open-shelf

[ oh-puhn-shelf ]

adjective

1. open-stack.

Word History and Origins

Origin of open-shelf¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

So also in the United States, practically every library has its open shelf collection.

From Project Gutenberg

It should be recognized that the librarian is not responsible for the correct placing of every book on an "open shelf."

From Project Gutenberg