First. find a place to shelve the books where they will not get sun (nor damp). The biggest challenge with libraries is keeping them organized, and it's tough, even impossible to organize books when there's isn't enough space for them.
Second, use some sort of cataloging system. I use large easy-to-read labels for the shelves, and for the books themselves, bookmarks (acid-free paper). I find it doesn't make sense to bother with a card catalog or cataloging software for a even a quite large private collection, but certainly, having a few thousand books does require some system of organization. I just use bookmarks which I make by cutting up folders and typing the category, eg, HOMEOPATHY or, say, US-MEXICAN WAR. Yes, I use a typewriter for that because it's easier to read than my handwriting and too much trouble to fiddle with the computer and printer for that. With the bookmark, I know, lickety-split, where to shelve the book.
Third, something I have not yet done but it's on the "to do" list, is to get those clear plastic covers to protect the dust jackets of some of the more rare / expensive books. Brodart sells these.
Fourth, good lighting and furniture are essential. Of course the furniture doesn't necessarily need to be anything fancy, but practical and comfortable for working and reading.
Fifth, good insulation for the room itself so that reader & books don't overheat or freeze.
Sixth, a pet must reign. I vote for pug. Cats acceptable.
Seventh, I almost forgot: get the real ostrich feather duster, it works best for books.
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branchandroot
Re: Starting a library
Date: 2022-11-14 10:42 pm (UTC)First. find a place to shelve the books where they will not get sun (nor damp). The biggest challenge with libraries is keeping them organized, and it's tough, even impossible to organize books when there's isn't enough space for them.
Second, use some sort of cataloging system. I use large easy-to-read labels for the shelves, and for the books themselves, bookmarks (acid-free paper). I find it doesn't make sense to bother with a card catalog or cataloging software for a even a quite large private collection, but certainly, having a few thousand books does require some system of organization. I just use bookmarks which I make by cutting up folders and typing the category, eg, HOMEOPATHY or, say, US-MEXICAN WAR. Yes, I use a typewriter for that because it's easier to read than my handwriting and too much trouble to fiddle with the computer and printer for that. With the bookmark, I know, lickety-split, where to shelve the book.
Third, something I have not yet done but it's on the "to do" list, is to get those clear plastic covers to protect the dust jackets of some of the more rare / expensive books. Brodart sells these.
Fourth, good lighting and furniture are essential. Of course the furniture doesn't necessarily need to be anything fancy, but practical and comfortable for working and reading.
Fifth, good insulation for the room itself so that reader & books don't overheat or freeze.
Sixth, a pet must reign. I vote for pug. Cats acceptable.
Seventh, I almost forgot: get the real ostrich feather duster, it works best for books.
MILLICENTLY LURKING