| CODE | LIA5042 | |||||||||
| TITLE | History of Libraries | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Library 福利在线免费 and Archive Sciences | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | The study-unit will cover the historical development of libraries from the earliest times to date. The initial generic collection of written texts was to gradually give way to the distinction between a 'library', 'archive' and 'museum', following which libraries themselves became further sub-divided according to role. The study-unit will emphasize the more modern period (especially post-1800) where the library scenario started to assume its contemporary characteristics and objectives. Study-unit Aims: 1. Trace the historical foundation and evolution of 'the library': from a closely-guarded repository of 'knowledge' to the branching-off into different specializations. and to its opening up to all those who require it; 2. Trace the historical development of libraries in the Maltese context; 3. Discuss the extent to which the present library infrastructure is the result of centuries, and the extent to which such a present structure is adapting to satisfy present needs; 4. Discuss the material /physical aspect of historical collections which goes beyond their current information needs. The 'museum' aspect of libraries and the benefits and challenges it presents in a digital age. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Understand the present library infrastructure as reflecting centuries of historical evolution and the way in which this has conditioned libraries' ability to adapt to present challenges and opportunities; 2. Recognize the context of historic collections held in various Maltese and non-Maltese libraries: the challenges and opportunities such historic collections present; 3. Distinguish between the different types of libraries in terms being a response to changing needs and aspirations over time, thus allowing students to contextualize the current changes occurring in the library infrastructure; 4. Appreciate library holdings in terms of their physical value beyond their textual content. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: 1. Recognize the value of historical material in libraries from an artistic and cultural perspective, but also at times in the development of national identity; 2. Tackle basic issues of conservation of historic material in library collections, in terms of basic housing and care that such material requires; 3. Evaluate the development of library buildings and services in terms of their past functions and acquire the skills of how these can be changed to satisfy present needs. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main Texts: - (2004-12) Staikos, K. (trans. by Cullen, T.). The History of the Library in Western Civilization. London: 4 vols. - (2005). A Treasure Lost: the Portocarrero collection of scientific instruments and interest in the Sciences in Hospitaller Malta, Symposia Melitensia, 2, pp. 1鈥�20. - (2013). Zammit, W. Notizie sopra l鈥檕rigine ed avanzi della Biblioteca della Sagra Religione Gerosolimitana: an unknown work by Agius de Soldanis, Bibliothecae.it: rivista semestrale, 2, 1 (Perugia), pp. 149鈥�184. Supplementary Texts: - (1995). Harris, M.H. History of libraries in the Western World. Scarecrow Press. Other readings will be indicated during the course of the study-unit. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Fieldwork | |||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | William Zammit |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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