A Thousand Years of the Persian Book

Next Thursday, September 11, the class will meet at the Library of Congress. Please follow these directions carefully. You might finish before 6:00, but you're free to stay as long as you like. The LC is open late on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
These are the tasks you must complete:

1) Get your reader's card if you don't already have one (LM 140). Bring a state-issued ID with your permanent address on it. This should only take about ten minutes. Maybe one of the students who knows the proverbial ropes can serve as a guide. The tunnels are confusing to the uninitiated. 

2) Spend at least 45-60 minutes in the exhibition, A Thousand Years of the Persian Book. Take notes, make sketches, chat at a low-decibel level with classmates. This exhibition closes on September 20; it's unlikely you'll get another opportunity to see it.

2a) Write a paragraph that summarizes your response to the exhibition and email it to me no later than midnight Tuesday, September 16. I'll share all the responses on the blog (ungraded). 

2b) Also choose one of the 99 items from this page: Persian Books and Calligraphy at the Library of Congress and write a paragraph about why you find it interesting. Please note: This is not a research project, but a simple response. At the end of your paragraph include the item's LC call number and which LC reading room you would use to access it. Email this paragraph to me no later than midnight Tuesday, September 16. I'll share all the responses on the blog (ungraded). Use my GW email address: kcs@gwu.edu

3) Go to the MRR in LJ and find study shelfs 1506 & 1507. Peruse. Return the books to the appropriate shelf.  You can also look at my personal shelf, 1120, if you're feeling voyeuristic. Learn how to order books online. Check out the flash drive "copiers". There are two in the MRR, one in the reading room and one in the copier room.

Tourist photos are not allowed in LC research areas, but you can sometimes photograph books with a librarian's permission. Of course, no flash.