Here again selection is difficult, owing to the perplexing quantity and
variety of forms, and we shall, with as little comment as possible,
merely give specimens or indicate uses.
_Precept forms_ are the requisitions for the library rate presented by
London Commissioners to the Local Boards or Vestries.
_Public notices_, _rules_, &c., should be boldly printed and displayed in
glazed frames.
Requisition forms are in use in a few of the larger libraries. They
are filled up and submitted to the Library Committee when supplies are
wanted. They seem rather a useless formality where an agenda book is kept.
_Thanks circulars_ or _acknowledgment forms_ usually bear the arms of the
library, and are engraved on quarto sheets of good paper. Many libraries
use a simple post-card with a very curt acknowledgment. Others use
perforated receipt books or donation books with counterfoils, like those
previously described.
_Labels_ and _book-plates_ for the inside of the boards of books in
addition to the name and arms of the library often bear location marks
and book numbers, or the names of donors. Paste holds them better
than gum, and is much cleaner. An engraved bookplate of any artistic
pretension should be dated and signed by designer and engraver. It is
to be regretted that more of our large reference libraries do not use
photographic or other reproductions of views of their best rooms for this
purpose. The town’s arms are inappropriate and meaningless, while the
library interior is of historical interest and germane to the object held
in view, namely, marking suitably to indicate ownership.
_Issues_ and _rule-labels_ are chiefly used in lending libraries, though
some reference libraries have labels on which the dates of issues are
noted. The issue-labels must be ruled to suit the system of charging
adopted, the ledger systems as a rule requiring something more than mere
date slips. The rule-labels usually bear an abstract of the library rules
applicable to the borrowing of books.
_Vouchers_ for lending library borrowers must, of course, be arranged
according to the general rules of the library; but in every case the
agreement should take the form of a declaration: “I, the undersigned,” or
“I, ________, do hereby,” or “I, ________ of ________, ratepayer in the
________, do hereby”. A large selection of all kinds of these vouchers
and applications for the right of borrowing are preserved in the Museum
of the Library Association. Most librarians bind the vouchers when filled
up and numbered in convenient volumes, or mount them in blank books.
_Borrowers’ tickets_ or _cards_ also are entirely governed by the system
of charging as regards shape, size, and material. Millboard, pasteboard,
leather, wood, and cloth are all used. In cases where borrowers are
allowed to retain their cards when they have books out it is advisable to
have them rather strongly made, or else provide cases, especially when
the right of borrowing extends over two years.
_Receipts for fines_, &c., may either be in books of numbered and priced
tickets—1d., 2d., 3d., 6d., &c.—or in perforated counterfoil books with
running numbers. Both kinds are extensively used, as well as tissue books
with carbonised paper, similar to those seen in drapers’ shops.
_Application forms for books_ exist in many varieties, but chiefly in
connection with reference libraries. The number of lending libraries
which use the application slips is as yet comparatively small, but there
are indications pointing to a more general adoption of this appliance,
especially where indicators are used. Some reference libraries have an
elaborate application in duplicate, one part being retained when the
transaction is complete, and the other returned to the borrower. The plan
adopted in the British Museum of charging assistants with issues, and
returning the readers’ applications, is not recommended for imitation.
The very special arrangements of the Museum require special means of
working, which are not suitable for general adoption. On reference
library applications, in addition to the usual admonitory sentences as
to books being only for use on the premises, &c., it is customary to ask
for the book number or its press mark, author and title, volumes wanted,
reader’s name and address, and date. In addition most libraries include a
space for the initials of the assistant who issues and replaces the book,
while some ask for the ages and professions of readers. Lending library
applications need be no more elaborate than this:—
+-------------------------------------------------+
| ________ PUBLIC LIBRARY. |
+---------------------+---------------------------+
| NO. OF BOOK WANTED. | NO. OF BORROWER’S TICKET. |
+---------------------+---------------------------+
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | DATE. |
| | |
+---------------------+---------------------------+