Before the late 19th century all libraries were essentially a front counter beyond which the public were not admitted. Precious books were ordered and retrieved by their custodians, the librarians. As literacy increased and with social reform allowing greater access to books this system was superseded. A new practical storage for this new age had to be designed which allowed the public to roam free amongst the books and shelves in a way that they could not have dreamt of previously.
My Stock List
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