Summer Rare Book Course
This summer, as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lilly Library of Indiana University, Bloomington, the Library will present a short course on “Reference Sources for Rare Books.” The classes, which will meet in the Ellison Room of the Library from Monday, July 12, through Friday, July 16, 2010, will be taught by Joel Silver, Associate Director and Curator of Books. The course, which is intended for special collections librarians, antiquarian booksellers, and collectors, will present a systematic introduction to approximately 350 printed and electronic reference sources for rare books, with emphasis on sources in the fields of early printed books; British and American literature; historical Americana; voyages and travels; maps and atlases; science and medicine; and the book arts. The instructor will cover details of the compilation of each of the sources, as well as information about their strengths and weaknesses, along with hints on how they may be used. All materials, including lists of all sources covered, will be provided to students.
There is no tuition charge for the course, but students will be responsible for covering their own travel and housing expenses. Enrollment in the course is limited, and there is likely to be competition for places. To apply for this course, please complete the registration form available on this web site. The Lilly Library will also make available three stipends of $500 each to help defray the expenses of lodging and travel expenses for three librarians who are accepted as students in the course. Applications received by February 15 will be assured of consideration. Applicants will be notified March 1.
The instructor, Joel Silver, has worked at the Lilly Library since 1983. He has published a number of articles on rare books and book collecting in AB Bookman’s Weekly and Fine Books & Collections Magazine, and he has taught courses in many subjects related to rare books at the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science, where he serves as Director of Education for Special Collections.
Application information
Applications are no longer being accepted. The class has been filled.
