LIS 560: Training Module for Rare Book Collectors By Dominic Perry

Target Group: Amateur rare book collectors who want information on the best practices for collecting.

Traits
Anyone who enjoys both verbal intelligence and luxurious things is the natural stuff of a book collector(Lesser, 2002) A rapidly growing user group (Bowman, 2001) Typically a lifelong passion (Scheuer, 2010) Mainly comprised of well educated individuals (Scheuer, 2010)

Enjoy research and learning (Bone, 2007)

Information Needs
Rare book collectors have unique challenges in both identifying sources from which to purchase books and what copies of books to buy.

Training Module: Searching Skills for Rare Book Collectors

Objective: To help individuals interested in rare book collections identify quality books and choose the best sources from which to acquire them.

Skills
Weighing the Benefits of Sources from Which to Purchase Books Examine and Identify Desired Books Using Online Resources Make Appropriate Selections Based on an Examination of Information Obtained from Several Different Sources

Rubric for Different Levels of Rare Book Searching Skills

Skill 1 Beginner 2 Intermediate 3 Advanced

Weighing the Benefits of Sources from Which to Purchase Books

Exclusively uses one source

Is aware of and occasionally checks multiple sources

Occasionally compares multiple sources against one another

Always checks multiple sources

Creates lists comparing multiple sources over time

Examine and Identify Desired Books Using Online Resources

Uses no online resources

Uses some online resources

May create lists of resources

Is proficient in the use of many online resources

Frequently uses resources for examination and identification

Make Appropriate Selections Uses one source for selection Based on an Examination of Information Obtained from Several Different Sources

Compares multiple sources before selection Uses online resources to identify specifics regarding prospective selections

Compares multiple sources over time Simultaneously uses several online resources for identification Is aware of trends in the market

Instructional Program
I have created a workshop which will require a computer lab equipped with the internet and a digital projector. Individuals in this workshop will each have their own computer station and the instructor will have a computer linked to the projector. Students will watch lectures given by the instructor and also practice using resources at their work stations. Students will be encouraged to take notes, but will also be given a handout of resources covered at the end of the workshop.

Introduction
Instructor Introduces themselves to the class, then begins a discussion about the classes past experiences with rare book collection Brief discussion Finally the instructor outlines the activities which will take place throughout the workshop

Skill 1: Weighing the Benefits of Sources from Which to Purchase Rare Books
Lecture Discussion activity

Skill 2: Examine and Identify Desired Books Using Online Resources

Lecture Work activity

Skill 3: Make Appropriate Selections Based on an Examination of Information Obtained from Several Different Sources
Lecture Activity

Conclusion
Overview of concepts taught Discussion of anomalies and questions Distribution of internet resource list Finally, request comments on effectiveness of the workshop

Bibliography
Bone, C. (2007). The Case of the Missing Title Page: Research in Rare Book Cataloguing. Feliciter, 53(1), 15-17 Bowman, E. (2001). Connoisseurs, Cognoscenti & Collectors. Black Issues Book Review, 3(6),

20-24.
Lesser, G. (2002). Browsing for Gold. Harper's Magazine, 304(1820), 39. Scheuer, J. (2010). The Conscience of A Collector. Wilson Quarterly, 34(2), 24-29. Witmer, A. (2009). The Book Mechanic. Chronicle Of Higher Education, 56(16), B16-B18.