looked over (if you wish), collated, especially the expensive ones, to see if complete and sound.