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This paper attempts to answer to some delicate questions on the approach adopted in the conservation of Tibetan books in the West. Through the analysis of case studies and an overview of materials and methods of restoration employed in the past and in use nowadays, it has been possible to reconstruct a brief history of the Western practice carried out on these particular artifacts. The article tries to offer a starting point for a debate and to further explore this topic in search of new techniques to be applied in the field. The analyzed library material belongs to the Tucci Tibetan Collection that is conserved at the "Isiao" Library, today hosted in the African and Oriental Collection Room at the National Central Library of Rome. Reopened in 2017 after complex vicissitudes and managed by Ismeo - The International Association for Mediterranean and Oriental Studies - the "Isiao" Library works for the safeguard, enhancement and access to the collections of the African and Oriental sections, the cartographic collection and a wide photographic archive. Within the Oriental section, the Tucci Tibetan Collection counts over 2600 volumes, Tibetan manuscripts and xylographs collected by Giuseppe Tucci during his expeditions to Western and Central Tibet. These texts constitute a compendium of the Tibetan literature and so they are considered a priceless heritage of great historical and cultural interest by scholars from all over the world. In recent years, all volumes have been catalogued by Prof. Elena De Rossi Filibeck and they are now accessible to the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the current state of heritage conservation in Italian libraries and archives, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions, especially in the context of personnel shortages and reduced funding. The decline in conservation funding and staffing levels, exemplified by institutions like the Istituto Centrale per la Patologia degli Archivi e del Libro and the conservation workshops of the National Libraries of Florence and Rome, poses a significant threat to the long-term preservation of Italy's rich literary and documentary heritage. The analysis reveals an alarming disparity in the distribution of human resources dedicated to conservation in various cultural institutions. While museums and central institutes seem to enjoy a significant presence of conservation professionals, the situation in archives and libraries is notably different. The shortage of senior and assistant conservators jeopardizes the mission of preserving historical documents, manuscripts, and printed books for future generations. The author proposes several recommendations to address the current challenges, including the need to increase staffing levels in archives and libraries, restore specialized assistant roles, and promote sector-specific qualifications. The importance of harmonizing profiles, supporting professional development, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors is emphasized. Additionally, the critical role of conservators in emergency management, as demonstrated during recent floods, is highlighted. The closure of public conservation workshops, such as the one at the National Library of Turin, serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of staff turnover blockades and insufficient funding. However, positive instances of targeted investments, such as the hiring of conservators through Ales S.p.A. for state archives, underscore the potential for positive change with adequate financial support and qualified professionals. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the urgent need for sustained commitment to conservation efforts, acknowledging the pivotal role of conservators in safeguarding Italy's written heritage. The challenges outlined necessitate a collective and long-term vision for the preservation of the rich historical and cultural legacy of the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luca Serianni (Rome, 1947-2022) was a master of Italian language history studies. In the spring of 2022, he donated a collection of ancient books to the Angelica Library in Rome, including some eighteenth- and nineteenth-century medical treatises. This paper takes its cue from the donation to recall Luca Serianni's great sensitivity for specialised lexicon, for the "voices" of writers and speakers and for the "voices" gathered in vocabularies. To his fine talent for suggesting original reading paths and to his analytical accuracy Serianni added a profound passion for didactics; his scientific and human teaching will leave a deep legacy in the description of ancient and modern Italian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper focuses on the Italian transposition of article 17 of the Copyright Directive, which provides a new liability regime applicable to online content sharing service providers for the protected works and subject matter uploaded by their users. This way, the European and Italian legislators seek to combat the 'value gap', i.e. the difference between the remuneration received by creators and performers for their works and the revenue platforms are generating by making those works accessible. The article highlights the different interests involved by the new regulation and the safeguards introduced to ensure a fair balance between all of them. For example, some provisions aim to balance the interest of rightsholders in the effective protection of their intellectual property with the interest of the services' users and the general public in the free flow of information online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]