University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 9

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: To be confirmed

The search for the ideal means of storing knowledge has been a constant of history, and books have played a role in this process since the dawn of ancient civilisation. Why then, given the ubiquity of books, has the library had such a chequered history? The idea of the library was much admired, but in reality libraries were more frequently dispersed or neglected, pillaged and lost in transit, or simply sold for cash by unsentimental heirs. This course charts the fragile history of the library, from the fabled collection of ancient Alexandria, to the new digital Alexandrias of the twenty-first century. Students will study this history of collecting with the help of original documents from great ages of library building, and there will be opportunities for the class to visit interesting and unusual collections within reach of St Andrews.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar (x 10 weeks); 2 optional office hours (x 10 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 20

Guided independent study hours: 280

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 4,000-word essay = 100%

Personnel

Module teaching staff: Prof Andrew Pettegree, Mr Arthur der Weduwen