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I can recommend this distance learning option: Dundee’s standalone CPD module, aimed at archivists/librarians. Rather than the commitment of a full-blown language course, learning vocab etc, it explains enough of the language to help you use a dictionary and grammar effectively: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/cais/programmes/modules/basiclatinforarchivistsandresearchers/ From: CIG E-Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Katie Flanagan Sent: 15 April 2015 14:07 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [CIG-E-FORUM] What do people think are the sort of qualities needed for a rare books cataloguer? I’ve done the London summer school in Greek, which was a great introduction, if a rather intensive week! They also do Latin and some other languages too. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/classics/schools-and-colleges/summerschool We have a handy feature on the intranet here, where all university staff can list their skills, including languages and the level of their ability, and you can then search for someone to help with a particular language. Katie Flanagan BA(Hons), MA, MCLIP Special Collections Librarian T +44 (0)1895 266139 From: CIG E-Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Karen Pierce Sent: 15 April 2015 11:59 To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: [CIG-E-FORUM] What do people think are the sort of qualities needed for a rare books cataloguer? Have people taken courses in Latin or Greek? Any particular ones recommended? If you work at a University, or large institute, do you ever grab a specialist in a language if you are really stuck? For example, we have a couple of books in Arabic in our special collection – when we originally scoped out the collection from the public library, we just wrote on the spreadsheet ‘book in Arabic’ as we had no idea what they were. Whoever comes to catalogue them would need help, or be able to read Arabic. Karen From: CIG E-Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lucy Evans Sent: 15 April 2015 11:36 To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: [CIG-E-FORUM] What do people think are the sort of qualities needed for a rare books cataloguer? Michael, Latin would definitely be useful and Greek very helpful. It is amazing what you pick up from cataloguing though, I would now say I can catalogue in French, German and Italian pretty easily, but I only really speak German. I have turned my hand to Spanish and Danish too! It sometimes depends on where you work too, for example, here at the Bodleian we are desperate for someone who can read Esperanto!! Lucy From: CIG E-Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of michael towsey Sent: 15 April 2015 11:32 To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> Subject: [CIG-E-FORUM] What do people think are the sort of qualities needed for a rare books cataloguer? Are there any particular qualities, talents, knowledge etc. that it is felt suit rare books cataloguing? Obvious things like patience and attention to detail can be assumed. Also more generalised cataloguing skills would I assume clearly be a useful background, as well (presumably) as some knowledge of the history of the book and an interest in general cultural and intellectual history. What about knowledge of languages (will obviously depend on the language or languages represented in a collection, but I assume generally Latin might be the most useful?) Any views, anyone?