During the summer of 2005, the UI Libraries hosted The Changing Book Conference. Bookworkers from around the world came to Iowa City for the weekend to discuss how the object we know as “book” has changed over time.

Evolving digital formats have forced libraries’ approaches to paper book collections to change in ways unforeseen even a few years ago. The Changing Book: Transition in Design, Production, and Preservation takes an insightful look at the evolution of books from its historical origins to its digital emulations. This visionary source examines the continuing role of the paper book, trends in print book production and the future of the physical book. On-demand printing, book conservation and traditions in bookmaking are discussed in detail.

“The Changing Book captures the essence of this significant conference on the history of book, its conservation and preservation, and the book as art,” says Peter D. Verheyen, Preservation & Digital Access Librarian, Syracuse University Library. “Intricately intertwined, these themes are addressed by leading practitioners who represent a wide range of backgrounds developing a picture of a field of study that is vibrant and marries the past with the future. The Changing Book is must read for all in the field or interested in joining it.”

These first-rate selections of proceedings from The Changing Book Conference held in 2005 focus on the creativity and innovative ideas important to any library professional managing library collections. The contributors represent an excellent cross-section of book experts – conservators, book binders and designers, book artists, educators, preservationists. They discuss the topic of the book from their point of view, from a 14th century Bible restoration to discussions of the impact of computer technologies on literature and book production. This resource provides numerous photographs and illustrations, and is extensively referenced.

You can purchase the book online from Barnes & Noble.