books or by delays in binding, and also to see what books are not in the library, and to what extent they are in request. In libraries where full catalogues are made available, readers not finding a book mentioned will of course not write out a ticket for it, but they should be encouraged to note their requirements in the request-book.
In 1891 a scheme was inaugurated in Italy by Signor Chilovi, head of the Biblioteca Nazionale at Florence, for assisting research. The earnest student can be informed not only whether a book he desires to see is in that library, but whether it is to be found in any other library under the control of the Italian Government. This knowledge is obtained by the issue of circulars from the Florence library, on the model following:—
R. Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale, Florence.
189.
Letter No. To the Library at
Sir,—I should be glad to know whether in the library under your charge a work is to be found which has been described to me as follows:—
. . . . . .
Be so kind as to answer this quite simply, by adding yes or no to this circular.
(Signed) Prefect . . . . . .
Reply: . . .
(Signed)
