A reference library is a collection of books and media.People use it to research history, religion, geography, languages and more.It is located in public libraries and large offices.Because of the value of primary and secondary sources, reference libraries rarely lend libraries.They must be current in order to be as accurate as possible.You will need to plan, collect and organize to create a reference library.This article will show you how to set up a reference library.
Step 1: Clarifying your mission statement is important.
A mission statement can be used to identify goals, acquisitions, funding, organization and more.It is a good idea to clarify your goals before starting to build a personal library.
Step 2: A budget can be a monthly or yearly one.
A personal reference library is dependent on your own funds, unlike city or school libraries.If you have a small budget, you may want to look into acquiring used books.
Step 3: A time line is needed to acquire books.
Unless you have a large budget from the beginning, you should follow the general rules of libraries and create an acquisition plan.If you have $100 a month, you can buy at least 3 new books every month for 2 years.If you follow this plan, you will have 72 books after 2 years.If you have a budget of $50 and can find 4 books per month, you will have 98 books in your reference library after 2 years.
Step 4: A specialization can be determined.
The personal interests of the people who create the reference libraries is what defines most of them.You may want to start collecting based on your interests after plans are made to acquire a reference library.Possible specialized topics include biblical studies, natural science, psychology, music, travel and art.
Step 5: The library environment should be large enough to hold books, computers, and a study area.
In order to preserve organization and provide a quiet study space, the room should be dedicated to the reference library.Make sure to include the following items in your library.A lot of reference books are heavier than fiction books.You can buy freestanding bookcases at most furniture stores, or you can hire someone to build them.Make sure the bookshelves are anchored to the walls.There is a computer and a desk.You can catalog your books through an online database.Any reference library should have an online research center.A chair is needed for the computer desk.There is a library table.The tables are long and flat, so that you can lay out more than one book at a time.If you want to lay out large atlases, the table should be large enough that you can spare room for a notebook.If you plan to read a lot in your library, find a comfortable chair.A well-upholstered chair is what many people prefer to have.The lighting should be added to limit eyestrain.The reading chair and work stations should have task lighting above them so that you can see your paper and books.Pendant lamps and standing lamps can be used for task lighting.Ambient lighting should fill the room with enough light to see the book on the shelves.Overhead lights are usually near the ceiling.Ambient lighting is separate from task lighting.It's not a good idea to put lighting on the books for a long time.The books will be damaged over time.When you collect your books, turn off the ambient lighting.If you have tall custom built shelves, buy a library ladder or stool.This will allow you to access your entire library.
Step 6: You can buy an up-to-date dictionary.
A version of the Oxford English Dictionary is a choice.This may be the most expensive acquisition at the beginning of the reference library.
Step 7: You can collect maps of the world.
It should be new because countries and cities change frequently.You can collect detailed maps of areas you plan to study.
Step 8: You can go to the library auctions.
Public and school libraries have to keep their collections up to date.It is possible to get the last edition of a common library book for a low price.
Step 9: There is a good encyclopedia collection to choose from.
If you research bulk book sales on the internet, you may be able to get a full collection for less.You can put an online encyclopedia on a disk, on your library computer hard drive, or on the internet.Online subscriptions to popular encyclopedias are offered.
Step 10: You can subscribe to magazines that interest you.
Many publications have discount subscriptions on the internet.National Geographic, Scientific American and the Smithsonian have articles in their reference libraries.If you don't have enough room to store these magazines, then you can subscribe to their archives online.
Step 11: Classical music, documentaries, photographs, and newspaper clippings should be included.
There is a complete reference library.Make copies of your collection at your local library.
Step 12: You can visit antique and rare book sellers.
This is a good place to look for primary sources.There are editions and modifications of the book.
Step 13: There are websites for textbooks and reference books.
Often these books are not selling quickly enough so the publisher sells them at a deep discount to make space in the warehouse.Publishers often remainder non-fiction books.
Step 14: You can develop a relationship with a book store.
New reference book editions or rare books can be kept up to date by them.
Step 15: You can find possible acquisitions by reading book award lists.
The George Washington Book Prize and the Pulitzer Prize for History are just some of the yearly awards that the genres have.
Step 16: A large public library has a reference section.
Make a list of books you want to buy.If you can get them at the library sales, ask them how often they replace the books.
Step 17: "A Simple Book Repair Manual" is a book repair guide.
They can show you how to repair and condition leather.You don't need to ship a book to a binder.
Step 18: You can organize your books by subject.
Many reference books are written by more than one person, so searching by author is difficult.Reserve a shelf for each subject if you want to research the Dewey Decimal system.
Step 19: As you acquire books, record your library electronically.
The ability to search by subject, author, bar code and more is offered by a number of programs.You can use an electronic database to create a card catalog.There are some good programs.There is a paid option for some programs.The free account may allow you to catalog a few hundred items, but you need a paid account to add more.If you own an Apple computer, Monster Delicious may be the best program for you.It has a bar code scanning process and a media cataloging function.
Step 20: If you plan to lend, use a library stamp or acid-free bookplates.
A lot of online stamp makers offer personalized library stamps.
Step 21: There are large and heavy books.
To avoid damage to the spines, lay them flat.For better air circulation, place other books 1 inch from the back of the shelves.
Step 22: The temperature of your library should be between 60 and 70 degrees.
You should try to keep the books in an environment that is not too humid or dry.In the summer and winter, use a dehumidifier and a humidifier to keep books from drying out.
Step 23: Dust the books on a regular basis.
Dust is a problem as well as an aesthetic problem.
Step 24: Look out for bugs such as silverfish, roaches, and book lice.
The animals are attracted to dust, glue and paper.They eat through the books and leave their waste on the pages.Before they destroy too many books, consult a professional.If you think the problem only affects 1 or 2 books, put them in a plastic freezer bag.Remove as much air as possible.They should be left in the freezer for a day to kill insects.The book should be cleaned as thoroughly as possible.