Two of three volumes. This library science handbook was issued in sections over a period of several years. The first volume is devoted primarily to historical and philosophical topics--for example, the development of the library profession--and even includes an essay offering a sociological and psychological perspective. The second concentrates on practical matters like cataloguing, issues related to the usage of libraries, various types of public libraries, and contains sections addressing specialty libraries (including ones for music, for the blind, hospital libraries, and those devoted to foreign language books). While the scope of the volumes is international and concentrates on the Federal Republic of Germany, sections are also included specifically discussing library practices in East Germany and in other German-speaking countries. The bindings of these two volumes do not match (one is black, one green; and volume 2 is slightly larger overall). The exteriors show moderate soiling and minimal wear. Both volumes show marks from formerly being part of a public library collection. The final part of volume 2 (Lieferung 7/8) has creases from being crumpled prior to being bound with the rest. A few of the original printed stiff paper wrappers have been bound into the first volume, and most are included in the second volume.