Did you know that one unexpected benefit of using the Dewey Decimal System for state books is
browsing assistance? Dewey call numbers arrange contiguous counties together. Therefore, the books
for Robertson (976.4239), Madison (976.4237), Burleson (976.4241) and Brazos Counties (976.4242) are
shelved near each other. However, that benefit disappears when a book contains information on more
than one county. It is also a problem for collections arranged alphabetically by county.
The Carnegie has received a Texas atlas showing land owners. Although the only date given is "latest
edition", maps from as early as the 1880's and as late as 1926 are included. The pages are currently
being encapsulated so they can be used by the public. Warning, pages are only 12" by 17" so some of
the owner's names are nearly impossible to read! We do, however, have magnifying glasses.
Nancy Ross, Carnegie Librarian (5/31/2007)
