PURPOSE: To recognize the available state of a reading table and available books by reading a bar code proper to a book by acquiring a timing by a first detecting part, and detecting the use/un-use of the reading table by a second detecting part.

CONSTITUTION: A name label describing the name of the book is attached on the front plane of a book box, and a detection label on its rear plane. When the switch 6 of a fluorescent lamp 56 is turned on/ off, it can be judged that a table 50 for reading is being used when the switch 6 is turned on. A first bar code scanner 3 mainly detects the detection label attached on the rear plane of the book box. A first sensor 2 for detection label detects the sensor detection area of the detection label, and decides the timing to detect the bar code by the first bar code scanner 3. A second bar code scanner 5 and a second sensor 4 for detection label installed on a top board 55 also detect the bar code of the back cover of the book and a sensor detection area mainly. This device can facilitate the recognition of the location of the book being read in the reading room, and rationalizes book management.