interaction of virtual libraries
The concept of a virtual library is usually associated with on-line access of the digitized texts of publications. The presented texts are disassociated from their physical formats and may not even reflect any physical collection.
But, almost equally virtual are print collections in remote storage facilities. Again the physical arrangement and physical presence of these books are not encountered by the user.
Do the two virtual libraries depend on each other? Does each extend the meaning of the other? Answer these questions at the
Changing Book exposition.
“The Changing Book: Transitions in Design, Production, & Preservation conference to be held on July 22-25, 2005, will celebrate the legacy and future of book preservation within the context of the evolving book. This exposition will explore how perceptions of the traditional book are shifting and how the field of library preservation is responding to these transformations.
What is the continuing role of print collections in the context of digital access to research libraries? Will increasing digital access have a corollary in decreasing incentive to preserve print collections? Such fundamental questions have emerged as central to the prospects for library preservation. Publications, academic interest and wide awareness of the advent of digital research have not clarified the continuing importance of print collections used for book imaging in the context of digital access.
Another clarification is needed. Just as the infrastructure for scholarly publications is undergoing review, we also need to link the producers of print collections with those who wish to preserve print collections. Advocacy of the use of alkaline paper is well underway, but another challenge will be coordination with the rapidly advancing industrial base for ìbooks-on-demandî production. The Changing Book Conference will pursue this important new discussion.
The Changing Book program will include speakers and panels, five book exhibitions, technical demonstrations and informative poster sessions, tours of University of Iowa book-related programs and departments, receptions and prospective student interviews. Adding to this synergy of surrounding events, the conference will also celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the University of Iowa Libraries.”
scroll to codex to scroll to codex
In Antiquity blank papyrus was purchased in rolls, or scroll format. This running supply was cut into square sheets for letters or book sheets. The resulting manuscript was folded and tied into a codex format. If the circulated text became formalized as a work of literature it was transcribed to a scroll. Then later these scrolls were transcribed into codex format by Islamic librarians.
physical objects convey conceptual works
“Yet the fact that physical texts are our primary way of getting at intangible works means that the shape, feel, and structure of the objects conveying those texts – all the characteristics of the objects, in other words – constitute relevant evidence for assessing the texts and reconstructing the works (or, put it more simply, for reading).
G. Thomas Tanselle
