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Rare Books Fall 2008
Description
LIS60665 |
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60665 RARE BOOK
LIBRARIANSHIP (3)
http://www.slis.kent.edu/content/view/17/43/
Study of the theory
and practice of rare book librarianship through lectures, readings,
discussion, and practical exercises.
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Course Objectives
The course will
consist of two parts – History and Bibliographic Description, and Rare
Books Collections Administration
Students will learn
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- The place of rare book collections within a
library or archives
- Identification and description of rare books,
manuscripts and non-print items
- How researchers use materials in special
collections / rare book rooms and the reference tools they need.
- Basic cataloging and arrangement decisions for
rare books, manuscripts and special collections
- Preservation, conservation, and security concerns
for rare collections.
- The elements, activities and funding for a rare
books department, including promoting the rare books collections
throughout the library and the academic community to encourage use of
the materials and collections through exhibit, bibliographic
instruction, research projects, and publication.
- Familiarity with information sources on
preservation available through publications and organizations and
including technical standards, program development tools, scientific and
administrative research reports, and advocacy literature.
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Class meets
Thursdays from
2:15-4:55pm in Room 319 in the Library August 28 through December
2007. Office hours: 5-6pm Thursdays and by appointment.
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Required Text:
Chappell, Warren and Robert Bringhurst.
A Short History of the Printed Word.
Revised and
updated ed. Vancouver: Hartley & Marks, 2000. (available at the bookstore
and on reserve at KSU Library)
All other readings are on reserve, on e-reserve, or
available through KENTLink |
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Course format:
The course is taught in lecture and participation format, with adequate
opportunity for questions, and with informal discussion actively
encouraged. |
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Paper Format
must be double-spaced and submitted in paper format using APA or Chicago
Manual of Style for footnotes and bibliography. Chicago Manual of
Style is the preferred format for Rare Books. Attention to spelling,
word usage and grammar is essential. |
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Course Assignments: |
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Progressive Descriptive Analysis
(150 points) due week
6 (Oct 2) – This progressive exercise works with modern (1800-1940) books
and will build descriptive analysis skills starting with descriptive
bibliographic analysis and biographical sketches and ending with
bibliographic essays. This exercise will familiarize students with
specialized research tools and techniques utilized by Rare Book Librarians |
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Rare Book Terminology quiz
(50 pts) – testing understanding
of unique terminology for Rare Books and Manuscripts |
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Review of webcasts (50 points)
– students will write a review of the webcasts due week 8 (Oct 16)
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Rare Book
bibliographic / descriptive analysis project (300 pts
total) – each student will
select two rare books (pre-1850s),
Facsimile
(micro-format) descriptive analysis 150 pts
due week 11 (Nov 6)
Students will perform descriptive
bibliographic analysis, transcription of the title page, a written
presentation of the bibliographic features, brief history of the item, and
any unique features
Early Ohio Imprint (hard
copy) – 150 pts
due week 15 (Dec 4)
Students will perform descriptive
bibliographic analysis, title page transcription, a brief history of the
item, and compile a union list of institutions holding their specific
title using reference tools as directed.
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Class presentation on bibliographic project
(150 pts) Students will present the results of their work for the semester
including a description of their books, the history of each book and its
subsequent printings, and why researchers would study it.
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Participation and current events
presentations (100 pts)
each week two students will present articles from the newspaper, current
journals, or the news media about Rare Books in the News. These articles
can include digital projects, art exhibits, and thefts. |
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Final Examination: (200
pts)
A final examination will measure
students understanding of concepts taught in the course. |
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Course grades
are assigned upon the full semester's performance as follows: 1000-900
"A"; 899-800 "B"; 799-700 "C"; 699-600 "D" and below 599 "F".
Late Assignments will have
5 points deducted for every day late without permission from the instructor. |
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| Student
Responsibilities: Students are
expected to read the assignments, participate in class, go on the ‘field
trips’, write the assigned projects and papers and attend every class.
Students should inform the instructor if they know they will miss a
session. Students are expected to provide the instructor with a valid
e-mail address so extra readings and materials can be distributed outside
class. |
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Syllabus |
Description |
Rare Books Websites |
Rare Books Bibliography |
