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Steel, enameled for reflecting properties, was selected
because of its durability, and the
reflector itself was designed
to direct the light rays properly and
evenly over the surface
of the books. The vitreous enamel coating
provides a high
reflecting value together with a pleasing
quality of illumination.
Some 4,500 reflectors were installed—the
largest single
bookstack lighting installation in
the world.
In the center of each stack floor is brought together the
machinery for service—the elevator
for passengers and book
trucks, the stairway to adjacent floors,
the book conveyor,
the pneumatic tube for call slips,
a telephone, and the stack
attendant's desk. Throughout, major
considerations have
been books and their accessibility,
comfort of students and
research workers, and equipment which
was simple, durable,
and inexpensive to operate.
The tower of books, then, from foundation to roof,
represents the combined efforts of
architect, engineer, and
librarian to take care of the present
need of one of the world's
greatest universities, as well as to
provide for future growth.
The Sterling Memorial Library, perhaps
more than any
other library, is prophetic of the
future importance of the
library as an institution.
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