Pagination
Pagination refers to how pages in books are numbered and organized. In rare book dealing, this is an important skill because it helps determine if a book is complete, authentic, and properly structured. Book dealers need to understand different historical pagination systems, as books from different time periods and regions may use various numbering methods like Roman numerals, letter signatures, or Arabic numbers. This knowledge is crucial for accurately describing, cataloging, and valuing rare books.
Examples in Resumes
Expertly assessed pagination patterns in 17th-century manuscripts for authenticity verification
Created detailed catalog entries noting unusual pagination features in rare first editions
Identified several valuable variants through careful pagination analysis of early printed works
Typical job title: "Rare Book Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Rare Book Specialists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you assess the completeness of a 16th-century book with irregular pagination?
Expected Answer: A senior specialist should explain checking signature marks, comparing with bibliographic references, and understanding common printing practices of the period to determine if all sections are present.
Q: What are the key pagination features that might indicate a valuable first edition?
Expected Answer: Should discuss specific pagination errors or variants known in first editions, understanding of printer's marks, and how pagination patterns changed between editions.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you document pagination anomalies in a catalog entry?
Expected Answer: Should explain standard notation methods for describing irregular pagination, including unpaginated sections, missing pages, or unusual numbering sequences.
Q: What tools do you use to verify complete pagination in damaged books?
Expected Answer: Should mention using bibliographic references, collation tools, and experience with similar editions to reconstruct proper pagination.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the difference between pagination and foliation?
Expected Answer: Should explain that pagination numbers each page, while foliation numbers each leaf (two pages), and when each system was commonly used.
Q: How do you record basic pagination in a catalog entry?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of standard notation formats for recording page counts, including preliminary pages and different numbering sequences.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of page numbering systems
- Simple book collation
- Standard catalog entry creation
- Recognition of common pagination formats
Mid (2-5 years)
- Detailed pagination analysis
- Recognition of variant editions
- Advanced cataloging skills
- Understanding of historical printing methods
Senior (5+ years)
- Expert knowledge of historical pagination systems
- Authentication through pagination analysis
- Training and mentoring others
- Advanced research and documentation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to recognize basic pagination patterns
- Lack of knowledge about historical numbering systems
- Poor attention to detail in examining page sequences
- No understanding of bibliographic documentation standards
