At Titchfield each
class was marked with a letter of the alphabet, and the
shelves bearing it were numbered: thus a book might be
assigned to G2, or class G, shelf 2.[2] This method of
marking was more flexible. But at Syon Monastery the
books were arranged quite independently of the presses
and shelves; each volume receiving a different number, as
well as a class-letter.
[1] Pemb. Coll., Camb., MS. 180.
[2] Madan, 7, 8.
The most elaborate example of monkish cataloguing
comes from Dover Priory, a cell belonging to Canterbury.
One John Whytefield compiled it in 1389. The note
preceding the catalogue tells of unbounded enthusiasm for
the library and a meticulous regard for order. No better
proof of the care taken of books by most monks could be
found. The catalogue is in three parts. First there is
a brief inventory of the books as they are arranged on the
shelves. This is a shelf-list designed for the use of the
preceptor; just the sort of record modern librarians regard
as indispensable in the administration of their libraries.
Secondly, our industrious monk has provided a catalogue,
--a repetition of the shelf-list, but with all the contents
of each volume set out.
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