The use of materials

Abstract

One of the most important distinctions between modern research libraries and those of half a century ago is perhaps that the useful exploitation of the collection is as important, if not more important, than the collection itself. Every library realizing its task in present-day society and more particularly in the field of learning, not only aims at giving access to the books and periodicals in its possession by means of catalogues, but also at having books and other materials used by the largest possible circle of readers.