Cataloging and classification of illuminated manuscripts:

Abstract

Examines literature topics pertaining to the cataloging and classification of illuminated manuscripts. Encompasses the comparison of the modern manuscript and pre-modern manuscript as it considers the application of codes and standards, especially AMREMM (Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Manuscripts), which is intended as a supplement to AACR2 (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second edition). Because manuscripts of the pre-modern era bear much more in common in their bibliographic and physical structures with printed books, standards that have been premised for modern manuscripts need reevaluation. The cataloging record for pre-modern manuscript is examined by deliberating upon the levels of detail and variety of access points, problems in transcription, physical description, and the setting of cataloging policy within an institutional context. The ongoing dilemma between simple and complex cataloging is considered while posing the argument that illuminations may constitute separate areas of content within themselves.