A handbook of library appliances The technical equipment of libraries: fittings, furniture, charging systems, forms, recipes, etc.

"A Handbook of Library Appliances" by James Duff Brown is a manual from the late 1800s that serves as a guide for librarians looking to optimize their workspaces using then-new technical equipment. The book covers everything from furniture arrangement to organizational systems, offering librarians support in the details of their establishments. It emphasizes tools and frameworks that can improve the public library experience for all users, as well as operational flow for library staff. The handbook opens by discussing the Library Association of the United Kingdom and its goals to support collaboration and growth in the library sector. With new inventions described, such as the Library Indicator and Cotgreave's designs, the overall tone demonstrates a strong belief in technological innovation to advance public libraries.