How to describe an early printed book

How to describe an early printed book

Books in Special Collections at Emory and at many other colleges and universities may be viewed by the general public, and most libraries welcome visitors. Some libraries do require more formal admittance procedures; simply ask what they are. Wherever you go, a little preparation will facilitate your visit:

A phone call, an e-mail message, or a letter to check on library hours and on the availability of the materials and of the person who curates them, is necessary. The hours for Special Collections often differ from the General Library's hours, and the individual most likely to be able to help you is not always available.

Give a reason why you want to see the materials. The reason need not be scholarly, and you need not have an academic affiliation; simply state what your interests are.

When you arrive at Special Collections, most libraries will ask you to fill out a simple form with information identifying you and the materials you wish to see. Note that, usually, only one or two items may actually be viewed at any one time, so plan on the order in which you wish to have items retrieved.

Most Special Collections allow you to bring in only a pencil, a laptop computer, and some paper. Take as little as possible into the reading area. Have a seat, and the materials will usually be brought to you.

Use any necessary foam book supports (some books should be opened only partially), and view everything with care.

Early printed books are very complex objects. By filling out the following form (which can be printed out) , some of the most pertinent information regarding early printed books can be extracted.
See Ronald B. McKerrow's An Introduction to Bibliography for Literary Students (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1927. Rpt. Winchester: St. Paul's Bibliographies, 1994.)

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