Session 5
Due to reorganising in several libraries, the task of the manuscript librarian is moving towards the more general role of a librarian of special collections. At the same time the training of manuscript librarians in particular fields such as palaeography and codicology has become problematic in some countries in Europe.
This development coincides with other major changes. The material we are responsible for is changing, and its cataloguing and presentation depend very much on technical standards and interoperability facilities. New skills for an established profession are arising; manuscript librarians have also to meet the new audiences.
In this session we shall discuss these changes and try to outline the basic skills for manuscript librarians, using the American guidelines on Core Competencies in Special Collections Librarianship as a starting point. See: http://www.rbms.info/committees/task_force/core_competencies/
Papers focusing on medieval manuscripts and on modern manuscripts and archives will explore the basic skills and training possibilities that our future colleagues will need. The following discussion will address questions such as:
- How far can we learn from our colleagues in the US?
- Which initiatives have to be undertaken so that curatorial values and technical understanding can both be promoted?
- In which particular areas is training important?
- How far can this training be realised on a European-wide level?
- How can the LIBER manuscript group offer an initiative for new training methods?
