Library and Archival History

The course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of the history of archives and library history and to develop research knowledge in publisher archives and author libraries. The first module examines monographic texts within cultural archives and more specifically on those of editorial relevance. The second module, based on institutional studies, is aimed at retracing the history of libraries from antiquity to the present day. The third module has a seminar approach and is aimed at deepening the presence of the library as a literary theme, as well as other problems related to the contemporary history of libraries and archives through a choice of themes to be addressed, where possible, in direct comparison with sources. The lessons will be supported by guided tours at the Braidense National Library and/or the Archivio di Stato di Milano and/or the Apice Centre of the University of Milan and/or the Arnoldo and Alberto Mondadori Foundation in Milan.

By the end of the course, the student will have to demonstrate that they has acquired the main knowledge relating to the disciplines of the different documentary sciences, historical evolution and the organization of libraries in Italy, and the different types of public and private archives, with particular focus on the cases of private libraries and editorial archives that will be presented during lecture (or, for those opting not to attend the course, those that are covered in the texts scheduled). The student will have to demonstrate that they can apply the knowledge acquired to today's library contexts and documentary collections, will have to demonstrate that they know how to communicate the learned content clearly and correctly having mastered the specialist lexicon of the discipline.