The subscription library in the twentieth century

Abstract

Discusses the survival of a few subscription libraries, and the conditions for that survival in relation to the general decline of such libraries over the last century. Outlines the present state of surviving subscription libraries with particular reference to fundraising, management, staffing and buildings. Discusses the collections and their maintenance, and an account is given of archives surviving in subscription libraries. Considers disposals policies, catalogues and stock conservation. Finally, describes other activities undertaken by the surviving subscription libraries.

Citation

Forster, G. (1995), "The subscription library in the twentieth century", Library Review, Vol. 44 No. 6, pp. 5-18. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242539510093638