Provenance marks: Contributions to the study of the rare book

Abstract

Objective: To present the results of the research entitled "Context, situation and perspectives of the rare bibliographic collections belonging to the universities of Rio Grande do Sul", which began in the year 2017, especially with regard to marks of provenance. Methods: From a quantitative-qualitative approach, the present research made use of bibliographical revision for the construction of the theoretical contribution. Based on an Internet survey, 19 universities were identified in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil); of these, 12 have a rare collection and were the study sample. A questionnaire containing 16 semifinished questions was sent to these universities. For this work, three questions were selected, the content of which is related to the theme "marks of provenance". Results: The results evidenced the existence of collections of heterogeneous rare books, whose formation was predominantly by donation and direct negotiation with the owner and/or family members of the same. Regarding the bibliological and cultural aspects of the books, it is observed that those most frequently mentioned by the respondents were "Works that belonged to a prominent personality" and "Works containing dedications or autographs”. Conclusions: In view of the different and possible circumstances presented, it is important to emphasize the importance of studies on the origin of works, both for the knowledge of their history and for the valorization and strengthening of the image of libraries and institutions, as well as for the dissemination of these collections.