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Schedule: https://carletonu.libstaffer.com/schedule/BookArts
Purpose: to enhance the teaching and learning experience of students from all disciplines by introducing them to the book arts and sciences in a practical, “hand-on” manner.The MacOdrum Library Book Arts Lab is a dedicated experiential learning space located in the heart of Carleton University’s main library. The book arts include bookbinding, letterpress printing, calligraphy, paper making and paper decorating, wood cut relief printing, ink making, quill cutting and more.
Goal: to allow students to reflect on these antique book building processes, and to spark synthesis illuminating new approaches to contemporary issues and intellectual inquiry.
Accessibility: Everyone is welcome in the Book Arts Lab! Our goal is always to make the space as accessible as possible, so that all folks can explore the rich and varied world of Book Arts. Some activities may require accommodations or adaptations to meet individual needs. If you have concerns about barriers or limitations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Master Printer or your professor so we can work together to support your participation in Lab activities.
What are the Books Arts?
The Book Arts refer to those crafts, trades, philosophies and ideals that relate to the notion of the book. They span the depth and breadth of human civilization and therefore research in the subject touches on most fields, including art, history, art history, literature, the sciences, engineering, architecture, industrial design, library sciences and more.
Book Arts include the physical aspects of the book, its structure, purpose, aesthetics and style, the appearance and message of the text itself, with an emphasis on how all elements of the book create an intellectual and holistic picture of a book’s meaning.
Explore the Book Arts in our Archives and Special Collections!
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Tour the Book Arts Lab
Contact the Master Printer to schedule a tour of the Lab.
The Book Arts Lab (234E & 234F) is restricted to 20 persons per room.
Join Our Mailing List!
CLICK HERE to sign up for periodic updates on news, course information, events and happenings in the Lab.
Credit Courses Featuring the Book Arts
ENGL 2910 [0.5 credit]
Book Arts Workshop - This experiential learning course immerses students in the practical arts and histories of book production.
ENGL 5120 [0.5 credit]
Book Arts Workshop - This course immerses graduate students in the practical arts and histories of book production. At least part of the course will take place in the Book Arts Lab in MacOdrum Library, where students will acquire skills in printing, bibliography, and/or bookmaking.
ENGL 4135 [0.5 credit]
Studies in Publishing - Topics will vary from year to year.
Catalogue of Book Arts Modules
with descriptions for course building (PDF):
Document:
Shorter Book Arts Modules.pdf
(207.7 KB)
INTRODUCTORY MODULES
|
BOOK ARTS BASIC TRAINING MODULES |
|
|
BAL101: Safety in the Book Arts Lab |
0.5 HRS |
|
BAL102: LAB Tour |
1 HR |
|
BAL103: What are Book Arts? |
1.5 HRS |
|
Bookbinding |
Letterpress |
Block Cutting |
Calligraphy/ |
Papermaking/ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BB101: Intro to Bookbinding |
LP101: Intro to Letterpress |
BC101: Intro to Block Cutting |
CM101: Intro to Calligraphy |
PM101: Intro to Paper |
|
BB102: Tools and Materials |
LP102: Setting Type by Hand |
BC102: Tools & Materials |
CM102: Ancient Marks |
PM102: Paste Paper |
|
BB103: Historical Styles |
LP103: Components of the Forme |
BC103: Linocutting |
CM103: Tools and Nibs |
PM103: Marbled Paper |
|
BB104: Contemporary Styles |
LP104: Letterpress Printing Basics |
BC104: Wood Cutting |
CM104: Exercises - The Power of Practice |
PM104: Paper Making |
|
BB105: Experimental Bindings |
LP105: Working with Woodtype |
BC105: Wood Engraving |
INTERMEDIATE MODULES
| Bookbinding | Letterpress | Block Cutting | Calligraphy/ Mark Making | Papermaking/ Paper Decorating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM201: Longstitch |
LP201: Typesetting, justified text, and other challenges |
BC201: Cutting and printing an illustration in relief |
CM201: Fonts vs Hands: Calligraphic Typography |
PM201: Pulp Fictions: Paper foundations |
|
PM202: Multi-section structure w/o glue |
LP202: Typesetting, ornaments, and borders |
BC202: Traditional wood cutting |
CM202: Chinese brush |
PM202: Mixing Oil & Water: Making Marbled Paper |
|
PM203: Coptic Binding |
LP203: Press Make-ready |
BC203: Carving period ornamentation |
CM203: Creating tools for mark making |
PM203: Mixing Paste & Colour: Making Paste Paper |
|
PM204: Cased in Library binding |
LP204: Letterpress & Typography Basics |
BC204: Carving type & script |
||
|
PM205: Accordion Book |
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