A practical guide to how libraries work, from book parts to shelf organization.
This handbook explains the physical and planning side of school libraries, helping readers understand how books are made, bound, and cataloged. It also covers how to classify, index, and shelve titles for quick access and reliable reference.
This primer walks through the different parts of a book, how binding and binding terms work, and the role of title pages, prefaces, contents, and indexes. It also introduces basics of classification and cataloging, shelf lists, and the structure of a library’s card system.
- How a book is composed, bound, and repaired, with clear terminology
- How to read and apply library classifications and call numbers
- How catalogs and shelf lists keep a library organized and searchable
- How to set up and maintain reference sections, indexes, and periodicals
Ideal for teachers, librarians, and students who manage or study school libraries and want a solid, nontechnical overview.