No. 22: Book Collecting
22-26 July 1996
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No. 22: Book Collecting 22-26 July 1996 |
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1. How useful were the pre-course readings? 1: The pre-course readings were essential to this course. Understanding much of what was discussed depended on having a knowledge of vocabulary. Some of the materials were, however, difficult to locate. 2: Literature was only marginally useful for preparation, but will be good reference tools  may be better reread after the course. 3: The reading list was usefulfortunately I had either read or skimmed most of the titles before receiving the list. 4: Quite usefulbut some were difficult to get. 5: Very helpfulcould have used a few more suggestions, since over 50% of the list was unavailable, even from Oak Knoll. 6: Great. 7: Very useful. Managed to read or review all of the material. 8: Quite useful. I had already read about half the books on the list. 9: Although I read them, knowledge of the contents of the readings was unnecessary. Probably more advanced material would have been more useful and those would have been covered in the course. 10: The readings were helpful (I read everything on the list). |
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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: Useful in knowing what was being discussed and when specific topics would be discussed. Probably won't use the syllabus in the future. Class notes, on the other hand, will come in very handy. 2: Syllabus served its intended purpose well. 3: In general, yes syllabus might be reviewed to be more inclusive (or detailed)subsets of general subject headings. 4: Yes. 5: Definitelywill keep as a memory jog. 6: Yes and Yes. 7: Yesas it will tie in with notes taken during the course. 8: Very. They will be particularly useful in future. 9: Yes. 10: Yes. I will use many of these in developing my collection. |
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3. Was the intellectual level of the course content appropriate? 1: Yes. 2: Yes the experience and expertise of the class members was variedWB and TB bridged the gap well. 3: In all aspects, Yes! 4: Yes, but 1) would like it to have been a little more structured and slightly less anecdotal, ie, more information on sources such as Wing, ESTC, etc; 2) Make wider use of available resources (see no.7, below). 5: Yes! Superb. 6: Yes. 7: It was intellectually very appropriate, stimulating and thoroughly worthwhile. My head did not drop for an instant nor did my mind wander!!! 8-9: Yes. 10: The course content seemed entirely appropriate. Every session was interesting and informative. |
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4. If your course had field trips, were they effective? [The course toured Special Collections in Alderman Library (public spaces, digitizing center, catalog, etc., and the Etext Center for a presentation by David Seaman.] 1: Visiting Special Collections was just right. The visit to the Electronic Classroom could have been longer, but only to play on the Internet. 2: Trip to Special Collections was informative and interesting. This aspect of the course could be expanded to several hours by presentations by library staff as to their respective functions and descriptions of Special Collections's operations. 3: Would wish for more time in Special Collections. Internet class useful to all except those (and there were some) who were complete neophytes. 4: Yes very much enjoyed Internet presentation and found it informative and helpful. Also enjoyed the visit to Special Collections. 5: Yesnot enough time with computers, though. 6: The introduction to the World Wide Web for book collectors was a great help. 7: Yesalways a pleasure to be in the rare book room of a library, especially one as distinguished as UVa's Special Collections. Also, the computer lab was very edifying. 8-10: Yes. |
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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 and yes. 2: Generally, yes. 3: Yes and Yes. 4: Yes. 5: 1) Yes, was quite accurate. 2) Exceeded expectations. 6: The course was well represented and exceeded my expectations. The fellowship with the students and instructors was a pleasant bonus. (Are class reunions possible?) 7: Absolutely. 8: Perfectly. The Course Description was most accurate the course exceeded my expectations. 9-10: Yes. |
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6. What did you like best about the course? 1: I have a better knowledge of the book collecting world and a better sense of the direction I might want to consider. Both WB and TB willingly shared experience, knowledge, and wisdom. They made the course applicable to each of us, no small feat. 2: Historical references to the book trade and famous collectors (especially US persons). Anecdotal material was particularly entertaining. 3: Interaction between instructors and the contributions from other members of the course. 4: Instructors went out of their way to share knowledge on a one-to-one and on a group basis (including TB on visits to booksellers). 5: The wealth of permanent and important information given in a delightful manner. 6: The people. 7: The dual instructor arrangement made for interesting dialogue and student participation. 8: The fact that it enabled me to ask specific questions related to my own collecting all these questions were answered. 9: The class was composed of knowledgeable, personable participants, all of whom contributed greatly to the ambiance and information presented during the week. WB & TB's information and background data were staggering in their scope. 10: The informality of the class, my fellow students, the approachability of the instructors. |
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7. How could the course have been improved? 1: I do not work in an environment where I sit for several hours at a time it was difficult not to walk aroundbut that seems to be my area of improvement, not the course's. 2: More emphasis on bibliography; research and significance of provenance (including impact on collectibility of item in question). 3: A reduced emphasis on IRS aspects (although of interest & required) and increased emphasis on the books themselves, ie, gauging condition, how dealers arrive at prices. 4: This is an introductory coursecould the day have been shortened to allow a sampling of other lecturers to help plan for next year? 5: No suggestionsit was so good. 6: One less evening lecture to give more time to visit local booksellers. 7: I enjoyed the course so much and learned so much that at this moment am exhilarated and would not like to suggest any change. 9: The tax material, while necessary, was dull and overly long. That portion should be shortened. Perhaps the time saved could have been used on more biographical aspects of collectors and dealers, as well as on great collections. 10: Perhaps a bit more personalization of content to the collecting interests of the class members. Could each participant bring along a book from his collection to share with the class? |
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8. Please comment at will on the quality/enjoyability of the various RBS activities in which you took part outside of class, eg Sunday afternoon tour, Sunday night dinner and videos, Bookseller Night, tour of the Etext Center or Electronic Classroom, printing demonstrations, evening lectures, &c. 1: Evening lectures were interesting and enjoyable but hard to attend after a full day. 2: Somewhat interesting and informativemarginally entertaining. Speakers (excepting TB) presumed more background familiarity as to subject matter than was evident, at least in my case. 3: Not of the quality I anticipated due to the venueseating, sound, etc., not conducive to enjoyability. 4: Well worthwhile. 5: Evening lecture quality (except Thursday [TB]) was not up to the standard of the rest of RBS. This was the only low point of the entire course. 6: The lectures are good and the quality of instruction/preparation is evident. 7: The two lectures on academic subjects were interesting, particularly Michael Winship's. TB's was the best (have heard two before). Low key appeal right on target!! 8: These were the least interesting part of the week. 9: En-joyable, but generally unnecessary. MW needs to project more; a great deal of his talk was unintelligible. 10: Very enjoyable. All of the lectures were excellent. |
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9. Any final thoughts? 1: A great place to start. I'll be back! 2: Terrific course, great week! I would greatly enjoy returning for another course. Many thanks to RBS (especially to TB, BAP and staff, and to other instructors). 3: Apply early and often come with an open mind and prepared to learn. Anticipate an enjoyable experience. 4: Come with an open mind and an extra empty suitcase (or a FedEx account number) and a full wallet. 5: Please use me for a glowing reference. 6: The time is well spent. The course offers a unique opportunity to sit at the feet of accomplished instructors. The course also helps build collector friendships.7: An admirable experience, highly recommendeda wonderful break from the rough and tumble. Academia "ain't so badin fact it has been a ball!" 9: Make sure you're serious about the subject; you'll get a lot out of it!10: A marvelous weekI'll be back! |
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Number of respondents: 10 |
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There were ten students: eight were collectors (80%), one was an antiquarian bookseller, retired (10%), and one was a teacher/professor (10%). |