[Illustration: FIG. 8.—NEWSPAPER STAND.]
The day has not yet come when octavo-sized newspapers will obviate the
necessity for expensive and obstructive stands on which the day’s news
is spread in the manner least conducive to the comfort of readers. The
man who runs and reads has no necessity for much study, while he who
stands and reads does so with the consciousness that at any moment he may
be elbowed from his studies by impatient news-seekers, and be subjected
to the added discomfort of being made a leaning pillar for half-a-dozen
persons to embrace. Meanwhile it is necessary to provide convenient
reading desks for the broadsheets which are issued. It is cheaper to have
double stands, holding four spread papers, than single ones, holding only
two, though there is certainly less comfort to readers with the larger
size. The illustration shows a single stand, but it should be remembered
that the design can be made much heavier and richer. The dimensions
should be for double stands 7′ 6″ long, 2′ 6″ high for slope, and about
3′ from floor to bottom of slope. Single ones should be 4′ long, with the
other measurements as before. Half-stands for going against the wall have
only the slope to the front, and are generally made in long lengths to
cover the whole side of a room. The slope should not in any case be made
either too steep or too great—the former always causing the papers to
droop, and the latter placing the upper parts beyond the sight of short
persons. Before adopting any type of stand, it is advisable to visit a
few other libraries and examine their fittings. It is so much easier to
judge what is liked best by actual examination. Fittings for holding
the newspapers in their places are generally made of wood or brass, and
there are many different kinds in use. The wooden ones usually consist
of a narrow oak bar, fitted with spikes to keep the paper up, hinged
at top and secured at bottom of the slope by a staple and padlock, or
simply by a button. The brass ones include some patented fittings, such
as Cummings’, made by Messrs. Denison of Leeds, and Hills’, invented by
the library superintendent of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The former is a
rod working on an eccentric bed, and is turned with a key to tighten
or loosen it; the latter works on a revolving pivot secured in the
middle of the desk, and is intended more particularly for illustrated
periodicals, like the _Graphic_, &c., which require turning about to suit
the pictures. The “Burgoyne” spring rod made by the North of England
School Furnishing Co., Darlington and London, is very effective, neat,
and comparatively inexpensive. It is secured by a catch, which requires a
key to open it, but it is simply snapped down over the paper when changes
are made. Other varieties of brass holders are those secured by ordinary
locks or strong thumb-screws. In cases where the rods have no spikes
(which are not recommended) or buttons, or which do not lie in grooves,
it is advisable to have on them two stout rubber rings, which will keep
the papers firmly pressed in their places, and so prevent slipping. A
half-inch beading along the bottom of the slope is sometimes useful in
preventing doubling down and slipping. The names of the papers may be
either gilded or painted on the title-board, or they may be done in black
or blue letters on white enamelled title-pieces and screwed to the head
board. These latter are very cheap, durable, and clear. Some librarians
prefer movable titles; and in this case grooved holders or brass frames
must be provided to hold the names, which can be printed on stiff cards,
or painted on wood or bone tablets. The brass rail at the foot of the
slope, shown in the illustration, is meant to prevent readers from
leaning on the papers with their arms. By some librarians it is thought
quite unnecessary, by others it is considered essential; but it is really
a matter for the decision of every individual librarian.