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ODUDUWA UNIVERSITY
(Course Material)
Course Information
Course Code: LIB-105
Course Title: Use of Library
Credit Unit:
Course Status:
Semester:
COURSE LECTURER:
INTRODUCTION
The emergence of books as a cultural phenomenon and the evolution of libraries have
played significant roles in shaping human history and knowledge dissemination. Books have
been an integral part of human civilization for centuries. The invention of writing systems
allowed information to be recorded and preserved in a more permanent form. Initially,
books were handwritten manuscripts, created by scribes and monks. With the invention
of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, the mass production of
books became possible. This revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas, as books
became more accessible and affordable. The emergence of books as a cultural
phenomenon brought several significant changes; Books enabled the preservation of
knowledge across generations. They became repositories of information, allowing ideas,
stories, and discoveries to be passed down through time. They became powerful tools
for sharing ideas and sparking intellectual and cultural movements. They facilitated the
dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of information on a broader scale. Books
have also played a vital role in promoting literacy and education. As books became more
accessible, people had the opportunity to learn and acquire knowledge independently.
Libraries have evolved alongside the emergence of books, adapting to changing societal
needs and technological advancements. The ancient libraries of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and
Greece were among the earliest known libraries. These collections were primarily
associated with religious institutions or ruling elites and consisted of clay tablets, papyrus
scrolls, or early manuscripts. During the middle Ages (Medieval libraries), monastic
libraries gained prominence. Monasteries housed extensive collections of religious texts,
and copying manuscripts became a crucial activity. Monks played a significant role in
preserving and reproducing books during this period.
The concept of public libraries began to emerge during the Enlightenment era, fueled by
the idea that knowledge should be accessible to all. Public libraries were established to
provide free access to books and promote literacy. With the advent of digital technology
(Digital age and virtual libraries), libraries underwent a significant transformation. The
digitization of books and the rise of the internet led to the creation of virtual libraries.
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Online platforms, such as Project Gutenberg and Google Books, made countless books
accessible to a global audience.
In recent years, libraries have evolved beyond repositories of books. They have
transformed into vibrant community spaces, offering various services, such as educational
programs, workshops, access to technology, and cultural events. Libraries have become
hubs for learning, collaboration, and social engagement. The emergence of books as a
cultural phenomenon has revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas throughout
history. Libraries have played a crucial role in preserving, organizing, and providing access
to books, adapting to societal changes and technological advancements along the way.

Book Definition
A book is a medium for recording information in the form of writing or images. A book is
operationally defined as a publication in printed form with a distinctive title. It usually
appears as a monograph, but it can also be multi-voluminous. Books form one of the
major items in any library holdings. There are different types of books which have a
multiplicity of variants.
A written work with at least 49 text pages that conveys thoughts, ideas, or information
can be simply referred to as a book. Books have undergone significant alteration over
history and taken on a variety of shapes. The development of the book has largely followed
the development of communication tools and techniques as well as the rise in information
demand. A book for library purposes is defined by a 1964 UNESCO convention as a non-
periodic printed document of at least 49 pages, excluding cover pages. A book is a writing
material used to store information in the form of writing or images. Early forms of books
were made up of numerous pages made of paper, papyrus, parchment, or vellum, known
as codex. The codex replaced the scroll as the oldest hand-held tangible support for
lengthy written compositions or records. A book is the archetypal example of a
composition that require significant time commitment to create and a smaller but still
significant time investment to read. It can contain illustrations, engravings, photographs,
crossword puzzles, and cut-out dolls. Some printed books have pages that are substantial
and strong enough to hold additional tangible items, such as a scrapbook or picture album.
E-books and other formats can be used to distribute books online. Modern books are
made from coated and uncoated paper stocks, with inks of various colors and different
weights for front and back covers. Since the 19th century, book production has required
the use of complex machinery, such as typesetting machines, web or sheet-fed printing
presses, and book binding machines. Cover materials are typically coated with various
colors or designs.
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With the exception of advances in typesetting, book manufacture has mostly stayed
unchanged since the early 20th century. Since 1900, dedicated typesetting machines
(linotype or monotype) have been a necessary piece of equipment in print shops and
typesetting enterprises. However, desktop publishing on computers has emerged as a
more affordable substitute. Users can produce text, insert graphics, and construct layouts
and page designs as complex and finely detailed as those created by conventional
typesetting machines with the right typesetting software and a laser printer. In library and
information science, a monograph refers to any non-serial publication that is complete in
one volume or a finite number of volumes, rather than serial publications like magazines,
journals, or newspapers. In common academic parlance, a monograph is considered a
specialist academic work rather than a reference work on a scholarly subject. A bibliophile
also known as a "bookworm"-is a voracious reader or book collector. A bookshop or
bookstore is a location where books are exchanged. Additionally, books can be purchased
elsewhere and checked out from libraries. According to a Google estimate, 130.000.000
titles were published in 2010. Because more people are using e-books, the sale of printed
books has declined in certain wealthy countries. (Wikipedia free encyclopedia, 2010 and
Books of the World, 2010)
Etymology of the word Book
The word "book" originates from the Germanic root *bk-, which is cognate to the term
"beech." It is derived from Old English be and is cognate with "letter" in Slavic languages
like Russian, Bulgarian, and Macedonian. The term "bukvar" or "bukvar" refers to a primary
school textbook teaching reading and writing fundamentals in Russian. Serbian, and
Macedonian. The Latin word codex originally meant "block of wood." but now refers to
a bound book with distinct leaves.
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Modern bound books are arranged in accordance with a specific layout, or the book's
layout. Modern books tend to follow a set of norms about the layout's components and
the typical information they include, the layout's wide variety. The basic layout of a book
includes the body copy, content pages, and front and back covers. The front cover lists
the title, author(s), and editor(s), while the inside front cover page is usually blank. Textual
material after the front cover includes a foreword, dedication, table of contents, publisher
information, and the location of publishing. The end matter, located between the body
copy and the rear cover, includes indices, tables, diagrams, glossaries, and lists of cited
works. The inner back cover page is often blank, but it contains the book's ISBN, a photo,
and a brief bio of the author(s) or editor(s). Additionally, story summaries, barcodes, and
reviews, including excerpts, often appear on the back cover.

Phenomenon called "Book'"

Books are essential agents of growth and societal change, to the social and cultural capital
of society. Libraries act as banks, investing these capitals for private and public use and
profits. These books and libraries are linked through state policies, educational
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institutions, and marketing networks, facilitating intellectual conversion between writers,

publishers, and readers. They form critical depository of knowledge and information,
enabling ongoing intellectual conversion between generations and the mass heritage of
human social thoughts. In the information age, books and libraries are essential for
acquiring capital and commodity, which can dictate the wealth and poverty of countries,
communities, and educational institutions. By learning from past experiences, books
provide a remarkable power for change and growth.
Functions of Books In 21st Century Contemporary Society
In the 21st century contemporary society, books continue to serve several important
functions despite the proliferation of digital media and technology. Here are some of the
key functions of books in today's world:
Knowledge and Education: Books remain a primary source of knowledge and
education. They cover a wide range of subjects, from academic textbooks to self-help
books, and provide valuable information and insights to readers.
Cultural Preservation: Books play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and
history. They record the stories, traditions, and experiences of different societies,
ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.
Entertainment and Escapism: Books offer a unique form of entertainment, allowing
readers to escape into fictional worlds, experience different perspectives, and immerse
themselves in captivating narratives.
Cognitive Stimulation: Reading books stimulates the mind and cognitive abilities. It
improves vocabulary, critical thinking, and analytical skills, helping individuals become
more informed and intellectually curious.
Empathy and Understanding: Fictional books, in particular, enable readers to
empathize with characters and experience situations from diverse viewpoints, promoting
understanding and compassion for others.
Social Bonding: Books can create common interests and topics for discussion among
people, leading to social bonding through book clubs, reading groups, and online
communities.
Mental Health and Well-being: Reading can be therapeutic, offering a sense of
relaxation and stress relief. It provides an avenue for self-reflection and personal growth.
Inspiration and Motivation: Books often feature stories of triumph over adversity,
success, and personal growth, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation for readers
to pursue their goals.
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Aesthetic and Collectible Value: Physical books contribute to the aesthetic appeal of
spaces like libraries and bookstores. Additionally, certain books hold collectible value for
enthusiasts and collectors.
Accessible Knowledge: Books, both in physical and digital format provide accessible
knowledge for individuals with limited internet access or in regions with inadequate digital
infrastructure.
Academic and Professional Research: Academic and reference books remain vital
resources for researchers, professionals, and students in various fields.
Intellectual Property: Books represent the intellectual property of authors, providing
them with recognition and income for their work, incentivizing further creativity and
writing. While the landscape of information and media consumption is evolving with
technological advancements, books maintain their significance and continue to enrich
contemporary society in numerous ways.
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Self-Assessment Questions

1. Define a book
2. Give three definitions of a book, one of which must be United
Nations.
3. Discuss the origins and development of the book
4. Define book and state its parts
5. Define Book and briefly discuss four (4) parts of book
6. State the UNESCO definition of Book
7. Discuss the phenomenon called Book
8. List any four (4) parts of a book
9. Enumerate ten (10) functions of Books In 21st Century
Contemporary Society and discuss five.
10. Draw and label a standard modern Book
11. Write short note on the Etymology of the term "Book"
REFERENCE
Ishola, B.C. (2024) Emergence of Book: As A Cultural Phenomenon and the Evolution
of Libraries. Ede, Nigeria: Federal Polytechnic Ede Printing Press & Publishers. Pp. (1-8)
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ANTECEDENTOF BOOK
DEVELOPMENTOF PAPER
A sheet of paper was first made in China in about 105 AD by Cialun, a federal court officer
during the HAN dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD), utilising mulberry and other fibres as well
as fish nets, old rags, and hemp waste. In China, paper has been used for padding and
wrapping since the second century BC, but it wasn't until the third century that writing
on paper became widely used. By the sixth century, toilet paper was also being made fron
sheets of paper in China. Paper was folded and sewed into square bags during the TANS
dynasty (618 to 907 AD) in order to retain the flavour of tea. The first administration to
print money was the succeeding SON dynasty (960-1279 AD). The mechanism used to
create paper by mediaeval paper producers was a significant advancement. The first
conclusive evidence of the use of water power paper dates to the lIth century in Cordaba,
Spain, and it allowed for a large expansion of production by displacing the time-consuming
Handcraft typical of both Chinese and muslin paper creation.
In Italy, paper manufacturing facilities started to proliferate in the late 13th century, driving
up the price of paper to one/six that of parchment until eventually failing. Since the
beginning of the era or development, paper has continued to be the most significant
writing and communication medium.

ANTECEDENT OFTHE BOOK

The papyrus roll from Egypt and the clay tablet from Mesopotamia are the first known
examples of written record, dating back to 3000 B.C. Chinese books, made of wood or
bamboo strips, predate these advancements around 1300 B.C, Johann Gutenberg of
Germany is credited with bringing moveable type and the printing press to Europe, despite
the possibility of printing being created earlier in China. Gutenberg printed a Latin Bible
using a hand printing press with movable lead type in 1456, and early hand-set type was
created with each individual letter constructed in a manner similar to script or hand
lettering. The term "incunabula" iş now used to describe books printedin the fifteenth
century.
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Figure 2.1. Clay tablet. Tylenolliver damages (2023 )

Books became more widely available due to the mechanisation of the book production
process. By the nineteenth century, manual printing was no longer able to keep up with
the demand for books. Printers used larger presses to handle larger sheets of paper or
continuous rolls of paper, allowing for faster book production. Further advancements in
the 1800s included the cylinder press, binding machinery, and papermaking machine. The
linotype (1884) cast type by line rather than by every letter.
In the 20th century, book production grew and prospered in America around the
industrialized world. The invention of the offset printing press and computerized
typesetting have reduced the cost of mass manufacturing. The paperback book in the
1940s increased public access to literature. Despite the development of other media, such
as radio and television, books continue to be the main source of knowledge in most of
the world.
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THE BOOK'S EARLIEST VERSIONS.

Other than clay/iron tablets and papyrus, ancient authors also used earthenware,
parchment (animal hides), wood, and even ancient paper to write on. From the usage of
clay tablets, papyrus, parchment, and eventually paper, there was, in some ways, a
progression across time. However, the distinctive qualities of each material frequently
lent them particular uses that were upheld throughout the ages.
Tablets
Tablets made of clay, wax, and iron
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Figure 2.2 Cuneiform writing on clay tablet Figure 2.3. Rosetta stone in the British
Museum (LIS Educational Network, 2023) (source Wikipedia, 2023)
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Figure 2.4. Writing of clay tablets (source: Wikipedia free Encyclopedia (2023)

A tablet is a physically durable writing device that is appropriate for errand-running and
informal writing. Clay tablets were flattened, largely dry, readily transportable chunks of
clay, iron, and wax that were imprinted with a stylus. They were employed as a writing
surface throughout the Bronze Age and well into the Iron Age, particularly for cuneiform
writing. Wax tablets were wooden pieces that had a layer of wax on them that was thick
enough to record stylus imprints. They were the standard writing supplies used in
accounting, in schools, and for taking notes. They benefited from being recyclable because
the wax could be melted and reshaped into a blank. Roman pugillares, which were used
to bind many wax tablets together, may have been the ancestor of contemporary bound
(codex) books. The word codex, which means "block of wood," may have originated from
wooden wax tablets, according to its origins.
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Figure 2.5. Papyrus tree

(LIS Educational Network, 2023)

Papyrus, a thick, paper-like substance from the papyrus plant, has beer used for writing
since ancient Egypt. The earliest documentation comes from King NeferirkareKakai's
account books from the Fifth Dynasty (c. 2400 BC). Papyrus sheets were adhered
together to create a scroll. The Phoenicians introduced writing and papyrus to Greece
around the 10th or 9th century BC, using other materials like tree bark. The Phoenician
port city of Byblos exported papyrus to Greece, which gave rise to the Greek words for
books (biblion) and papyrus as a writing surface (biblos). The word "tome'" (Greek: o)
originally meant a slice or portion and later came to indicate "a roll of papyrus" (derived
from animal skin). Scrolls were the most common type of book in Hellenistic, Roman,
Chinese, Hebrew, and Macedonian cultures. Tomus, as used by the Latins, had the same
meaning as volumen. By late antiquity, the Roman world adopted the more contemporary
codex book format, but Asia
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Figure 2.6: Hunefer's Book of the Dead; c.British Museum

(London); 1275 BC; ink and pigments on papyrus; 45 90.5 cm )
(source: British Museum 2023)

Papyrus was utilised for a variety of written materials, including notes to loved ones,
books, and paratexts. However, because papyrus was so valuable in ancient Egypt, it was
frequently recycled and repurposed. Old papyrus was occasionally recycled into mummy
cartonnage, and many papyri are written on both sides. The cartonnage of mummified
crocodiles at the Tebtunis site included a complete collection of literature!
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Figure.2.7: Greek papyrus used as a mummy's foot, complete image

P.Mich.Iny 7018
(source: Wikipedia free encyclopedia(2023)
Papyrus was often produced and sold in rolls that measured 20 to 40 cm in height from
top to bottom and up to 30 metres in length from left to right. The rolls might be divided
into sheets for shorter Usage, such private correspondence, or utilised for longer texts,
like literary works. When a roll was used for a lengthy piece of writing, the material was
divided into columns and written horizontally along the roll. A reader would scroll while
keeping the ends on his left and right rolled up for convenience and maintaining a section
of the roll flat in front of him to read.
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Bone oracle of China

Animal bones from the ancient Chinese period have records of divination procedures
engraved into their surfaces. A limited number of these inscriptions appear to have been
written with a brush and ink, however the vast majority are incised. Could this just be a
matter of survival, with the materials that hold up the longest having the hardest wear?
It's possible that writing ink on materials other than bone dates back considerably further
in Chinese history than what is proven. Wax tablets were once used for writing.
Fig.2.9 Wax tablets
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(source: University of Michigan Library 2023)

The ability to readily erase and reuse wax tablets sets them apart from other ancient
writing instruments. The tablets were created by applying a small layer of wax to a flat
piece of wood, which typically had raised edges so that the tablets could be closed without
destroying the Contents. Latin and Greek text on a wax tablet containing a birth
certificate l28 ADP. Mich. Inv 766full image: front Greek school children frequently utilized
wax tablets, but they were also used for official papers.

Codex
An ancient book is made up of one scroll, while a codex is multiple books. Modern usage
deviates from the original meaning, which was as if it were a wooden stock, "it is termed
a codex by means of metaphor from the trunks (codex) of trees or vines since it includes
a variety of volumes inside itself, like branches. The first reservoir of knowledge that
contemporary people would identify as a "book'" is a codex, which consists of uniformly
sized leaves that have been bonded in some way along one edge. These leaves are often
kept between two covers made of a more durable material. The codex was first
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mentioned in writing by Martial at the end of the first century in his Apophoreta
CLXXXIV, where he praised its compactness. Only the Christian society used the codex
extensively; it was never very well-liked in the Hellenistic world of the pagans. The codex
form of the book was adopted gradually between the third and fourth century for a
number of reasons, including: Because both sides of the writing material may be utilized,
the format is more cost-effective. It is also portable, searchable, and simple to conceal. A
book considerably simpler to read, flip through, and find the page you desire. It is more
difficult to operate a scroll. It's possible that the Christian authors wished to set their
works apart from the scroll-written pagan and Jewish writings. Additionally, certain metal
books that used smaller metal pages rather than an impossibly long, rigid scroll of metal
were created. A book can also be placed side by side in a confined library or shelf area,
or in smaller spaces.
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Old Writing Surfaces: Parchment

A carefully prepared type of leather, parchment is soft and sturdy, making it a superior
writing surface. Vellum is a term frequently used to describe premium parchment. In fact,
parchment was chosen over papyrus in northern regions, where the temperature might
be unfavourable for papyrus, as well as in the Near East, where it is known that parchment
was employed as a writing medium as early as the Ptolemaic era. Parchment, a material
made from animal skin, was historically used for writing documents and notes. Historically,
it was primarily made of calfskin, sheepskin, or goatskin. After the Roman Empire's fall in
the 5th century AD, papyrus became difficult to obtain due to Egypt's lack of contact.
The author portrait of Virgil appears on folio 14 recto of the 5th-century
Vergilius Romanus; note the bookshelf (capsa), reading stand, and the text
written in rustic capitals without word spacing.
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fig.2.13 parchment (Wikipedia free encyclopedia(2023 )

Parchment ( LIS Educational Network, 2023 )

In the monastery of Vivarium, founded around 540, Cassiodorus emphasised the value of
copying texts; later, St. Benedict of Nursia, his Rule of Saint Benedict (completed around
the middle of the 6th century), also encouraged reading. The Rule of Saint Benedict (Ch.
XLVIII), which set aside specific times for reading, greatly influenced the monastic culture
of the Middle Ages and is one of the most important works on mediaeval monasticism.
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Monasteries in the Middle Ages had collections of books ranging from few dozen to
around 500 volumes. Before the printing press, books were copied by hand, making them
expensive and rare. The scriptorium located above the chapter house, and there were
five types of scribes. The monastery's scriptorium was not allowed to be damaged by
artificial light.
 Calligraphers who produced high-quality books
 Copyists handled correspondence and rudimentary production.
 Correctors were people who compiled and compared a published book to the
original text.
 Illustrators who painted pictures
 Rubricators painted the red characters on the rubrics.

DEFINITION OF THE LIBRARY

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Libraries play vital role in the world’s system of education and information storage and
retrieval. They make available through books, journals, films, recordings and other media,
knowledge that has been accumulated through the ages. Large number of people in all
works of life (scholars, scientists, teachers, business executives, and government officials’
e.t.c.) use library resources in their activities. Many people also turn to library to satisfy a
desire for knowledge or to obtain materials for leisure. In addition, a large number of
people enjoy film shows, lectures, book discussion, e.t.c that is provided by libraries.
Further, library plays a vital role in preserving society’s cultural heritage. In other words,
the library is the citadel of learning or nerve centre of any academic institution. It is an
important aspect in educational development of man at any level of his academic pursuit.

From the foregoing, a library (derived from the Latin word liber meaning books) is a
collection of written, printed, or other graphic and visual materials including films,
photographs, phonographs, tapes, records video cassette, disc, microforms and computer
programmes (software) organized and maintained for reading, study and interpreted to
meet broad and varying need of people for information, knowledge, recreation and
aesthetic enjoyment.

It is important for the users to know that libraries have passed through a series of
historical developmental processes. During these processes, various kinds of definitions
have been given to the library with respect of its original aims. The main aim was the
preservation of records (not original books) which were made up of the written history,
culture, knowledge of humanity at various times. The libraries were depositories and
warehouses of knowledge. Wealthy rulers and renowned scholars in the societies owned
them. In modern times, the aims of libraries have changed, becoming more faceted and
multifarious libraries are now agents of education, social, economic and political
revolution and are accessible to all that require their services. This means that the library
is now a place entrusted with the acquisition, organization, preservation, storage, retrieval
and dissemination of information.
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Library: Prytherch (2000) defines library in the following five ways:

i. A collection of books and other literary materials which are kept for reading,
study and consultation.
ii. A place, building, room or rooms set apart for the keeping and use of collection
of books etc
iii. A number of books which are issued by one publisher under a comprehensive
title as the “Leon Classical characteristics such as subject, binding or
typography.
iv. A collection of films, photographs and other non-book materials, plastic or
metal tapes and disks, computer tapes, disks and programs. All of these as well
as printed and manuscript documents, may be provided in any department of
one large library or they may be in collections restricted to one type of
materials.
Library science also focuses on organizing knowledge for efficient retrieval of
relevant information. Information architecture is a process that originates in
library science and involves structuring information so that people can find it
easily.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Sources of information are the various means by which information is recorded
for use by an individual or an organization. It is a means by which a person is
informed about something or knowledge is availed to someone, a group of
people or an organization.
In other to harness and preserve information, it is packaged and stored in
different formats. The format or medium on which information is package
represents its source. Information source therefore, can be defined as physical
objects or platforms on which information is recorded for easy preservation,
management, dissemination and utilization.
Basically there are three main sources of information:
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a. Primary sources

b. Secondary sources
c. Tertiary sources

PRIMARY SOURCES

Primary sources are the first published records of original ideas, research and
development. They could be the description, the interpretation of an old idea or that of
a new one. The primary sources of information largely consist of unfiltered original ideas.
They constitute the latest available information on a topic, idea or theme. They are
information made available almost at the point of the generation of idea. They are the
most up-to-date, most recent development about an idea or theme.

Uses of primary sources

i. They help to keep up to date with new developments. They are the sources of new
additions and subtractions on development in a field.

ii. They create awareness of developments and research efforts as well as reduce
duplication in research.

iii. They are the sources for the identification of original idea.

iv. They provide materials on which further efforts and further development can be built.

Forms of Primary sources

Periodicals are publication that are published without any foreseeable that of termination.
i.e publication that are meant to be published indefinitely

i Periodicals: These are works that appear regularly, are published continuously and are
number sequentially. The definition includes journals, bulletins, transactions, proceedings
and newspapers. Periodicals constitute the main means of communication used in the
dissemination and exchange of ideas and scientific information. They are usually up-to-
date. They are usually devoted to reporting original ideas.
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ii Research monographs: These are reports of original research that are published
separately for reasons of their either being too long or too specialized to be published in
an issue of a standard journal. Such monographs provide background information on
existing theory or practice as well as the original work or idea that is meant to convey.
Their circulation is often controlled

iii Research reports: These are reports of research and development projects. Often they
are in the form of progress reports. They often contain valuable information of primary
nature. However, like research monographs, they are not made available through the
normal book trade channel.

iv Patents: A patent is a publication issued by government Department, which control the

details of the designs and processes of the production of product. It is the specification
that concerns the design and process of manufacture, of a product which is protected by
a government grant and which is secured for the exclusive profit of the designer or
inventors for a limited number of years. The product must be new usually with no
published description of the idea prior to this. It is a grant of exclusive privilege, or sale
of an invention. It is of great importance in science particularly to engineers and chemists.

v Standards: A standard is a document that contains information on the definition,

methods, properties, and measurements in the production of a commodity.

It is a report produced by a committee of a representatives of professional and trade

organizations under the guide of a government agency. Its main arm is to ensure the
provision and maintenance of high quality, and to ensure reliability to consumers.

vi Trade Literature: Trade literature contains information on the description of goods and
services of a manufacturer. The basic objective is to sell or to project image. They are
issued in a variety of forms as technical bulletins, price lists, data sheets etc. The primary
problem with trade literature is the bias, having been produced by somebody with
something to sell. It is also not available through the normal channels.
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vii Dissertations: Often referred to as thesis, these are the written original research under
a guide usually for the purpose of earning a (doctoral) degree. Some of the important
aspects of the work are to get published in journals or other traditional form of literature.
Some important original work may never get published.

Thesis (pl.: theses), or dissertation[note 1] (abbreviated diss.),[2] is a document submitted

in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting
the author's research and findings.[3] In some contexts, the word thesis or a cognate is
used for part of a bachelor's or master's course, while dissertation is normally applied to
a doctorate.

viii Unpublished sources: These include the following: letters, diaries, memoranda,
company files, tombstone inscriptions, oral history, internal research reports and
correspondences. A lot of original ideas are derived from these sources even though they
are never formally published. They allow insight into the thoughts, achievements and style
of individuals or corporate bodies.

SECONDARY SOURCES

Secondary sources of information are those sources that contain information relating to
primary or original information.

They are sources, which contain information compiled from primary sources. These are
sources that contain information on original ideas in a modified, selected or recognized
manner. They are better organized than primary sources since normally they are arranged
according to definite plan.

Secondary sources are very useful. They act as bibliographic keys to primary information.
They are more widely circulated. They are however, not up-to-date as primary sources
of information.

Secondary sources of information include:

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i. Periodicals: Not all periodicals report original work. Many periodicals contain
summaries of findings or reports of research undertaken by other people. Since
such report no longer constitute original ideas, they become secondary sources
of information.
ii. Bibliographies: are organized list of primary or secondary sources relating to
given subject or person. A bibliography can be comprehensive or selective,
annotated or unannotated. Annotated is the one that is accompanied by a brief
introduction while the unannotated is never accompanied by an introduction.
iii. Indexes: Indexes are alphabetical listing of names, topics, places, formulae, titles
or any significant item referring to material presenting the main part of work.
An index is more of a key to the content of work.
iv. Indexing periodicals: An indexing periodical is a regularly published compilation
of titles of already published primary source (and some secondary source)
materials. Indexing periodicals satisfy the combined criteria of index as a
bibliographical key to published literature, or as a listing of available titles and
that of a periodical as a publication that appears regularly, numbered
sequentially and is published continuously.
Examples:

a. Library Literature
b. Bibliography of Agriculture
c. Index Medicus
d. Education Index
v. Abstracting periodicals: These are regularly published compilations listing titles
of available literature accompanied by concise summaries of significant features
of each title. These satisfy combined criteria of an abstract and those of
periodical.
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An abstracting periodical provides a bias for a researcher to have an idea of the

contents of an article even without seeing it. Abstracts can be used in place of the
original work where it cannot be obtained.

Examples:

a. Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA).

b. Biological Abstracts
c. Chemical Abstract
vi. Reviews: These are the written surveys of literature available on a subject. It aims at
highlighting the trend and development of a given subject and provides background
information for new areas.

Examples:

a. Annual Review of Information Science and Technology

b. Annual Review of Biochemistry
vii. Treatises: A treatise is a comprehensive compilation of information on a subject. It is
the summary of basic information on a subject that can be used to carry out research. It
generally contains enough facts to enable a person possess basic knowledge on a given
subject.

viii. Encyclopedias: An Encyclopedia is a compilation of information on all branches of

knowledge or a specific subject. It provides information either on all aspects of knowledge
(general encyclopedia) or basic general information of all aspect of a special subject
(subject encyclopedias).

Examples:

a. Encyclopedia Britannica.
b. Encyclopedia Americana. New York, Grolier 1976 30.
c. International Encyclopedia of social sciences. New York, Colliers and Macmillan,
17 volumes.
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ix. Dictionaries: Books on words of a language or words on some special subjects or

authors. It is used to find out information about works usually arranged according to some
definite order (usually alphabetically).

Examples:

a. The new Webster’s’ dictionary of the English Language international edition – New
York: Lexicon International, 1994
b. The Oxford English Dictionary of current English
x. Textbook: A textbook is a publication produced to aid instruction in formal school
setting. Its content is normally narrowed to a specific subject and it is prepared to serve
a particular level of scholarship. There are textbooks for each of nursery, primary,
secondary and tertiary stages of education.

xi. Handbook: A compilation of miscellaneous information on a subject given details like

procedure, data principles etc usually less comprehensive.

xii. Manuals: They are books of guides or books of instructions. They give guidelines on
specific topics or aspects e.g. a cataloguing manual.

TERTIARY SOURCES:

Tertiary sources of information contain information collected from primary and

secondary sources. Tertiary sources serve the useful purposes of guiding a user to
available materials of primary and secondary sources. Tertiary sources have grown in
response to increase in the volume of primary and secondary sources of information.
They are guides or keys to primary and secondary sources. They organize and draw
attention to primary and secondary source materials. The basic responsibility of tertiary
sources is to assist searcher of information in the location and use of primary and
secondary sources. Some examples of tertiary sources of information are explained
below:
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i. Bibliography of Bibliographies: A ‘bibliography of bibliographies’ is a publication

that lists other bibliographies. It can therefore be truly called a mega-
bibliography. This type of bibliography directs readers to useful bibliographies
through subject, name, place, institution, etc. The bibliographies listed in this
publication may be in the form of a separate-published book or part of the
book. It can also list part of a periodical publication or others type of
documents. Bibliographies of bibliographies are very selective in nature. This is
because, not all the several bibliographies published within a period, subject or
geographical area can be accommodated. This explanation shows that
bibliography of bibliographies is, unarguable, a tertiary source considering that
it contains (i.e. list of separate published bibliographies) and distilled from
secondary. It is therefore, a key or guide to such information listed in it. An
example of this source of information is cumulative bibliography of
bibliographies published since 1937 by Wilson press based in New York, United
State of America.
ii. Directories: A directory can be defined as a publication containing names and
addresses of person, organizations, manufactures, school, churches, etc. a
typical example of this is telephone directory. There are specialized directories
that list certain periodicals. It should be noted that although sometimes, the
word “directory” may not appear on the title, this does not take away its
correct meaning or purpose. The range of information provided by directories
is enormous as it cut across different subjects/topics, period and geographical
areas. Directories belong to the tertiary sources of information because; the
contents are extracted from various secondary sources. Directories are special
materials that serve the requirement of its users as they enable them to readily
get needed original or primary information. Example of directory is a world of
learning which is published annually since 1947 by London-based Europa Press.
It lists the names, addresses and subject coverage of educational institutions.
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iii. Guide to the Literature: A guide-to-literature is another tertiary source of

information. It is a publication designed to assist users locate and utilize the
literature of specific discipline. This type of material therefore, introduces the
reader or researcher to publications in a particular subject or discipline. Its
coverage depends, largely, on the secondary sources. An example of this type
of information source is Guide to Historical Literature by American History
Association. It was published in 1961 by the Macmillan Press, New York, USA.
Other information carriers that belong to tertiary sources are:
 Almanac
 Chronologies
 Fact books
 Guide books
 Manual
It is also pertinent to point out that certain tertiary sources can conveniently be grouped
among secondary sources. This however, depends on the context and purpose of use.
Example of tertiary sources that share the features of secondary sources are: dictionaries,
encyclopedias bibliographies, yearbooks, handbooks, textbooks, indexing/abstracting
journals.

What is a digital library?

A digital library is a collection of digital objects, such as books, magazines, audio

recordings, video recordings and other documents that are accessible electronically.

What are digital libraries used for?

Digital libraries provide users with online access to a wide range of resources. They are
often used by students for research or by professionals seeking to stay current on the
latest developments in their field.

Digital libraries can provide users with access to rare and out-of-print materials that
might be difficult or impossible to locate in physical libraries. Digital libraries also offer a
variety of search and sorting features, as well as social media-like features that can
connect users with others to discuss topics.
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As digital libraries continue to evolve, new features such as multimedia content, data
visualization tools and interactive experiences are being added to software to make digital
libraries even more engaging and helpful.

Where can I find a digital library?

Digital libraries can be accessed from any computer or device with an internet connection,
meaning that there is no need to physically visit the library or store materials to access them.

Digital libraries are often used by public libraries, university libraries and private companies.
Much of the software available is Open Source i.e free to use or fee based i.e subscription..
Examples include the Digital Public Library of America, Open Library, the Internet Archive and
Project Gutenberg.

It is important to note, however, that some libraries require users to have specific plugins or
software installed to view certain content. The relevant information should be noted on the
library's website.

Besides these platforms, a variety of other providers offer digital asset management
options, such as software vendors, cloud service providers and companies specializing in
library automation. These services can range from customized digital collections to full-
fledged enterprise-level software platforms.

What are the advantages of using a digital library?

The advantages of using a digital library include access to an expansive collection of

materials, increased convenience because users can access the library from anywhere
with an internet connection, powerful search and sorting features to narrow results, and
multimedia content that is not available in physical libraries.

Digital libraries also offer a more engaging experience for users with interactive
elements, as well as social media-like features for connecting with other users and
exploring topics in new ways. Digital libraries often offer a variety of customization
options so that organizations can tailor the experience to their needs.

The accessibility and versatility of digital libraries make them invaluable resources for
students, professionals, and anyone seeking knowledge or entertainment.

Do copyright laws apply to digital libraries?

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When using a digital library, it is important to be aware of copyright laws and the terms
of service (TOS) associated with each library or platform.

For example, some libraries allow for limited usage of copyrighted materials for
research or educational purposes, while others do not. Review the TOS and find out
what permissions are required to use a particular library or resource.

In addition, be aware of the licensing agreements associated with each digital object you
access. This information can often be found in the metadata associated with the object.

What other types of digital resources exist?

Besides digital libraries, there are a variety of other digital resources that can be used
for research, reference and entertainment. These include digital archives, databases,
online journals, e-journals) streaming media services, virtual museums and more.

By taking advantage of these types of resources and integrating them with a digital
library platform, users can have access to an even wider collection of materials and
information.
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The usage of gaps between words has been theorized to represent the change from semi-
vocalized reading to silent reading. Because Irish monks were more likely to be less
proficient in Latin, they adopted the use of spaces between words in the seventh century,
which made it easier to read. However, it wasn't until the 12th century that word spacing
started to spread widely.
Public libraries emerged in the later Middle Ages up to the 18th century, with linked books
being tied to bookshelves or desks to deter theft. Early books were made of wood and
leather, with parchment or vellum inside. The demand for books increased in the 13th
century, leading to the division of books into unbound leaves (pecia) for loaning to
copyists.
Judaism has maintained the scribe's craft, even though printed prayer books and Bibles
are used for study outside synagogue settings. The position of "'scribe" or sofer is held by
any observant Jewish community, and printed books cannot be used for writing the Torah
scroll in synagogue.
During the Islamic Golden Age (mid-8th century to 1258), people from various religious
and ethnic backgrounds in the Middle East produced and bound books, perfecting
advanced techniques in Islamic calligraphy, miniatures, and bookbinding. Baghdad
possessed over à million books at the time.
The medieval Muslim world also employed a method called check reading to generate
correct copies of books in large quantities, with only authors authorizing copies in public
sessions, This method ensured the accuracy of the books and the preservation of their
cultural heritage.
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Selected Teachings of Buddhist Sages and Son Masters, which was produced in Korea in
1377 and is now kept at the Bibliothèquenationale de France, is the earliest book
containing movable metal type.
Earthenware moveable type was developed by the Chinese inventor Bi Sheng about the
year 1045, however there are no recorded instances of his printing. Johannes Gutenberg
introduced moveable type to Europe in 1450, as well as advancements in casting the type
using a matrix and a hand mold. This innovation enhanced accessibility and subsequently
lowered the cost of publishing books. In Europe, early printed works from before 1501-
including single sheets, volumes, and images-are known as incunables or incunabula. "A
man born in 1453, the year of the fall of Constantinople, could look back from his fiftieth
year on a lifetime in which about eight million books had been printed, perhaps more than
all the scribes in Europe had produced since Constantine founded his city in AD 330."
Self-Assessment Questions
1. Trace the antecedent of Book
2. List Four (4) early forms of books and briefly discuss two
3. Trace the history of paper making
4. Enumerate the early forms of the book
5. Describe the antecedents to the book.
6. Describe the early forms of the book
REFERENCE
Ishola, B.C. (2024) Emergence of Book: As A Cultural Phenomenon and the Evolution
of Libraries. Ede, Nigeria: Federal Polytechnic Ede Printing Press & Publishers. Pp. (9-27)

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