32449 - History of Books and Library Science

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide basic knowledge about the history of the book, from the manuscript to digital documents. Beyond that, it presents the methods of management, services planning and development of library’s collections, with a focus on cataloguing. At the end, the student will be able to distinguish the features of each document, as well as to look at library services consciously and to approch the library profession.

Course contents

Introduction to the class; brief history of libraries and book; library science: definition. The library: strcture and management of libraries. Library services: collection management, cataloguing, reference, preservation of library materials, evaluation of services

Readings/Bibliography

Biblioteche e biblioteconomia. Principi e questioni, a cura di Giovanni Solimine e Paul Gabriele Weston. Roma: Carocci, 2015 (le parti da approfondire verranno indicate durante le lezioni)

Guida alla biblioteconomia, a cura di Mauro Guerrini. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2008

Further readings will be provided during class

Teaching methods

Frontal Lecture, visits to libraries

Assessment methods

Oral exam, beginning with a subject choosen by the student.

It will be evaluated very positive the student's ability to demonstrate the acquired knowledge in a personal and critical way, using an appropriate language.

Teaching tools

Illustrative and in-depth Power Point presentations, educational visits to libraries

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Sardo