Foreword
Books once they leave their authors’ hands cannot circulate without readers. Bought, received, presented, sold—a single book may pass through the hands of multiple readers. In books they have thus obtained, people frequently record “proof that this is mine.” Some paste in beautiful bookplates, or impress unique seals, or provide detailed explanations of how a book came to them. Others simply record their names.
These proofs of ownership reflect different cultural backgrounds and provide valuable clues that enable us to pinpoint the age of the material.
In this exhibition, we introduce bookplates, ownership seals, and marginalia preserved in materials in our collection. These traces—beautiful works of art in themselves—also add new stories to books and enable us to discern continuing connections between readers over the centuries.
WUL Seal Bookmark (Exhibition Gift) Out of Stock
Perhaps you too may find someone’s “proof that this is mine” in books you pick up. Enjoy the discovery!
N.B. May we remind you that the addition of bookplates, ownership seals, or marginalia to Library materials is not permitted.
Waseda University Library
Dates & Venue
Dates: October 2 (Mon) – November 9 (Thu), 2023 *Closed on Sundays
Hours: 10:00～18:00
Venue: Exhibition Room, Center for Scholarly Information, 2nd floor
- Admission Free. Visitors without a library card can enter, too.
- Opens on Oct. 22 (Sun) and Nov. 5 (Sun) until 17:00
- Closes at 17:00 on Nov. 4 (Sat)
- Opens on Oct. 9 (Mon/Holiday), Closes on Nov.3 (Fri/Holiday)
The List of Materials on Exhibition
The List of Materials on 2023 Autumn Exhibition
Virtual Museum
Virtual Museum | Waseda University Cultural Resource Database
