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This article traces the history of the relationship of papermaking and paper to libraries over time. Paper was first made in China and is traditionally considered one of that nation's four greatest inventions, along with gun powder, printing, and the compass. Papermaking was often associated with archives in its early development in China, as well as when it was introduced to Japan, where it came to be a part of some Shinto and Buddhist temples, and later governmental agencies. Under Islam, the availability of paper was linked to increased literacy and growth of libraries. In early modern Europe, before the widespread use of wood in the papermaking process, libraries and archives were part of an "economy of paper" with paper at times being in short supply. In the modern era, the world of papermaking did not intersect much with the world of the library, which made progress with the problem of brittle books, one of its greatest challenges, slow, though recent efforts of government, industry, scientists, and representatives of the library have produced positive results. The damage caused by wood-based paper in libraries was mirrored by the environmental damage caused by wood-based papermaking in communities. The history of papermaking and libraries demonstrates the importance of understanding the technologies which support the library, while also advocating effectively to the representatives of all its sources of support in ways which promote the values of the library and its associated community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a report from a November 14-15, 2013 conference in Heidelberg, Germany on the history of the production and usage of paper in the Middle Ages. Topics of presentations delivered included the digitization of Middle Ages manuscripts at the university library in Heidelberg, Germany, the methodology of paper production in the 15th century, and the history of European paper mills.

For over 2000 years the manual craft of papermaking has been practiced all over the world utilizing a vabety of techniques. This review deschbes the evolution of hand papermaking and its cultural significance. Paper's evolution has been shaped by the structure and chemical composition of the fibers. Almost every aspect of modern papermaking technology has been foreshadowed by traditional practices. Such practices were passed down for many generations within families of papermakers. The main sources of cellulosic fiber evolved as the ancient craft migrated from its birthplace in China to Korea and Japan, the Islamic world, and then to Europe and America. Though most paper made today comes from automated, continuous production systems, handmade paper has enjoyed a resurgence, both as a traditional craft and as an art-form. In addition, traditional papermaking methods can provide insights to help in modern applications involving cellulosic fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes how papermaking emerged in medieval Europe displacing the traditional centers of the industry within the Muslim world. Ibn Marzūq al-Hafīd, a Muslim scholar, issued a fatwa on the permissibility of using European paper under Islamic law. The author contends the text illuminates Islam's evolving relationship with a developing Europe.

The University of Melbourne's Middle Eastern Manuscript collection housed at the Baillieu Library was acquired by Professor John Bowman in the 1950s as part of a teaching collection to promote greater learning of Middle Eastern culture and civilisation (Pryde 2007, 3). The collection is a rare example within Australia and represents many different subjects including Qur'ans and religious teachings, dictionaries and grammars, law, philosophical, medical, historical and astrological texts, love stories and poetries (Sloggett 2007, 89). Professor Bowman's main aim was to provide students with access to primary texts and so the collection was frequently drawn upon for research and teaching purposes. This paper however focuses on the information embedded within the collection. Under the surface, the manuscripts contain invaluable knowledge of the object's use, its manufacture and the original community surrounding the material. Through visual analysis of the papers within the text blocks clues can be uncovered to assist with dating, provenance and historical trade route information. This type of study can be problematic and is not without critics so the pitfalls and indications for best practice are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]