Bookshelf
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Book shelf
Systems of arrangement
Books shelf
A bookcase, or bookshelf, is a
piece of furniture with horizontal, shelves, often in cabinet, used to store books or
other printed materials. Bookcases are used in private homes, public and
university libraries, offices and bookstores. Bookcases range from small, low
models the height of a table to high models reaching up to ceiling height.
Shelves may be fixed or adjustable to different positions in the case. In rooms entirely devoted to the storage of books, such as libraries, they may be permanently fixed to the walls and/or floor.
Shelves may be fixed or adjustable to different positions in the case. In rooms entirely devoted to the storage of books, such as libraries, they may be permanently fixed to the walls and/or floor.
A bookcase may be fitted with glass doors that can
be closed to protect the books from dust or moisture. Bookcase doors are almost
always glazed with g
lass, so as to allow the spines of the books to be read.
Especially valuable rare books may be kept in locked cases with wooden or
glazed doors.
A small bookshelf may also stand on some other piece of furniture such as a desk or chest. Larger books are more likely to be kept in horizontal piles and very large books flat on wide shelves or on coffee tables.
A small bookshelf may also stand on some other piece of furniture such as a desk or chest. Larger books are more likely to be kept in horizontal piles and very large books flat on wide shelves or on coffee tables.
In Latin and Greek the idea of bookcase is represented
by Bibliographer and Bibliographer ), derivatives of which
mean library in many modern languages. A bookcase is also known as
a bookshelf, a book stand, a cup board and a book rack. In a library, large bookshelves are called
"stacks."
Designers and manufactures
Both Chippendale and Sheraton made or designed many bookcases, mostly glazed
with little lozenges encased in fretwork frames, often of great charm and elegance. In
the eyes of some, the grace of some of Sheraton's satinwood bookcases has rarely been equaled.
The French cabinetmakers of the same period were also highly successful with small ornamental cases. Mahogany, rise wood satinwood and even choicer exotic timbers were used; they were often inlaid with marquetry and mounted with chased and gilded bronze. Dwarf bookcases were frequently finished with a slab of choice marble at the top.
The French cabinetmakers of the same period were also highly successful with small ornamental cases. Mahogany, rise wood satinwood and even choicer exotic timbers were used; they were often inlaid with marquetry and mounted with chased and gilded bronze. Dwarf bookcases were frequently finished with a slab of choice marble at the top.
In 1876, john Donner of Canton, Ohio, invented a revolving bookcase with a patented
"pivot and post" design. The ingenuity of his work resided in the economy
of space it provided. Thirty-two volumes of the American Cyclopedia could be
stored in a compact space, and readily available for perusal at the touch of a
finger.
Donner's bookcase appeared in the 1894 Montgomery Ward catalog. In 1878 he exhibited his bookcases at the Paris International Exhibition and won a gold medal. The John Donner Manufacturing Company was known for honorable workmanship and affordability.
The woods were oak, black walnut, western ash, and Philippine mahogany. Viewed as a progressive businessman, Donner was credited with drawing a large trade and business to the city of Canton.
Donner's bookcase appeared in the 1894 Montgomery Ward catalog. In 1878 he exhibited his bookcases at the Paris International Exhibition and won a gold medal. The John Donner Manufacturing Company was known for honorable workmanship and affordability.
The woods were oak, black walnut, western ash, and Philippine mahogany. Viewed as a progressive businessman, Donner was credited with drawing a large trade and business to the city of Canton.
Public bookcase
A public bookcase is a cabinet
which may be freely and anonymously used for the exchange and storage of books
without the formalities associated with libraries. When in public places these cabinets are of a robust and
weatherproof design which are available at all times.
However, cabinets installed in public or commercial buildings may be simple, unmodified book-shelves and may only be available during certain periods.
However, cabinets installed in public or commercial buildings may be simple, unmodified book-shelves and may only be available during certain periods.
Origin
Closely allied with the book crossing concept, the original public bookcases were
conceived as artistic acts. Very early examples are the creations of
performance artist duo Clegg & Guttmann in 1991. Collections of bookcases
were conceived as "free open-air libraries" in Darmstadt and Hannover in Germany in the late 1990s.
In 2002, the Bonn Community
Foundation awarded Trixy Royeck funding for her idea "outdoor books –
books in the open" which she submitted while studying interior design in
Mainz and since this time the concept has been widely replicated.
A public bookcase opened in 2010 in Vienna, Austria. In Basel, Switzerland, where many coffee shops and other venues host open bookshelves, a public bookcase was unveiled in June 2011.
A public bookcase opened in 2010 in Vienna, Austria. In Basel, Switzerland, where many coffee shops and other venues host open bookshelves, a public bookcase was unveiled in June 2011.
Open bookcases are financed by a wide range of organization’s
(individuals, foundations, Lions Clubs, civic associations, and so on). Visitors to
the bookcases decide which books to deposit and borrow, and whether to return
or exchange borrowed books for others.
Use and acceptance
If a public bookcase is centrally and
accessibly located and is stocked with sufficient material, public bookcases
are quickly and widely appreciated. Vandalism has occurred in some places and,
in successful cases, is countered by "bookcase sponsors" or
"godfathers" who devote their time and attention to care of the
collection.
The acceptance, motivation and user-profile of public
bookshelves was examined in 2008 by a study at the University of Bonn. It was found that the system had developed as
a notable alternative to conventional bookstores.
One cannot equate public bookcases with classic peer-to-peer exchange, but they certainly represent the voluntary transfer of goods. Surveyed users also indicated that they believed that regular use of public bookcases could function as an example for similar schemes for other desirable goods.
This acceptance has led to a rapid dissemination of public bookshelves throughout Germany. It has been found that durable construction and storm-resistance promote sustained use.
One cannot equate public bookcases with classic peer-to-peer exchange, but they certainly represent the voluntary transfer of goods. Surveyed users also indicated that they believed that regular use of public bookcases could function as an example for similar schemes for other desirable goods.
This acceptance has led to a rapid dissemination of public bookshelves throughout Germany. It has been found that durable construction and storm-resistance promote sustained use.
In North America, public bookcases have been criticized for being
mostly placed redundantly in neighborhoods of wealthier well-educated people,
where there are already high-quality traditional public libraries nearby.
Systems of arrangement
There are three common ways of arranging
stationary bookcases: flat against the wall; in stacks or ranges parallel to
each other with merely enough space between to allow for the passage of a
librarian; or in bays or alcoves, where cases jut out into the room at right
angles to the wall-cases.
The stack system is suitable only for public libraries where economy of space is essential; the bay system is not only handsome but utilizes the space to great advantage. The library of the City of London at the Guildhall is a peculiarly effective example of the bay arrangement.
The stack system is suitable only for public libraries where economy of space is essential; the bay system is not only handsome but utilizes the space to great advantage. The library of the City of London at the Guildhall is a peculiarly effective example of the bay arrangement.
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