Abstract
Search theory is applied to the activity of scanning the library shelves for books of possible interest, or a catalog (card or computerized) for items of immediate utility. The result is a formula quantifying the fact that browsing follows the law of diminishing returns. From the formula one can obtain methods for optimizing the chance of success for a given amount of search effort. These methods are utilized to discuss how a library (or catalog) might be arranged to aid the average browser. In particular, if space limitations require that a given section of the library be divided into an open-shelf browsing fraction and a remainder, less accessibly shelved, the theory indicates what size the browsing fraction should be to optimize the success of the average browser. The effectiveness of division according to book circulation versus book shelf age, in regard to efficiency for browsing of the open-shelf fraction, is calculated and plotted against size and mean shelf age of the undivided section.
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