Ateneo - UPO

INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY SCIENCE AND FUNDAMENTALS OF ARCHIVAL SCIENCE

Among the potential career paths for future Humanities graduates, the roles of librarian and archivist are frequently mentioned: but what are public and private libraries and archives, and what do the professionals working within them actually do? How can one become a librarian or an archivist?
This course aims to answer these questions by providing an introduction to the disciplines of library science and archival science through theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and visits to local archives.

Required readings for attending students (students attending at least 75% of lectures are considered attending students):
A) Lecture notes and course materials available on DIR.
B) C. Bianchini, M. Guerrini, Guida alla biblioteca per gli studenti universitari, Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2019 [ISBN 9788893571302].
C) F. Valacchi, Diventare archivisti, Milano: Editrice bibliografica, 2022 [ISBN 9788893573832] / (only for students enrolled in the integrated course "Metodi e risorse informative") G. Cavallo, Le biblioteche nel mondo antico e medievale, Roma-Bari: Laterza, 2004 [ISBN 9788842032564].

Required readings for non-attending students:
A′) C. Bianchini, M. Guerrini, Guida alla biblioteca per gli studenti universitari, Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2019 [ISBN 9788893571302].
B′) P. Carucci, M. Guercio, Manuale di Archivistica. Nuova edizione, Roma: Carocci, 2021 [ISBN 9788829011209].
C′) F. Barbier, Storia delle biblioteche. Dall'antichità a oggi, Milano: Editrice Bibliografica, 2016 [ISBN 9788870759020].

Basic Level
- Introduction to bibliographic research, cataloging tools, and databases, along with a general overview of libraries, their history, functions, and types.
- Introduction to archival science and archival systems, along with a general understanding of archives and archival sources.

Advanced Level
- In-depth study of bibliographic research methodologies and tools, as well as the history and organization of libraries.
- In-depth study of archival research methodologies and tools, aimed at the independent design of research projects and the critical analysis of sources.

The course (6 CFU) consists of 1.0 CFU of teaching, 0.2 CFU of interactive activities, and 4.8 CFU of individual study.
No distance learning activities are offered.

None.

In-person lectures provide the conceptual and historical frameworks of library and archival science, laying the necessary theoretical groundwork. These are complemented by practical exercises in bibliographic research, cataloging, and document description and transcription, designed to help students apply their knowledge and develop independent critical judgment in evaluating sources. Finally, site visits to local archives and libraries offer a firsthand look at real-world operational contexts, fostering a well-rounded understanding of professional practice.

Disabilities, SLD and SEN. Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Special Educational Needs (SEN) may request specific services and support tools by contacting the Staff for Student Careers and Services Development and Coordination and by consulting the dedicated page on the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti-disabili-e-dsa.
After contacting the University Staff, students with disabilities, SLD or SEN may contact the lecturer responsible for the course in order to agree on teaching-related aspects and on any necessary adaptation of the examination procedures.

The final exam will be an oral examination lasting approximately 30–40 minutes.
For attending students, the exam is divided into two sections: 1. Assessment of the knowledges in library science (lecture topics and self-study of textbook B; 60% of the final grade); 2. Assessment of the knowledges in archival science — or library history for students enrolled in the integrated course "Metodi e risorse informative" —(lecture topics and self-study of textbook C; 40% of the final grade).
To pass the exam, students must provide at least a satisfactory response to each question. A passing mark will not be awarded if it is evident that even one of the required course texts has not been prepared.

For non-attending students, the exam is divided into three parts: 1. Assessment of the knowledges in library science (self-study of textbook B′; 30% of the final grade); 2. Assessment of the knowledges in archival science (self-study of textbook A′; 40% of the final grade); 3. Assessment of the knowledges in library history (self-study of textbook C′; 30% of the final grade).
To pass the exam, students must provide at least a satisfactory response to each question. A passing mark will not be awarded if it is evident that even one of the required course texts has not been prepared.

Grades are awarded according to the following bands: 18–21: Essential knowledge of the main concepts and tools of the discipline; basic understanding of archival and library processes; overall correct use of subject-specific terminology. 22–26: Good knowledge of the main concepts, methods, and tools of the discipline; ability to correctly apply knowledge to practical cases; appropriate use of archival and library terminology. 27–29: Firm grasp of the main methods and tools of archival and library science; ability to precisely analyze issues and practical cases, including within institutional and documentary contexts; rigorous use of subject-specific terminology. 30: Full mastery of course content, methods, and tools; ability to conduct in-depth and nuanced analysis of archival and library cases and issues; ability to integrate theoretical and applied knowledge, making broad and relevant connections. Honors (cum laude) requires an exceptional capacity for critical analysis and the independent application of knowledge to issues and cases not directly covered in the course.

The course is divided into two parts and aims to provide foundational knowledge in the fields of library science and archival studies.
The first part (Introduction to Library Science) focuses on the library system as institutions and spaces dedicated to collecting, organizing, preserving, and disseminating written knowledge. Following a historical overview, students will examine different types of libraries, paying particular attention to their institutional aims, target user groups, and governing regulatory frameworks.
The second part (Fundamentals of Archival Science) provides an overview of archives, viewed both as organic bodies of records and as institutions tasked with their preservation, management, and promotion.
Theoretical lectures will be complemented by hands-on workshop sessions—where students will work directly with the description and transcription of unpublished documents—as well as site visits to local archives and libraries.

Basic Level
- Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the main types, aims, and stages of bibliographic and archival research, along with an understanding of how to use research tools.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to conduct bibliographic and archival research, designing research pathways tailored to specific topics or study questions.
- Making judgements: Ability to critically analyze the reliability, relevance, and quality of archival and bibliographic sources.
- Communication skills: Ability to present acquired content clearly using appropriate terminology, explaining the methodologies and strategies adopted in bibliographic and archival research.
- Learning skills: Ability to acquire and use tools and methodologies suitable for working with bibliographic and archival sources in academic contexts.

Advanced Level
- Knowledge and understanding: In-depth knowledge of the theoretical principles, methodologies, and tools of bibliographic and archival research, with a critical understanding of the evolution of documentary arrangements, information systems, and the institutional contexts in which libraries and archives operate.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: Ability to independently design and develop complex bibliographic and archival research strategies, integrating diverse sources and tools, selecting the most appropriate approaches for specific scientific and professional goals, and producing bibliographies compliant with national and international standards.
- Making judgements: Ability to critically evaluate sources, tools, and methodologies in archival and bibliographic research, forming autonomous, well-reasoned judgments regarding their reliability.
- Communication skills: Ability to present and discuss research findings in a rigorous, well-argued manner using the specialized vocabulary of the discipline.
- Learning skills: Ability to independently update and expand skills in academic and professional settings, critically utilizing bibliographic and archival research tools and methodologies.