Archive and Library Theory and Management

ANNA CANDIDA FELICI

The main objective of the course is to provide knowledge and skills on research methods and analytical techniques in the field of physical sciences applied to the study of archival and book heritage. Specifically, the main imaging and spectroscopic techniques used for the investigation of the constituent materials and manufacturing techniques of ancient manuscripts and printed books will be treated, as well as the physical principles underlying their functioning. The knowledge of the topics will be acquired through lectures, reading of scientific articles, analysis of case studies. At the end of the course, students will acquire necessary tools for: draw up an investigation project, identifying the appropriate analytical methodologies, with particular reference to the non-invasive and in situ usable techniques; critically analyse the instrumental data, also in the light of knowledges acquired in other classes of the degree course.

Attendance at lessons and individual study allows the student to achieve the following results:
1.Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of the physical principles on which the main diagnostic techniques for the study of manuscripts and ancient printed books are based, their potentialities, advantages, and limitations.
Knowledge of the technical vocabulary.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Knowledge of how evaluate a diagnostic investigation and the information it provides.
Knowledge of the correct use of technical terminology.
3. Making judgements
Knowledge of how evaluate the need for diagnostic investigations.
Knowledge of how formulate and argue simple diagnostic investigation hypotheses.
4. Communication skills
Knowledge of how to communicate your assessments about a diagnostic investigation with an appropriate terminology.
5. Learning skills
Knowledge of how critically consult reference texts and suggested bibliography.

Knowledge of physics at high school level.
Knowledge of the English language is desirable

The course aims to describe and study the main physical-chemical techniques currently used for the analysis of ancient manuscripts and ancient printed books. Particular attention will be given to non-invasive technologies applicable in situ.
The course will provide the physical principles underlying the functioning of the imaging and spectroscopic techniques used to: (i) determine the provenance of artefacts and reconstruct the history of their use; (ii) characterize the pictorial materials and techniques used by medieval illuminators; (iii) increase the readability of palimpsests and writings invisible to the naked eye; (iv) identify the degradation processes that influence the integrity of the artefact.
Various case studies will be analysed, highlighting the connections with other disciplines of Book Sciences, in an interdisciplinary perspective.
The lectures will be alternated with visits to laboratories, during which students will have the opportunity to examine the practical functioning of these investigation methodologies.

Lecture notes provided by the teacher and scientific articles.
For topics concerning physical principles and some of the investigation techniques we recommend consulting:
Olga Piccolo, Ezio Puppin, Tecniche diagnostiche per i beni culturali, Maggioli Editore (2008) ISBN: 8838743312

The course includes both lectures and laboratory experiences.

Attendance is strongly recommended.

The student will choose a scientific article in which at least two of the techniques described during the course have been used for the study of manuscripts or ancient printed books. During the interview the student will explain and comment on the research reported in the article and describe the techniques used, answering any questions posed by the teacher. For the presentation the student may use a slide presentation. Furthermore, the teacher will ask a question related to the planning of a scientific investigation project on manuscripts or ancient printed books that uses the techniques described during the course.
The exam will evaluate the level of understanding of the physical principles underlying the investigation techniques, their field of application and their limits. The ability to critically analyze instrumental data and plan an investigation project will also be assessed.

What is the physical principle on which X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is based and what information does this technique provide?

Is X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy a suitable technique for identifying the pigments of organic origin used to realize an illumination?

What are the most suitable techniques for identifying the pigments used to realize an illumination?

What technique can be used to recover the lower writing in a palimpsest?