576 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [Dec. 



the Library, marked, as it has been, by a radical change in the manner 

 of shelving and preserving the books. 



The rear portion of the building, completed during the summer, will 

 ultimately contain seven tiers of steel stacks for the accommodation 

 of the Library. The five of these now in place provide more than 

 twice the former shelfing, upon which approximately 120,000 volumes 

 can be placed, so that at the present rate of growth it is not likely 

 that the two additional stacks will be required during the lifetime of 

 any but the youngest members of the Academy. 



The first armful of books, a collection of Academy lists, catalogues, 

 biographies, histories and the five bound volumes of Leidyana, was 

 carried to the new building at 4.30 P.M., August 25. The following- 

 day the cases in the Reading Room were filled. After an unavoidable 

 interruption work was resumed on the 30th, and, with the help of a 

 corps of six reliable and intelligent men, by September 22d the books 

 were all in place, three weeks having been devoted to the work. The 

 position of the several sections of the library had been determined on 

 before the moving began, and they were placed at once where they 

 are to remain, care being taken to leave space for growth. More 

 time was, of course, thus consumed than if the books had been carried 

 over and piled up to await a later arrangement; but the gain in the 

 end was of importance, as the work was complete as far as it went. 

 The books were always accessible, and, as a matter of fact, the use < >f 

 the Library was not interfered with for a single hour. 



The cases have been numbered, and the several sections are indicated 

 by neatly lettered signs at the ends of the stacks. A printed guide 

 to the arrangement will further assist those consulting the collection. 

 It has not, so far, been necessary to make any special legislation 

 regarding admission to the stacks. Those working in the Academy 

 seem to have no difficulty in finding what they want, and books desired 

 by casual readers are promptly supplied by the attendants. The 

 catalogues will be revised as soon as time can be secured for the work. 

 There has been but one departure from the old classification: the 

 special journals have been grouped under their subject headings; 

 transactions of general societies and other publications dealing with 

 more than one branch of science being arranged geographically, as before. 

 The new arrangement, although sacrificing in some minor particulars 

 the convenience so enthusiastically recognized by all who had access 

 to the old hall, is eminently satisfactory. Three well-lighted and 

 convenient apartments between the Reading Room and the stacks 

 have been assigned for the use of the Recording Secretary and Librarian 

 and his Assistant. 



