The University of Iowa Libraries hosts OPEN BOOK: The Book Studies Community at the University of Iowa in the North Exhibition Hall of the Main Library from October 1999 to January 2000. The virtual OPEN BOOK exhibition on the Internet is an extension of the physical exhibition. The images and text shown here are selected from the North Hall exhibition. These selections were made on a limited basis with consideration for site visitor interests as well as timelines of presentation. While the North Hall exhibition ends in January 2000, the virtual OPEN BOOK exhibition will remain at <http://sdrc.lib.uiowa.edu/exhibits/center> for many years to come.

OPEN BOOK: The Book Studies Community at the University of Iowa The Book Studies Community at the University of Iowa consists of a diverse interdisciplinary mix of faculty, staff, and students, with interests in all facets of book production, distribution, and use. Some actively research the history of the book, examining the role of books in cultural and historical processes, and how changes in book production affect the way books are viewed as artifacts. Specialists in the arts and technologies of the book study the history and technique of the book crafts, including letterpress and offset printing, typography, calligraphy, papermaking, and bookbinding. Still others engage in the conservation or the production of books, including artists' books and literary fine press publications. Through their expertise and enthusiasm, local book specialists are a vital part of this growing community. A major area represented is the University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB). Other important components of the Book Studies Community are also highlighted in the exhibition. UNIVERSITY OF IOWA CENTER FOR THE BOOK The University of Iowa Center for the Book (UICB) facilitates interdisciplinary study and creative expression in a wide range of disciplines associated with the book. The UICB sponsors classes, encourages curriculum development in other units, offers a 24-credit hour graduate certificate in Book Studies/Arts and Technologies of the Book, hosts two lectures by visiting academic and creative book specialists each year, produces fine press books and handmade paper, and publishes Counter, a journal for book specialists and enthusiasts. The Center maintains specially equipped classrooms and professional workshops for letterpress printing, bookbinding, and papermaking. An additional facility for creative work in offset printing combines professional publishing of artists' books with teaching in the same location. UICB ACADEMIC BOOK STUDIES AND RESEARCH ON THE PHYSICAL BOOK Academic interests in Book Studies are found throughout the University of Iowa. Connie Berman, Kathleen Kamerick, Katherine Tachau and Jon Wilcox study the book in medieval society. Study of the calligraphic hand, the type of illumination and illustration, the style of binding and other details of the physical book can provide enlightening information to the scholar about the importance of a book in its historical context. Brooks Landon works with electronic formats, some of which may replace the traditional codex printed book in the near future. Philip Lutgendorf studies the interaction of textual and oral performance traditions in pre-modern and contemporary India. Tim Barrett and Lynn Amlie study a wide range of topics related to the history and technique of European and Asian hand papermaking. Barrett's recent research interests have focussed on the role of gelatin sizing in the permanence of 15th century Italian papers. Amlie has made traditional Korean papermaking one of her primary areas of research. Barrett and Amlie collaborate on reviving traditional paper making methods and combining them with new techniques for the production of modern specialized handmade papers at the Center's Oakdale facility. Sid Huttner and David Schoonover investigate many aspects of books and manuscripts as physical and historical objects from the Libraries' Special Collections department and Rare Books division. UICB CREATIVE BOOK PRODUCTION AND BOOK ARTS Artists' Books Jim Snitzer and David Dunlap produce artists' books but approach their work from very different perspectives. Papermaking The UICB's classroom for papermaking and paperworks in the School of Art and Art History and the Oakdale Campus Research and Production Paper Facility provide exceptional opportunities for study and research. Bookbinding The Kolarik Book Arts Studio has been established with equipment donated by the family of Bob and Betty Kolarik, Cedar Rapids bookbinders. This classroom is home to students in 6-8 binding classes each year. Letterpress Printing Shari DeGraw is the letterpress printing specialist for the University of Iowa Center for the Book. The Center's Type Kitchen letterpress printing classroom in North Hall and the Windhover/UICB Presses in the English Philosophy Building together provide unique opportunities for individuals with interests in fine letterpress printing and limited edition publishing. Calligraphy Glen Epstein and Cheryl Jacobsen teach UICB classes and practice professionally as lettering artists. Their work encompasses the history and technique of the craft and personal creative expression. UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FACULTY AND STAFF WITH BOOK STUDIES INTERESTS Other important components of the Book Studies Community are the School of Journalism and Mass Communication Typography Laboratory, the University of Iowa Libraries, the Conservation Lab, and the Book Arts Club. Faculty and staff with interests in Book Studies are found throughout the University of Iowa. Research projects of Kathleen Diffley, William Welburn, and Annie Wilcox demonstrate a variety of approaches. The Typography Laboratory houses one of the best collections of foundry type in the nation. Related facilities provide computers and software for electronic typesetting, editing, and book design. Under Professor Kay Amert, students have access to a range of courses on the history of books and printing and the practices of typography and publication design. The University Libraries play a major role in serving those with interests in books by providing access to information in a rapidly changing range of print and electronic formats. In addition, however, a number of library facilities and staff are particularly supportive of the UI Book Studies Community. The Scholarly Digital Resources Center at the University of Iowa Libraries is a Libraries-wide initiative and many of its projects are in partnership with faculty from a wide range of disciplines. The Information Arcade was founded in 1992 with a commitment to provide a space facilitating the integration of new technology into teaching, learning, and research. In recent years, the Friends of the University of Iowa Libraries have sponsored a variety of innovative programs and collections in support of the book arts at Iowa. The Conservation Lab specializes in the care of non-circulating items such as rare books and manuscripts which are cleaned, stabilized, mended and provided with many forms of reconstruction and/or protective enclosure. The Conservation Lab also acts as a resource center for those interested in information on conservation methods or those with interests in the arts, crafts and research fields of the book. The Conservation Lab houses an important study collection of models and historical bookbindings and provides a Practicum in the structure of the hand-made book. The Book Arts Club of Iowa City is a community and university based organization with a local and national membership, dedicated to the promotion and support of all aspects of the book arts. Club activities include workshops, exhibits, educational presentations and social events. We highlight Special Guest Artist and Lecturer Barry Moser, whose illustrated Bible and other works encompass many aspects of the book arts. The Book Studies Community at the University of Iowa, like an open book, encourages the open exchange of new ideas about the history, present evolution, and future of the book. This exhibition was prepared by Timothy Barrett, Lissa Lord, David Schoonover, Rijn Templeton, and Carlette Washington-Hoagland, with assistance from Cynthea Mosier, Gary Frost, and Suzanne Micheau. We wish to thank Barry Moser for lending special materials from his personal collection. We wish to acknowledge additional support from the University of Iowa Center for the Book.   This exhibition is sponsored by the Friends of the University of Iowa Libraries.

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