This discussion of America's outstanding rare book libraries notes the inception of collections, library facilities, technical difficulties, reference services, publicity efforts, and research. The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University, Clark Library of the University of California, and the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.…

Profiles National Archives established by Congress in 1934 to collect and organize federal documents of permanent historic value. Types of materials included in archives, the Washington building and regional centers, the "Declaration of Independence," arrangement and preservation of materials, declassification of documents, and archives…

Describes development of the Huntington Library, the largest and most complete repository in the United States of source material on British and American civilization from the Middle Ages to 1850, noting setting, service to researchers and the public, and collections. (EJS)

Narration of author's visit to the libraries of Florence, Italy, focuses on city, provincial, and national libraries, including the Laurentian Library, Biblioteca Communale Centrale (city), Biblioteca Marucelliana (regional), and Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale (national). Conversations with the directors of each library are highlighted. (EJS)

Describes the collection and services offered by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences' Margaret Herrick Library. (CHC)

Reviews the development of the Vatican Library from the papacy of Leo III (795-816) to the present. The current status of the library is described, including print and nonprint collections, acquisitions and major bequests, access to the collections, and programs and services offered to scholars. (CLB)

Profile of the Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress--which houses one of the world's greatest collections of rare books--includes a brief history, acquisitions, library services and users, processing and preservation of rare books, and the library's mission. (EJS)

Stresses the need for the rare book curator to interpret point and purpose of special collections to a variety of constituencies--audience of the curator's own library, public that special collections serve, and people who represent potential sources of support. Publicity efforts including exhibition programs and publication programs are…

Describes the development of the women's collection of the Schlesinger Library of Radcliffe College, and makes mention of the Culinary Collection. (CHC)

Traces history of private library of German scholar, Leopold von Ranke, which was purchased by Syracuse University in 1888. Efforts of librarian Charles W. Bennett in 1870s and Professor James Powell beginning in late 1960s, and restoration and cataloging of collection are highlighted. Items from the collection are noted. (EJS)

Description of the museum and library of Maryland history established by the Maryland Historical Society highlights governance of the Society; library services in three main divisions (reference, manuscripts, prints and photographs); library collections; genealogical inquiries; and publications, exhibitions, and conferences sponsored by the…

A description of the preservation products and approach of University Products is interspersed with current concerns of librarians, archivists, collectors, and experts on preservation. Library school courses on conservation management and examples of what one curator actually does are also described. (EM)

Description of Smith College Library's Rare Book Room notes printed book and manuscript collections including the Sylvia Plath collection, Ernest Hemingway collection, and collection of modern press books. Related undergraduate courses in typography and the history of printing, student exhibitions, and student publications are highlighted. (EJS)

Describes the development and current status of the Explorers Club, and the collections and services of the club library. The collections include the arctic library of Admiral Robert Peary, rare books and records, paintings, and memorabilia. The discussion covers research services offered by the library and preservation of the collections. (CLB)

Describes the Amistad Research Center housed at Tulane University which is a repository of primary documents on African-American history. Topics addressed include the development and growth of the collection; inclusion of the American Missionary Association archives; sources of support; civil rights; and collecting for the future. (LRW)