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 gam 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 of 
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. 
