[PW] Origin of the term "stacks" (in the library)

[Jeanne Schramm]

At the following URL is a wonderful library timeline, complete with
illustrations of the evolving problem of where to put the books --- or
manuscript rolls -- beginning with cupboards, then chaining of the items to
sloped desks and lecterns, then placing them in "presses," stalls,"
iron-frame stack systems and, finally modern stacks.
http://tinyurl.com/2qxesw
Jeanne Schramm [Ret.], W. Liberty, WV 26074

On 8/7/07, ALAN GREEN <green.200 at osu.edu> wrote:
>
> One of our professors would like to know, why do we call them "stacks" (
> i.e., the book stacks)?  Did libraries formerly stack books flat in piles
> on the shelves (or the floor, or on tables), before moving to the current
> vertical shelving system?
>
> The "Stack" entry in OED provided no help for this question.  Please copy
> replies to my address, as I am not a list subscriber.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Alan Green
> Music Librarian, Ohio State University
> green.200 at osu.edu
>
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