Manuscripts Cataloging

MATERIALS FROM MELA ANNUAL MEETINGS

• Evyn Kropf and Denise Soufi’s intermediate level workshop on manuscript cataloging, presented by Denise Soufi at MELA 2015, is available with all supplemental materials in a video.
• The slides of an earlier manuscript cataloging workshop, presented by Evyn Kropf at MELA 2013.

The workshop was based on a thorough review of existing manuscript cataloging projects. The findings of this review were compiled in tabular form as a comparison matrix. The table is a work in progress. Great care has been taken to ensure its accuracy, but we are aware that projects may change over time. If you are a project manager, and would like to add corrections, please contact Evyn Kropf or Mark Muehlhaeusler.

SPECIALIZED SITES

• Resources and documentation for cataloging Middle Eastern manuscripts are listed systematically in Evyn Kropf’s guide to Islamic Manuscript Studies.
• Professor Witkam’s Course in Islamic paleography and his Islamic manuscripts reference library.

INTRODUCTORY READINGS

1. Déroche, François, et al. Islamic codicology: an introduction to the study of manuscripts in Arabic script. London: Al-Furqān Islamic Heritage Foundation, 2006.
2. Gacek, Adam. The Arabic manuscript tradition: a glossary of technical terms and bibliography. Leiden: Brill, 2001.
3. Gacek, Adam. The Arabic manuscript tradition: a glossary of technical terms and bibliography – supplement. Leiden: Brill, 2008.
4. Gacek, Adam. Arabic manuscripts: a vademecum for readers. Leiden: Brill, 2009.