GEN: p-slips and other obsolete library lingo

[AliceInfo <AliceInfo@AOL.COM>]

Back in the before-times, when an IBM Selectric typewriter was considered
cutting-edge technology, library lingo included the following familiar
phrases:

"P-slip":  every self-respecting library and reference desk had a stack of
these 3"x 5" pieces of blank paper, used for writing down call numbers or
subject headings for patrons, cataloging notes about new books, book repair
instructions, etc.   Some major vendors even provided pre-printed P-slip order
forms for new titles.  Why were they called P-slips?  One dictionary says that
they were 'postal card' sized, and therefore P = short for postal.   My
husband (also a librarian) remembers our History of Libraries teacher telling
us that stacks of blank slips were sold for a Penny a Pound to libraries.

"Filed above the rod":  Traditional (wood/metal) card catalog drawers each had
a metal rod running from front to back, and the cards themselves each had a
hole just above their bottom edge, for that rod to go through to secure the
cards IN the drawer. New catalog cards were "filed above the rod" by the
clerical staff, so that the professional staff could then check to make sure
that all cards had been filed correctly according to ALA filing rules.  Once
the new cards had been checked, the rod would be pulled out to let the cards
drop into position, and then the rod would be reinserted now holding all the
cards in the drawer.   So 'filed above the rod' meant information of value,
but not yet officially fixed in place.

"Red Headings":  the informal term for Rubrics (check your etymology!) --
subject headings typed in red on the top of the catalog cards.  And before
typewriters with changeable ribbons, written in red ink in careful 'Library
Penmanship.'

"Bone folders":  ruler-like tools used to make sure that that all jacket
covers (usually of clear plastic) had sharp creases on their edges.

"Accession books":  ledgers which listed every book purchased by the library,
with full purchase information and the book 's official inventory number
(before -- way before -- barcodes).

Gee -- I even remember when bookmarks were merely something used to keep my
place in a (real) book, and folders were made of manila paper, to hold more
paper, and scroll meant a long piece of parchment, usually yellowed and
crumbling, that had to be kept in upright compartments or tubes.
As for listserv. . . . hmmmm... I don't think anyone had conjured up that word
yet.

Alice (who remembers when) H. Yucht
Heritage Middle School
Livingston, NJ
AliceInfo@aol.com

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