Kristin Masters
Master Content Brain. You think it, she writes it, no good thought remains unposted. Sprinkles pixie dust on Google+, newsletters, blog, facebook, twitter and just about everything else.

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Preserving Your Rare Books: Setting up and Maintaining Your Home Library

As a collector of rare books, your goal is to keep your collection in optimum shape. You’re careful with dust jackets and protect fragile books with clamshell cases. Even the way you shelve your rare books can impact their condition. It’s important that your home library provides the support and protection that rare books need.

Umberto Eco could use a few of these tips in his personal library!      
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"Hugo" Earns 11 Academy Award Nominations

By Kristin Masters. Jan 25, 2012. 2:30 AM.

Topics: Caldecott Medal, Children's Books, Movie Tie-Ins

The nominations are in, and “Hugo” tops the list with 11 Academy Award  nominations. The film, directed by Martin Scorsese, earned nominations for best film and best director. It is one more example of books’ inspiring movies we love!

     
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Happy Birthday, Benjamin Franklin!

By Kristin Masters. Jan 17, 2012. 2:05 AM.

Topics: American History, Book Collecting, Biographies, Science

Today would be the 306th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, whose contributions stretched far beyond his role as Founding Father. The polymath inventor was a significant figure in the American Enlightenment, paving the way for the evolution of politics, science, and even the country’s infrastructure.

     
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The Ultimate Inspiration: Famous Mountaineering Expeditions

By Kristin Masters. Jan 11, 2012. 4:42 AM.

The month of January: a time for new beginnings… and New Year’'s resolutions. Already many of us are already grappling with the challenge of maintaining our resolve. What better inspiration for fulfilling those promises, than a look at the heroes who have attempted one of the ultimate challenges:

     
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Children's Literature: Caldecott, Newbery and Coretta Scott King Awards

Every year, the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), honors the best in children’s literature. The Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, and Coretta Scott King Award are the among the most sought after honors for children’s books.

     
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Holiday Shopping Inspiration

By Kristin Masters. Dec 14, 2011. 1:22 AM.

Topics: Legendary Illustrators, Rare Book Gift Ideas

Christmas is fast approaching, and you still have plenty of gifts to buy. What to do? Find just the right book for every name on that list! The right book gives a lifetime of joy and pleasure. Walter Rodgers, of the Christian Science Monitor, reminds us that books have incredible power because “they are our bulwarks against time, ignorance, and barbarity.”

     
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Collectors' Favorites: Children's Christmas Books

The holidays have arrived, and with the season come hectic schedules. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy and celebration that also accompany this time of year. Our favorite children’s Christmas books beautifully capture those themes.

     
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Win the Battle against the Bookworm

By Kristin Masters. Nov 30, 2011. 7:44 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Book Care

Mother Nature can wreak havoc on rare books. Sunning, water damage, and humidity can all cause damage to your collection. Another enemy of your books may also be lurking on your shelves: the dreaded bookworm. Bookworms will tunnel right into the block, riddling the book with countless gullies and channels.

     
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Antiquarian Books - Is It More Than "Old Book Smell"?

By Kristin Masters. Nov 23, 2011. 1:56 AM.

Topics: Rare Books, Book Collecting, Book Care

We all know that aroma. Perhaps it evokes trips to the library as a child, or the cozy ambience of a grandfather’s study. It’s the distinctive scent of old or used books.

     
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Cook up Something Delicious This Thanksgiving

By Kristin Masters. Nov 9, 2011. 12:26 AM.

Topics: Rare Book Gift Ideas

What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Perhaps it’s the golden brown turkey, or Grandma’s green bean casserole. But we know it’s probably the pumpkin pie…Whatever your Thanksgiving Day favorites may be, find some inspiration to shake things up this year.

     
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About this blog

How can I identify a first edition? Where do I learn about caring for books? How should I start collecting? Hear from librarians about amazing collections, learn about historic bindings or printing techniques, get to know other collectors. Whether you are just starting or looking for expert advice, chances are, you'll find something of interest on blogis librorum.

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