Stack Space

In library of Arts and Science, a stack or book-stack is a book storage area, as opposed to a reading area. More specifically, this term refers to a narrow-aisled, multilevel system of iron or steel shelving that evolved in the nineteenth century to meet increasing demands for storage space.  An “open-stack” library allows its patrons to enter the stacks to browse for themselves. However, “closed stacks” means library staff retrieve books for those on request.

In most libraries the stacks contain the books that can circulate to patrons and that patrons can browse. In very large libraries, there may be the circulating stacks which contain books that the patrons can take out and the storage stacks that contain the older items or the restricted items. Items may circulate from the storage stacks, but usually they are accessed by a librarian not a patron.

Stack Space is the most important section of the Library. Its function is the display and maintenance of books that are issued on loan. The whole section is arranged in different racks or shelves. Members have the facility to have open access to most of the collection available in this section.

Books are arranged on the shelves according to Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme. Each book is assigned a Class Number and Book Number. Class Number is assigned to a book according to its subject and Book Number individualises a book among others having the same Class Number. In this arrangement books on the same subject are kept together. Members are advised to check the availability of the books through the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Service. After obtaining relevant information through OPAC, the users can proceed to the respective stack area to take the books of their choice.