From the literary networks of an eighteenth-century enslaved poet to the ancient craft of papermaking to the long-term stewardship of digital collections, Rare Book School’s fall 2026 online courses span centuries, continents, and bibliographical formats.
Applications are now open for three courses—including one entirely new offering—that will begin in September:
H-180v Phillis Wheatley and Friends at America’s 250th
Taught by Tara Bynum
Course Length: 12 hours
16 September through 21 October (Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 p.m. ET)
If you Google “Phillis Wheatley,” the widely reproduced engraving of her silhouette is easy to find. The image remembers the young (and at times, enslaved) poet sitting alone with pen in hand. “Phillis Wheatley and Friends at America’s 250th” will introduce students to another story for the young poet and, by implication, a new story for early African American writing. The course pursues—with a careful certainty—the idea that Wheatley is not actually alone despite how she is portrayed. She is, in fact, part of various communities, and she speaks of them often in her letters. Led by the accessibility and popularity of Wheatley, students in this course will explore what this correspondence means for our understanding of the “book” and its history to these communities of writers and readers. Learn more.
H-230v Papermaking Processes in the Global East
Taught by Radha Pandey
Course Length: 22 hours
15 September through 16 October (Tuesdays 2:00–4:30 p.m. ET and Fridays 2:00–4:00 p.m. ET)
This intensive hands-on course will cover an overview of the history of papermaking with a focus on five major paper traditions and techniques. Through lectures, demonstrations, readings, and hands-on activities, we will cover a general history of papermaking; proto-papers; and Himalayan, Japanese, Indian, and European paper traditions. The teaching days are divided between theoretical learning and practical application. In order to complete assignments during the week, students will be expected to make paper using materials and tools that are provided or easily available to them. Learn more.
L-130v Digital Sustainability for Cultural Collections
Taught by Nancy Y. McGovern & Kari R. Smith
Course Length: 12 hours
Asynchronous learning 8 September through 12 October
First synchronous meeting during the week of 12 October (exact date and time TBD by the group)
Regular synchronous meetings 19 October–4 November (Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00–8:00 p.m. ET)
What do curators of cultural heritage collections need to know about ensuring the sustainability of digital content? This course covers: 1) fundamentals of good practice, including core concepts and community standards; 2) adopting, adapting, and applying tools and techniques for digital collections; 3) developing knowledge and skills for digital content and collections roles; 4) identifying right-sized infrastructure for digital collections; and 5) responding to relevant ongoing technological change for digital collections. Students in this seminar will explore digital practice as illustrated by scenarios, examples, and demonstrations with hands-on components in small groups. This seminar builds familiarity with the long-term care of digital content (personal or organizational) and encourages curiosity about the opportunities and implications of digital sustainability. Learn more.
Please click on a course title above for more information, including how to apply.
For the best chance of being admitted, please submit your application(s) by Monday, 20 July 2026. Applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all available seats have filled, but classes frequently fill in the first round of admissions decisions.
Applications will be accepted through the myRBS system; instructions for using the site can be found on the landing page once you’ve created an account. For information about the application process, visit rarebookschool.org/courses/application-process. If you have any questions, please contact rbsprograms@virginia.edu.