For its 225th birthday, the KB created a special video series about the journey a medieval manuscript undertakes when it reaches our library. The 6-part series visits various involved experts and thereby provides a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes at the KB.
What are the steps we need to take when we acquire a new book? And how can it safely become part of our collection? In Journey of a Medieval Manuscript we follow a book of psalms from the 13th century. Each video highlights a different step in the book’s journey; from the entry into our building to the safe storage in our collection.
Journey of a Medieval Manuscript: Introduction
This video provides an introduction to the series. We tell you what the KB National Library is all about and introduce the steps that will be highlighted in the series.
Step 1: Entry
The first step in the process is the entry of a newly acquired book. Ed van der Vlist, Curator medieval manuscripts, explains how he obtained a medieval book of psalms. Such a medieval manuscript can function as a type of time machine, according to Ed. The book is the Asbeck Psalter and was given to the KB for safekeeping. Watch Step 1: Entry.
Step 2: Quarantine
Marijke Hendriks, our preservation officer, tells us about how she assesses the condition of a book. Is it safe to place in our collections, or does the book contain pests or mold? Watch Step 2: Quarantine.
Step 3: Restoring
This video highlights step 3: restoring. Book conservator Ilse Korthagen tells us how she determines whether a book needs to be restored by doing a condition check. Watch Step 3: Restoring.
Step 4: Photographing
Our photographer Jos Uljee takes us to the KB photography studio. This is where he takes photos of reproductions, the collection, takes portrait photos and digitises valuable work so it can be viewed online. Watch Step 4: Photographing.
Step 5: Storing
How do we store our precious collection? And how do we determine what the right conditions are for the books to be kept under? Angélique de Meijer, location controller for the Special Collections, tells us how we preserve and store our collection and keep it safe. Watch Step 5: Storing.
Step 6: Consulting
The books that enter our collection undergo these steps, because we want our members to be able to consult them. Victor Olivier is public service officer at the KB and tells you how members can request books for consultation and how they are retrieved from our repository. For him, sharing the collection with the public is what it’s all about. With a membership, you can easily request books on our website or view them. Watch Step 6: Consulting.
