This course is an introduction to the librarianship of ancient books and records in special collections, as well as to their custodianship in other GLAM institutions. It will look at the materiality of information from different cultures across the ancient world (c.3000 BCE – 500 CE) that are commonly encountered in special collections. The primary goal is to analyze the diverse modes of communication, physical features, types of content, uses, and actors involved to provide students the ability to create descriptive catalogue records and adequately preserve ancient information objects. This course also serves to address current issues with ancient items in special collections, as well as to redefine our understanding of ancient books through emic lenses, challenging Western notions and prejudice that have shaped historical discourse and modern practices for centuries.