This volume provides for the first time a complete description, both historicla nd systematic, of all aspects of French librarianship. The histroical introduction outlines the development of French libraries from late antiquity up tp World War II. Important chapters deal with a detailled description of the general organisation of French libraries and academic libraries. Another important chapterdescribes the different types of public libraries,particularly amphasizing Bibiliothèques municipales, Bibliothèques Centrales de Prêt, school libraries and the Bibliothèque Publiwue d’Information of teh Centre Pompidou. Further chapters deal with the French booktrade and publishing. The volume is completed by a detailled appendix.