A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Libra | Page 4

on that subject. The

books of each section are all together, and arranged by book numbers,
and these sections are also arranged in simple numerical order
throughout the library. The call number 513-11 signifies not the 11th
book on shelf 513; or alcove 5, range 1, shelf 3, as in most libraries, but
signifies the 11th book in subject 513 or the 11th Geometry belonging
to the library. In finding the book, the printed numbers on the backs are
followed, the upper being the class and the lower the book number. The
class is found in its numerical order among the classes as the shelf is
found in the ordinary system: the book in its numerical order in the
class. The shelves are not numbered, as the increase of different
departments, the opening of new rooms, and any arrangement of
classes to bring the books most circulated nearest to the delivery desk,
will bring different class numbers on a given shelf. New books as
received are numbered and put into place, in the same way that new
titles are added to the card catalogue.
The single digit occasionally prefixed to the book number, e.g. the 3 in
421-3-7 is the nearest height in decimeters of books too large to be put
on the regular library shelves, which are only 2-1/2 decimeters apart.
The great mass of the library consists of 2-decimeter books, the size
numbers of which are omitted. Books from 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 decimeters in
height have 3 prefixed to the book number, and are found on the
bottom shelf of each range. The larger sizes are prefixed with 4, 5, &c.,
and are found on the special shelves provided, in order to avoid the
great waste of space otherwise occasioned by the relative location. By
this use of the size numbers a close economy of space is secured.
Thus all the books on any given subject are found standing together,
and no additions or changes ever separate them. Not only are all the
books on the subject sought, found together, but the most nearly allied
subjects precede and follow, they in turn being preceded and followed
by other allied subjects as far as practicable. Readers not having access
to the shelves find the short titles arranged in the same order on the
Shelf Catalogue, and the full titles, imprints, cross references, notes,
&c., on the Subject Catalogue. The uncatalogued pamphlets treating of
any subject bear the same class number and are arranged on the shelves
immediately after the books of each section.
In both the Authors' Catalogue and the Subject Index, brevity has been
studied because of the economy, but more because of the much greater

ease of reference to a short title catalogue. The custom of giving full
titles, etc., under authors, and only references or very brief titles under
subjects, has been reversed. A reader seeking a book of a known author,
in the vast majority of cases, wants simply the number by which to call
for it, and can find it much sooner in a brief title catalogue. In the rare
cases where more is needed the class number refers instantly to all
these facts on the cards. On the other hand, a reader seeking books on a
known subject, needs the full title, imprint, cross-references, and notes,
to enable him to choose the book best suited to his wants.
The Subject Catalogue is a full title Shelf List on cards and is for the
use of the public. The Shelf List is a short title Subject Catalogue in
book form, made of separate sheets laced into an Emerson binder, and
is for official use. We thus have without extra labor, both full and short
title Subject Catalogues and Shelf Lists. The public Authors' Catalogue
is a printed volume; the official Authors' Catalogue or Index is on cards.
As a result each of the public Catalogues is checked by an official
Catalogue; each of the card Catalogues by a book Catalogue; each of
the brief title catalogues by a full title catalogue--an advantage that will
be appreciated by all librarians desiring accuracy of administration and
catalogues.
The Arabic numerals can be written and found more quickly, and with
less danger of confusion or mistake, than any other symbols whatever.
Therefore the Roman numerals, capitals and small letters, and similar
symbols usually found in systems of classification are entirely
discarded and by the exclusive use of Arabic numerals in their regular
order throughout the shelves, classifications, indexes, catalogues and
records, there is secured the greatest accuracy, economy, and
convenience. This advantage is specially prominent in comparison with
systems where the name of the author or the title must be written in
calling for or charging books and in making references.
Throughout the catalogues the number of a book