future of the book
If the projection is interplay between paper and screen both transactions should be portrayed; paper as an accessory of the screen and the screen as accessory of paper. These interplays then influence each other creating a single transmission system merging self-authentication (paper) and self-indexing (screen).
Paper is mapped to related works by a screen utility while notes from the screen prompt paper confirmation. Tangential screen searches are returned to the parent topic by paper while a paper footnote is screen up-dated. Skills of page manipulations merge paper and screen navigation techniques. Research based on paper is delivered on screen and screen research is printed for paper delivery. Hand held reading devices, electronic and paper, are conveniently carried and possessed, stored forgotten or suddenly consulted.
early news
The recovery of papyrus manuscripts from the middens of Oxyrhynchus continues. This material is renown for the reconstruction and interpretation of ordinary life of later Antiquity. At the fringe of the new knowledge is evidence of early Christian scriptorium production and an associated transition from papyrus to parchment. Both aspects are gracefully described by in a new book; Greetings in the Lord, Early Christias and the Oxyrhynchus Papyri.
The interpretation continues; “With multi-spectral imaging, many pictures of the illegible papyrus are taken using different filters, finely tuned to capture certain wavelengths of light. Thus, researchers can find the optimum spectral portion for distinguishing ink from paper in order to display otherwise completely illegible papyri.” (Wikipedia) Again the self-authenticating capacity of physical documents is illustrated. This fundamental attribute of self-authentication is also dramatically demonstrated in another artifact.
The Hidden History in the Bayeux Tapestry is a magnificent reinterpretation of the imagery, captioning and gestures depicted in this later 11th century embroidery. What was long considered a narrative of Norman conquest, is actually a complex non-Norman French narrative of pro- English perspective and the tangled adventures of Anglo-Saxons in France and non-Norman French in England around the period of the Norman invasion.
That this subversive history was sequestered for a thousand years in this magnificent artifact is an awesome demonstration of the self-authenticating powers of physical documents.
print alcove
Slowly, slowly momentum is building for a Print Alcove at the UI Library. This will be a haven of comfy reading chairs and mood indigo where undergraduates can look at real books. Brooding in the corner is the Mighty Columbian press. Next to it the renown Zine Machine and all the new print acquisitions. A Special Collections exhibit invites those in line at Food for Thought to adventure up-stairs. “Meet me at the Old Printing Press!”
commemoration
It is approaching the ten year anniversary of the passing of Paul Banks. How he would have enjoyed advocacy for the continuing role of print in the context of digital delivery! In his day print was the establishment, now it is the outsider…just his kind of position.
abstract
“Continuing Role of Print Collections in a Context of their Digital Delivery; Preservation Risks and Preservation Responses”, submitted by Gary Frost, Conservator of Libraries, University of Iowa
A cascade of recent reports and white papers investigate digital preservation prospects and, reasonably and unreasonably, diminish the continuing role of print collections in research libraries. There is growing linkage between certification of digital reprography and discard of print sources.
This presentation reviews these studies and counter proposes interdependence of physical and digital book collections. Functionalities of back-up, mastering and authentication that physical book collections provide for their screen delivered copies are presented. The back-up function comes into play whenever the screen copy is unavailable. The mastering role is engaged whenever a second or subsequent capture is required for reasons different from the initial capture. And the authentication role comes into play as the intent or forensic features of the physical publication are investigated further.
A case study of “leaf master” collections that are sequestered to act as sources for digital copies will be described. A proposal for certification of print masters, modeled on designation of alkaline paper publication, will be presented. (coming soon to Milwaukee soon?)