1) How useful were the pre-course readings?

1: Extremely. 2: Bowers -- always indispensable; re-reading him for the third time helped me to really penetrate what previously seemed impenetrable. Tanselle on paper and patterns was good value; otherwise, his writing seems ponderous and self-important. McKenzie and Tanselle (see above) were the most informative of the assigned articles.

2) Were the course syllabus and other materials distributed in class useful (or will they be so in the future, after you return home)?

1: Absolutely. 2: No syllabus, per se; the materials, especially the correct descriptions of books studied, were useful.

3) Was the intellectual level of the course content appropriate?

1: Absolutely. 2: The course was taught at a high level intellectually. The instructor is extraordinarily intelligent, quick-witted and knowledgeable about all aspects of his subject. Since this was the advanced course, one hoped that it would be pitched at a high level, and it was.

4) If your course had field trips, were they effective?

1: Yes, though Special Collections was a bit condescending. 2: We went to the UVa Special Collections to see the collators in action and discuss the Dunciad with David Vander Meulen. You have to see the Hinman put through its paces to understand its workings and enormous utility. We also worked on full-dress des bibs of some Sandys; a humbling experience.

5) Did the actual course content correspond to its RBS brochure description and Expanded Course Description (ECD)? Did the course in general meet your expectations?

1: Yes. 2: Can't remember the original description, but if it included a discussion of paper, patterns, and type, we didn't address these areas in class.

6) What did you like best about the course?

1: Opportunity to develop a concept for an ideal bibliography entry. 2: The instructor. The rigor involved -- lots of applied effort (homework). Chance to immerse onself in the superb RBS collection. Class size -- a two-person tutorial. The Hinman collator and Professor Vander Meulen. The series on the Alphabet. Reading Sadleir and Gregg bibs.

7) How could the course have been improved?

1: By receiving graduate credit. 2: As a "civilian" who doesn't do bibliography in "real life," it would have been useful to have specific instructions that amplify/explain the technicalities of the finer points of Bowers before getting to work on individual volumes.

8) We are always concerned about the physical well-being both of the BAP's teaching collections and of materials owned by UVa's Special Collections. If relevant, what suggestions do you have for the improved classroom handling of such materials used in your course this week?

1: Polyurethane supports in the RBS classroom as opposed to foam. 2: There was no issue in our class.

9) Please comment on the quality/enjoyability of the various RBS activities in which you took part outside of class (eg Sunday afternoon tour, Sunday night dinner, evening lectures, Bookseller Night, Video Night, Study Night, tour of the Alderman digital/electronic centers, printing demonstrations, &c.).

1: Everything was great, and Michael's should be put back on the list. Good, good food. Except for Gilliam's, Bookseller Night seemed a little flat -- but still fun. 2: I missed the tour. Sunday night was good fun. The lecture was completely devoid of interest or inspiration for me. (How I wish I'd heard Wieck lecture!) Bookseller's Night was fun because several of us went out to dinner, but that had nothing really to do with "Bookseller's Night." Rotunda exhibit interesting for the beauty of stamped covers. (The display of pop-ups in Special Collections was more interesting.) Video Night was a highlight.

10) Any final thoughts? Did you get your money's worth?

1: Yes -- do the reading, and do think about "meta bibliography." 2: It might be useful, especially in a class of such small size, if the instructor could communicate in advance with the pupils to discern their specific expectations, interests, course needs. I definitely got my money's worth. RN is as generous with his time, thoughtfulness and advice as he is a brilliant instructor. Some instructors might be deflated at having only two students, but he played as to a full house. Many thanks.

Number of respondents: 02

There were 1 antiquarian bookseller and 1 bibliomaniac (50% each).

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