Rare Book Librarianship: An Introduction and Guide - Paperback

by Geoffrey D. Smith (Author), Steven K. Galbraith (Author), Joel B. Silver (Author)

Successfully managing rare book collections requires very specific knowledge and skills. This handbook provides that essential information in a single volume.

Rare Book Librarianship for the 21st Century is the first new rare books handbook of practice in 25 years. Authored by two special collections experts with extensive field experience, this book is also the first to discuss the role of digital technologies in managing a rare book collection.

After a fascinating discussion of the history and current state of rare book libraries, this handbook provides a comprehensive account of the core skills and knowledge needed to be a successful rare book librarian. Topics include best practices for handling, housing, and conserving rare materials; collection development techniques; and user education and outreach. This book will serve as a handbook for practitioners in academic settings, large public libraries, and special libraries, and as a textbook for students in MLIS courses on rare book librarianship and curatorship.

Author Biography

Steven K. Galbraith, PhD, is curator of the Cary Graphic Arts Collection at Rochester Institute of Technology and former Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Books at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC.

Geoffrey D. Smith, PhD, is head of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.