32449 - History of Books and Library Science

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide a basic knowledge of library assets from manuscript origins to digital technologies and of the historical panorama of Italian libraries, as well as of library languages and services with particular reference to cataloguing techniques. At the end of the course the student is able to recognise the characteristics of library assets, to orientate himself in the panorama of library services and to correctly set up basic bibliographical procedures.

Course contents

The course aims to provide basic knowledge and methodological tools relating to contemporary library science, the history of the book, and the book as a historical, material and cultural object.

The course aims to develop students’ ability to understand and analyse the main issues connected with the organisation and evolution of contemporary libraries, with particular regard to public libraries and their services, and to the historical processes that have characterised book production and circulation.

The first part will cover the fundamentals of library science: its definition and disciplinary scope, types of libraries, the role and responsibilities of the librarian, organisational and managerial aspects of library institutions, processes for the development and management of collections, services, evaluation, and issues relating to the preservation of documentary resources.

The second part of the course will be devoted to the history of the printed book from its origins to the present day, analysing its evolution in historical, material and cultural terms. The course will examine in depth the emergence of movable-type printing and the production techniques of early printed books.

By the end of the course, students will be able to: understand the main concepts and tools of library science and the history of the book; distinguish between different types of libraries and understand their functions and organisational structures; analyse the main processes involved in the management and promotion of library collections; recognise the physical characteristics and production techniques of printed books; and situate the evolution of the book and libraries within the broader context of cultural history and heritage conservation.

Readings/Bibliography

Mandatory readings:

Giorgio Montecchi – Fabio Venuda, Nuovo manuale di biblioteconomia. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2022

Lorenzo Baldacchini, Il libro antico. 3. ed. Roma: Carocci, 2019

Two text of your choice from:

Anna Bilotta, La biblioteca pubblica contemporanea e il suo futuro. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2021.

Maddalena Battaggia, Come cambia la professione del bibliotecario. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2025

Giovanni Solimine, Leggere in biblioteca. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2024

Rossana Morriello - Lucia Sardo, Biblioteconomia critica e inclusiva. Teorie, pratiche e prospettive. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2025.

Non-attendees will add to the above bibliography:

Guida alla biblioteca e alla ricerca bibliografica. Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2024

The bibliography will be supplemented by readings provided during the course, available online on the Virtual Platform

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching methods

Lectures and classroom exercises, supervised by the professor., with illustrative and in-depth Power Point presentations.

Assessment methods

Oral exam, beginning with a subject choosen by the student.

It will be evaluated very positive the student's ability to demonstrate the acquired knowledge in a personal and critical way, using an appropriate language.

The final assessment will be based on the following indications:

• Inadequate: gaps in knowledge, inability to link topics, imprecise language

• Satisfactory (18–21): basic knowledge present, presentation largely correct but not independent

• Good (22–26): solid knowledge, correct and reasonably independent presentation

• Distinguished (27–29): well-structured knowledge, independent presentation with good critical thinking skills

• Excellent (30–30L): high level of mastery, ability to synthesise and exercise critical judgement, appropriate and precise language

With regard to examination, limited, declared and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (summarising, rephrasing). Substantial use of AI to complete parts of the examination is not permitted.

Teaching tools

Illustrative and in-depth Power Points.
The materials used during the lectures and in-depth studies will be available on Virtual

Office hours

See the website of Lucia Sardo