Rare Books and Special Collections

by Sidney E. Berger

A landmark examination of the rare book and special collections field written by a veteran expert.

From cuneiform, coins, and codices to prints, drawings, photographs, and maps, departments of rare books and special collections are the premier repositories of significant printed and manuscript works and artifacts. Entrusted with the responsibility of preserving the records of history and culture, these institutions enable access to millions of source materials.

Sidney E. Berger, a veteran of rare book and special collections, offers a landmark examination of this field, aimed at practitioners in the library field, instructors teaching courses on the subject, booksellers, private collectors, historians, bibliophiles, and others involved in rare and unique materials.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Library Science

450 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working in a library that has its own Rare Book collection, this book was nothing short of a godsend. Sidney Berger's Rare Books and Special Collections is more than just a good book about the terminology and practice of working in and operating a special collection, it's an endless resource of references, terminologies, philosophies, and practical guidelines on how to manage and successfully operate a Rare Book department in both a public and university setting.

Reading this book was not always easy, and to be honest I was a little dubious about the numerous citations from Wikipedia. Still, this book is a vital tool for any librarian or library employee who is starting, or even simply looking for a refresher about the realities of Rare Books and the departments that handle them.

[Bill Sleeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. This book will doubtlessly become the "go to" text on the subject. Berger addresses all of the major issues and does so with style and verve.