How does an early printed book differ from a later one, and how do you describe it in a library catalogue? This course answers these questions, focusing on the three centuries from 1500 to 1800.

Participants will learn about book production, format and collation, provenance and bindings, reference sources, and how it all comes together. By the end of the course, they will be able to answer questions from booksellers, readers, and union cataloguing agencies, and to catalogue the average early printed book. Specialised sessions will deal with books printed before 1500 and after 1900. Teaching comprises a mixture of illustrated lectures, exercises, and hands-on sessions with historic books. A highlight of the course will be its ability to draw on the outstanding collection of over 5000 early English books formed by John Emmerson, given to State Library Victoria in 2015, and participants will have the opportunity to see and handle many examples.

AUD$1000 (10% concession rate available for concession card holders)

Prospective attendees will be notified quickly of the outcome of the application, and successful applicants will be provided with a registration and payment link. Payment is required by 12 January 2024 to secure your place.

Dr Karen Attar is currently the Senior Librarian, Rare Books, at the State Library of New South Wales, on secondment from her role as Curator, Rare Books and University Art at the University of London. Following library training at University College London, she has worked with rare books for over twenty years, including cataloguing them, teaching and publishing about the cataloguing of them, and contributing to international rare book cataloguing rules. Her publications include 21,000 words for The Oxford Companion to the History of the Book (2010).

Applicants must have current or previous experience in cataloguing. Experience in rare book cataloguing is not a prerequisite. The course will appeal to cataloguers who work with special collections. This can include librarians, curators, dealers, and archivists.