A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Libra | Page 5

shows not only where
it is but what it is. On the library accounts the character of each
person's reading is clearly indicated by the numbers charged, and the
minutest statistics of circulation in any subject are made by simply
counting the call slips in the check box, and recording the number
against the class number in the record.
By the use of size numbers the greatest possible economy of space may

be secured, for the size distinction may be made for every inch or even
less if desired, and this without additional labor, as it will be seen that
the size figure, when introduced, requires one less figure in the book
number, and so does not increase the number of digits as would at first
appear.
Parts of sets, and books on the same or allied subjects, are never
separated as they are sure to be, sooner or later, in every library
arranged on the common plan, unless it be frequently re-arranged and
re-catalogued. The great expense of this re-cataloguing makes it
impracticable except for a few very wealthy libraries. In this system the
catalogue and book numbers remain unchanged through all changes of
shelving, buildings, or arrangement. In addition to its own peculiar
merits, this plan has all the advantages of the card catalogue principle
and of the relative location, which have been used and very strongly
approved by prominent libraries.
As in the card catalogue system, there is room for indefinite expansion
without devices or provisions. Space is the only requisite and if the
shelf room is exhausted, the floor space is equally good, except for the
inconvenience of stooping.
Some prominent opponents of classed catalogues have admitted that
the Subject Index, in deciding where to class a book at first, and where
to look for it ever afterwards, has removed their strongest objections.
Certainly it would be impossible to make an Index more cheaply or
more easy of reference, it being a single alphabet, of single words,
followed by single numbers.
These class numbers applied to pamphlets have proved specially
satisfactory. The number is written on the upper left corner and the
pamphlets are arranged either in pamphlet cases with the books on the
same subject or on special shelves divided every decimeter by
perpendicular sections. As each pamphlet is examined when received
into the library, it is the work of a single moment to pencil on it its
class number. There is no expense whatever incurred, and yet the entire
pamphlet resources of the library on any subject can be produced
almost instantly. The immense advantages of this plan over those in
common use, both in economy and usefulness, will be appreciated by
every librarian caring for a pamphlet collection. A catalogue of authors
may be made on slips if desired. The pamphlets themselves are the best

Subject Catalogue.
Though designed wholly for library use, the plan has proved of great
service in preserving newspaper clippings in large envelopes arranged
by class numbers; and more especially in taking the place of the
common note-book and Index Rerum. Slips of uniform size are used
with the class number of the subject written on the corner. Minute
alphabetical headings are used under each class number, the slips being
arranged in numerical order like the Subject Card Catalogue. Clippings
and notes arranged in this way are at all times their own complete index,
and have the same advantages over the common scrap and note-books
that the Subject Catalogue has over the Accessions Book, in looking up
the resources of the library on any given subject. Those who have tried
this method are so enthusiastic in its praise that it seemed worthy of
mention in this place.
The plan was adopted in the Amherst College Library in 1873, and the
work of transferring the entire library to the new catalogue at once
commenced. It was found entirely practicable to make the change
gradually, as means allowed, without interfering in any appreciable
degree with the circulation of the books. The three years trial to which
it has been there subjected has more than justified the claims of its
friends, and it is now printed with the more confidence on this account.
It has been kept in manuscript up to this time, in order that the many
minor details might be subjected to actual trial and modified where
improvement was possible. The labor involved in preparing the
Classification and Index has been wholly beyond the appreciation of
any who have never attempted a similar task. Much valuable aid has
been rendered by specialists in many departments, and nearly every
member of the Faculty has given advice from time to time. Among the
many to whom thanks are due, special mention should be made of Mr.
C.A. Cutter, the librarian of the Boston Athenæum,