ID:
24361
Dettaglio:
SSD: Library Management
Duration: 24
CFU: 4
Located in:
BERGAMO
Url:
HUMANITIES - 24-270/LETTERARIO Year: 2
HUMANITIES - 24-270/LETTERARIO Year: 3
Year:
2025
The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge about the history of books and their records, particularly after the invention of movable printing type by Johannes Gutenberg in the mid-15th century. In addition, some fundamental aspects of the history, role and management of libraries in the modern and contemporary world will be introduced. At the end of the course, students will have acquired the basic skills to navigate the history of books, particularly printed books, from the 15th century to the present day, as well as some preliminary skills regarding the organisation and informed use of libraries.
No specific prerequisites.
Teaching will take place through lectures, but with a particular focus on participation and dialogue with students. The lectures will be supported by slides and teaching materials that will subsequently be uploaded to the Moodle platform. One of the last lectures will be held at the Angelo Mai Public Library, where students will have the opportunity to explore the main topics covered in class in greater depth through the analysis of some ancient printed books, as well as to learn about and understand the history and functioning of one of Italy's most important library institutions.
The final examination for the course will be oral, with marks awarded on a scale of 30. The interview will normally consist of three questions designed to assess students' understanding of the various topics covered in class.
After an initial presentation of the different forms and records of books throughout history, the course will examine the birth and spread of movable printing type in Europe between the mid-15th and 16th centuries, with a preliminary in-depth look at its initial coexistence with handwritten books. After an analysis of the Italian context, particularly in relation to the figure of Aldo Manuzio, the focus will shift to the material aspects of ancient books and the main techniques of manual printing, which allow for dialogue with other disciplines such as philology, palaeography and literary history. Subsequently, the following centuries will be analysed, during which books were at the centre of major historical, social and cultural changes, with a focus on certain aspects related to censorship, privilege and the book trade. Finally, an overview of the world of libraries will be provided, both from a historical point of view and from a management and cataloguing perspective, identifying the main tools of library organisation.
Attendance is strongly recommended, also to facilitate the learning of certain technical concepts that will be addressed during the course.
Students, especially those who do not attend classes, can contact the lecturer at pierfilippo.saviotti@guest.unibg.it for further clarification on the course structure, bibliography and access to the Moodle platform. The bibliography of texts to be prepared for the exam, including additional material for non-attending students, is listed in the relevant section of the Leganto platform. The lecturer is also available for individual remote consultations via one of the main online platforms.