The Graduate School of Library and Information Science invites you to join us this summer in courses offered by Midwest Book and Manuscript Studies (MBMS) program at the University of Illinois. Course topics include medieval codicology, rare book crime and punishment, and rare book cataloging (see course descriptions below). These courses may be taken on a credit or non-credit basis. Formal admission to the University is not necessary, but a bachelor’s degree is required.
May 18-29 (Mon-Sat first week, then Tu-Fri)
590MC MEDIEVAL CODICOLOGY: The Medieval Book from Sheep to Shelf
This course looks at the emergence of the codex as the primary form of book in the West. We shall consider the physical and intellectual developments of the codex, from the writing of the text to its final presentation on the page. Students will follow the text from the author to the book designers to the scribe to the illustrator to the binder to the reader, with stops along the way concentrating on tools, design, layout, ruling, illumination, and binding. We shall also look at modern approaches to codicology, including monastic versus commercial scriptoria, editing a medieval manuscript, paleography, dating, establishing provenance, and so forth. And we shall answer the question: What should a scholarly edition of a medieval text look like? Credit: 2 GR hours
Faculty: Sid Berger, Phillips Library, Peabody Essex Museum and Simmons College
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
June 1-12 (M-F)
590CP Rare Books, Crime, and Punishment
Explores crimes against culture in the form of rare books, maps, manuscripts and archival documents. From theft for profit to counterfeiting and vandalism, this class will focus on the myriad ways that unique and irreplaceable cultural heritage items are taken from us. The professional librarian and archivist communities, the general public and law enforcement have all treated these crimes very differently. This class will look at the ways that each of these communities reacts to these crimes and the reasons for these varied reactions. The class will also trace the evolution of the way these crimes have been viewed by various communities and what recent, positive changes might mean for the future. Aside from the historical and theoretical, this class will also discuss the practical: how these crimes are committed and by whom as well as how they can be (and are being) prevented. Credit: 2 GR hours
Faculty: Travis McDade, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
July 20 - 31 (M-F)
590BC Rare Book Cataloging
Description: Introduction to the cataloging of books from the hand-press period using the standards outlined by Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books). Exploration of concepts particular to rare books such as bibliographic format, edition, issue, and state. Application of controlled vocabularies/thesauri in a rare books context. Practical, hands-on experience cataloging rare books. Pre-requisites: Basic and advanced cataloging. Credit: 2 GR hours
Faculty: Chris Cook, Head of Rare Book Cataloging and Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
For additional information on the MBMS program and these courses visit:
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/mbms/
Marianne Steadley
Continuing Professional Development Program Director
501 E. Daniel St. Champaign IL 61820
217/244-2751
Fax: 217/244-3302
