Classical, Medieval and Renaissance Discussion Group Minutes - 2006 MidWinter

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WESS Classical, Medieval, Renaissance Discussion Group ALA 2006 Midwinter Conference, San Antonio January 21, 2006

Attending: Shelley Arlen (University of Florida); Ceres Birkhead (University of Utah); Paula Mae Carns (University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana); John Cullars (University of Illinois, Chicago); Thomas Izbicki (John Hopkins); Blake Lander (University of Florida); Jeffry Larson (Yale); Rebecca R. Malek-Wiley (Tulane University); Shawn Martin (University of Michigan); James Neissen (Rutgers University); Sheila Smyth (University of California, Irvine); Reinhart Sonnenburg (Dartmouth College).

Paula Mae Carns (University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana) ran the meeting.

Agenda: Meeting opened at 4:00

I. Presentation of Brepol’s Library of Latin Text (LLT) Hans Derarve of Brepols spoke for an hour and quarter on the company’s new electronic initiatives, primarily the LLT. Questions over the relationship of LLT to Cetedoc Library of Christian Latin Texts (CLCLT), a CD-rom precursor, prompted CMR’s invitation to Mr. Deraeve. After a detailed overview of LLT and other new online products, Mr. Deraeve kindly answered questions and responded to concerns. A major issue for librarians present was how libraries that already own the CD-rom version of CLCT and unable to afford the online version will deal with updates. Mr. Deraeve assured them that Brepols was willing to provide CD-roms or DVDs on demand.

“CLCLT is the world's leading database for Latin texts. It contains texts from the beginning of Latin literature (Livius Andronicus, 240 BC) through to the texts of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). It covers all the works from the classical period, the most important patristic works, a very extensive corpus of Medieval Latin literature as well as works of recentior latinitas including texts from the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. The complete works of writers such as Cicero, Virgil, Augustine, Jerome, Gregory the Great, Anselm of Canterbury, Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Kempis can thus be consulted. The texts have been taken from the Corpus Christianorum series and from many other leading editions.” –from Brepols’ homepage, which is accessible through http://www.brepols.net/.

II. Discussion of the Role of the Medieval Studies Reading Room The final 45 minutes were spent discussing the role of the medieval studies room in a library setting. A number of libraries in the United States are currently dealing with faculty requests for such reading rooms and not just for medieval studies. In such rooms they could consult major reference works, hold classes, and congregate for discussion. After sharing experiences and brainstorming, those present suggested that individual institutions need to address the issue within the context of their particular situations; no one solution will work for all. An idea warmly received was the medieval studies library webpage, which would collocate virtually resources as well as provide links to online materials. The beauty of the virtual room is that it does not require supervisor, take up physical space, require second copies or privilege one group over another, all obstacles to the creation of an actual room.

Meeting adjourned at 6.