book support
A wood or metal device generally placed to the
right side of a row of books on a shelf to support
and maintain them in a vertical position. Book
supports are available in several forms: 1) the
spring type, which hangs from the ribbed shelf
above (but which sometimes does not reach down to
the smaller books); 2) the metal support, with a
stamped-out metal tongue that slips under the
first few books; it rests on the same shelf as the
books to be supported, and should be flanged to
prevent it from "spearing" or otherwise damaging
the books; 3) the type that locks into the ribbed
shelf on which the books rest, and which can be
difficult to slide if the locking key becomes
twisted; 4) the magnetic support, which is usable
only on ferrous metal shelves; and 5) wooden
supports, some of which are very elaborate and are
generally used to support more valuable books, or
books in specially designated areas. The better
book supports have a felt- or cork-covered base,
especially for use on wooden shelves, and, for
valuable books, a felt- or cork-covered face. The
typical metal support is generally available in
two sizes—regular, about 6 inches tall, and
oversize, about 9 inches tall.
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