Book Science

Summer Seminar Series

Location: Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Date: -

The purpose of this 3-day seminar is to train participants in low-barrier, non-invasive scientific imaging and analytic techniques appropriate for the study of manuscripts and printed books from a variety of global book traditions.

Participants will gain a practical introduction to the current state of the fi eld of what we can broadly call ‘book science’ - a range of interdisciplinary collaborations and overlaps between specialists in book history, palaeography, conservation science, forensic chemistry, archaeometry, molecular engineering, biology, and other disciplines. 

Participants will learn how to use non-invasive tools useful for damage assessments, materials analysis, provenance study, and the recovery of lost text, and discuss strategies on how to approach, plan, and conduct collaborative ‘book science’ work in a good way.

This seminar will take place between 5–7 June, 2024, as a collaboration with the Mellon-funded project
“Hidden Stories: New Approaches to the Local and Global History of the Book”; speakers will represent a
variety of perspectives involved in these interdisciplinary collaborations.
 

All are welcome to apply with preference given to those who can show that attending this seminar will benefit their work and/or research. Registration costs will be covered for accepted applicants, and include the registration fee, course materials, and lunch during the three days. Successful applicants are expected to cover their own transportation and accommodation costs.

Applicants are asked to submit an application form (downloadable below) and a Curriculum Vitae of no more than three pages by Friday, 29 March 2024.

Application Form