ABSTRACT
In most preprint literate societies, only people affiliated with temples or palaces had access to books. Bookstores were almost unknown, and with few exceptions libraries were adjuncts of temples or palaces. In a few instances, such as the library of Alexandria, a large number of books were accumulated at a single location. Julius Caesar proposed a public library for Rome, which was built after his death. The preprint Chinese also established state-operated libraries.
