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Library Trends 05 (4) Spring 1957: Rare Book Libraries and Collections

Library Trends 5 (4) Spring 1957: Rare Book Libraries and Collections. Edited by Howard H. Peckham.

To devote an issue of Library Trends to rare book libraries and collections is clear recognition of two facts: that they are administered differently from other libraries, and that there is no extensive literature on the subject. Not alone is the American public in labeling rare book libraries as esoteric places difficult to understand. Younger librarians, trained under today’s banner extolling service, sometimes are affronted by locked book cases and regard "non-circulating library" as almost a contradiction in terms, akin to "bladeless knife." Even some scholars think it pointless extravagance to buy an expensive first edition of a title that has been reprinted or can be photostated. Inevitably, the rare book library has acquired a reputation for arrogance or preciousness.

The articles assembled here do not, of course, cover all aspects of the subject. Rather they touch on certain highlights and perplexing problems in this area of librarianship. Acquisition has been discussed in an earlier issue of this journal; the special cataloging problems of rare books should be explained in conjunction with the subject of cataloging generally; the relation of rare book libraries to private collectors is a hackneyed theme. The topics which are discussed sometimes are broad, sometimes are particularized.

All items in this collection are copyright by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees unless otherwise indicated.

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