How to Form a Library

This 1886 work provides a fascinating insight into the history of libraries and of changing reading habits.

Henry Benjamin Wheatley (Author)

9781108021494, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 October 2010

264 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.5 cm, 0.34 kg

Henry Benjamin Wheatley (1838–1917) was a prolific writer on bibliography, literature and the arts. As founder of the Index Society, and editor of The Bibliographer, he was also involved in the foundation of the Library Association. In that context he wrote several works on library topics. How to Form a Library was published in 1886, when libraries were spreading rapidly throughout England. The book provides advice on the selection of material for different kinds of libraries and audiences, and suggests a list of core works. Although the choices reflect the period in which it was written - a point Wheatley makes about earlier lists - it nonetheless has a value in giving insight into the intellectual interests of the day. He was firmly against librarians acting as moral censors, and although his list of required reading is unlikely to be followed today, the book contains much valuable information on library history.

Preface
Introduction
1. How men formed libraries
2. How to buy
3. Public libraries
4. Private libraries
5. General bibliographies
6. Special bibliographies
7. Publishing societies
8. Child's library
10. One hundred books
Index.

Subject Areas: Publishing industry & book trade [KNTP]