Global Manuscript Traditions

This course (INF2160H: Global Manuscript Traditions) provides an introduction to the traditions of manuscript (i.e. handwritten rather than printed) book production that have developed in various parts of the world and to the professional responsibilities of librarians in relation to such materials. In addition to exploring the physical attributes of manuscript books and the historical and cultural contexts of their production and use, the course will cover aspects of professional practice such as collection development, cataloguing, reference and research support, outreach, instruction, and digitization. A particular focus will be the ethics of collecting unique cultural objects such as manuscripts and the importance of provenance research in their acquisition and subsequent stewardship. While especially relevant for students interested in special collections librarianship, the course is accessible for all students interested in working with historical cultural objects.

Prerequisite or corequisite: INF2162H