Rare Books and Special Collections

This course 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. Also we consider the importance of books and libraries in terms of provenance research.

The second strand of the course is concerned with the curation of rare book collections. Here 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 course is on rare books up to 1850 we also explore related items you might find in your collections, including newspapers, pamphlets, chapbooks, broadsides, fine press books, ephemera, and other relevant items.

Tutor

Jennie Hill (BA MA MSc Econ) Director of Learning and Teaching and Lecturer with the Department of Information Studies at Aberystwyth University. Jennie is a graduate of Aberystwyth having studied Heritage (MA) and Archives (MSc Econ). Jennie’s professional practice includes working for the Royal Commission on Historical Monuments and The Waterways Archive, before returning to the Department of Information Studies at Aberystwyth as a lecturer. Her research interests include rare books, with a particular focus on private and fine press books. In addition to research into private presses, she is also a collector of private press books and ephemera.

This course has been developed in collaboration with expert practitioners of rare books and special collections, in particular:

  • Edwina Penge (MA MLitt MLitt) Librarian at Longleat House and a Rare Books Cataloguer who has worked with the collections of the National Trust. Her background is in English Literature (MA, MLitt, MLitt), primarily of the early modern period, and she is also a graduate of Aberystwyth’s MA in Information & Library Studies by distance learning. Her research interests include country house libraries and how private libraries are reconstructed. Research in Libraries & Information History.
  • David Shaw (BA PhD DLitt) David’s lifetime of teaching and research in the history of printing and book trade, historical bibliography, and Renaissance French Literature includes many distinguished roles: Deputy Chairman, Canterbury Archaeological Trust; Honorary Senior Research Fellow, University of Kent; Hon. Editor of Electronic Publications, The Bibliographical Society; and Secretary of Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL). DJShaw Publications.
  • Sarah Gray (BSc MCLIP) Sarah’s career in rare books librarianship has included editing and promotion work for several organisations (a large London publishing house, the Bibliographical Society, and Winchester Cathedral Library). This work led to a post in Canterbury Cathedral Library. Sarah graduated from one of the early intakes of Aberystwyth’s BSc in Information & Library Studies by distance learning, and continued her career as Librarian of The King’s School Canterbury. Research: Parish libraries; Children in Cathedral Libraries (Youth Libraries Review, 21); William Flackton, Canterbury Bookseller and Musician; James Abree (1691? – 1768) Canterbury’s first ‘modern’ printer.

Prerequisits

A keen interest in rare books, special collections, libraries, museums, or archives.

Learning outcomes

After studying this course, you 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

Key skills you can gain by studying this course, include:

  • critical thinking – e.g. review literature, methods, and standards, for planning and managing a collection of rare books and set priorities for collection development
  • digital capability – e.g. use technologies including library and specialist catalogues and databases, and learning technologies
  • 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.
  • research skills - identification and location of relevant academic and professional literature, and best practice within the profession

Apply

To apply please complete the Short Course Application Form. 

This form should be completed and returned - with your reference - as soon as possible to the Postgraduate Admissions Office: 

For further information, please contact the Department of Information Studies tel: (+/0)1970 622731 / 622189; e-mail: dis-dept@aber.ac.uk