Module Information
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Study 3000 Words | 50% |
| Semester Assessment | Report 3000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Study 3000 Words | 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment | Report 3000 Words | 50% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Discuss the nature and purpose of rare books libraries and special collections
Outline and critically assess significant developments in the history of the printed book in Western Europe, especially in Britain
Identify and explain the principal characteristics of printed books in the hand-press period (up to 1850)
Analyse the main management issues facing the custodians of rare books and special collections;
Critically assess the provision of services offered by Rare Books Libraries and Special Collections
Select and apply the appropriate tools, standards, and procedures to manage a rare book collection
Brief description
This module provides an introduction to working with rare books It provides an overview of the history and development of the book in the hand press period (up to c.1850) as well as strategies for managing their care, promotion and access.
Content
This module is comprised of two strands. The first of these is concerned with the book as a physical artefact. Here we will explore the history of printing, with a particular focus on printing in Europe and England up to c.1850. We will explore how technology and book production develops in this period, including changes to illustration and binding. We will additionally consider the importance of books and libraries in terms of provenance research. The second part of the module is concerned with the curation of rare book collections. In this part of the module we will explore how to appropriately care for rare books to safeguard their future; how to develop your collections; and how to provide appropriate catalogues and procedures for accessing material. Although the focus of the module is on rare books up to 1850 we will additionally explore related items you might find in your collections, including newspapers, pamphlets, chapbooks, broadsides, fine press books, ephemera and other relevant items.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Communication | Writing and presentation skills |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Developing ways of managing a collection of rare books and setting priorities for its development |
| Digital capability | Use of several technologies to produce written work, including library and specialist catalogues and databases and writing and presentation software. |
| Professional communication | Producing assignments that reflect common professional activities |
| Subject Specific Skills | Identification and analysis of elements of early printed book; reading room management for rare books; promotion ; disaster planning; interpretation of Latin imprints. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7