CONTENTS. PREFACE, COMMISSIONER REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS, SMITHSONIAN CATALOGUE SYSTEM. Difficulties in publishing catalogues, Plan for obviating these difficulties, Application of the plan for the formation of a general catalogue, Distinction between a catalogue and a bibliographical dictionary, The same titles to serve for general and particular catalogues, Necessity of rules for the preparation of catalogues, Duties of collaborators and superintendent, Printing and Stereotyping, Preservation and use of the plates, Construction of new catalogues, RULES. TITLES. XX. Joint productions of several authors, XXI. Works of several authors in one series, PREFACE. This work is intended to explain the plan in operation at the Smithsonian Institution, for preparing and stereotyping catalogues; to furnish means of judging of its practicability and importance; and to serve as a a manual for librarians in its execution. The first edition was printed in 1852. It was, however, limited to a small number of copies, for distribution principally among those who would be likely to suggest improvements. The work has, since, been carefully revised, and is now published for more general circulation. It was a long and difficult task to develop and adjust the details of this system, and to make the mechanical arrangements for its successful prosecution. The difficulties, both theoretical and practical, have been overcome. The actual operation of the plan has shown its entire practicability, and warrants the hope that its best promises will be realized. This book has been stereotyped by a process entirely new, peculiarly adapted to the stereotyping of separate titles, or even single lines. It has been fully reduced to practice for this special purpose, and will doubtless be found, in many other respects, a valuable addition to the resources of the art of typography. The expense of developing the plan has been borne by the Smithsonian Institution. We have every reason to hope that it will promote "the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men," and justify the continual labor of superintendence. In anticipation, the task proposed seems formidable; but it is to be accomplished, title by title, on a system, which imposes no heavy burden upon any institution, though it offers benefits to all. It is not to be supposed that the public will take much interest in a work of professional details like this. The subject more particularly addresses itself to those who are conversant with the management of libraries. Their instruction and experience will enable them to estimate aright the difficulty of the undertaking here set forth, and to judge, with fairness, of its practical utility. |
