before they are placed on the shelves. This makes the backs flexible
and less likely to break with rough handling. In cutting the leaves be
sure that the paper knife does its work to the very back edge of the
top folds, that it is never sharp enough to cut down into the leaves,
and that it is held nearly parallel to the fold to be cut.

The following is a list of things to be done before books are ready
for use in a public library:

1 Book notices and reviews are read and the library's needs and funds
considered.

2 Order slips are made out, arranged alphabetically, and compared
with the catalog to see if the books listed on them are already in the
library.

3 Order list is made out, approved, and sent to dealer.

4 Books arrive and are checked by the bill, and brief notes of date of
purchase, initials of dealer, and price are written on the left margin
of the second page after the title-page.

5 Bill is checked for items and prices by order slips.

6 Gifts when received are a) properly acknowledged; b) entered in gift
book; c) marked with small gift-book plates pasted inside the front
cover.

7 Books are looked over (if you wish), collated, especially the
expensive ones, to see if complete and sound.