Course Description: The course serves as an integral part of the special collections concentration with a particular focus on bibliography and history of the book. It is an overview to gain an understanding of issues related to rare book and special collections librarianship. The course covers topics related to descriptive and analytical bibliography, reference, exhibitions, acquisitions, security, and other topics in rare books and special collections libraries. Of particular interest will be the special collections at The New York Public Library with emphasis on the Rare Book Collection. Other planned visits include The Morgan Library and NYU Fales Collection, as well as a printing workshop at Bowne & Co. at South Street Seaport Museum. Esteemed guest speakers will share their knowledge from the rare book trade and bibliography. Students will engage with actual special collections materials to gain a first-hand understanding of working with such material. Emphasis will be on the study of the ‘book as object’ as it pertains to the history of printing in Europe and the Americas. Students will be made aware of important rare book collections as well as gain practical knowledge of the practice of rare book and special collections librarianship.
Course Goals:
Introduce printing history of the book in Europe and the Americas
Learn about important repositories of rare books and special collections materials
Acquaint students with the study and interpretation of rare materials with emphasis on bibliographic description and understanding the book as a cultural object
Provide students with an understanding of the role of rare books and special collections in libraries - including access, security, and preservation issues
Student Learning Objectives:
Develop an in-depth working knowledge of the changing context of special collections materials
Learn about reference and outreach in special collections via instruction, exhibitions, and reading room policies
Make responsible decisions in special collections management and provision of access
Gain knowledge of the history of the book as well as key concepts in descriptive and analytical bibliography
Coursework:
Thought Piece
Exam
Exhibition Proposal
Final Project and Presentation