Jason W. Dean Elected as Member of the Grolier Club

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Assistant Librarian Jason W. Dean examines the Pennyroyal Caxton Bible, designed and illustrated by Barry Moser. The book, in two volumes from Special Collections' Rare Books Collection, was composed and printed folio by Bradley Hutchinson at his press in Austin, Texas. The paper and vellum bindings are handmade. Find out more at the catalog entry here: http://library.uark.edu:80/record=b3270285~S1

Jason W. Dean, assistant librarian and head of the Special Formats Unit at the University of Arkansas Libraries, has been accepted as a member of the Grolier Club. 

Membership in this prestigious society of bibliophiles is by nomination and election only. Dean was elected in part based on his passion for books, especially as demonstrated through his professional and scholarly pursuits associated with rare books and special collections. "Membership in the Grolier Club has been a personal and professional goal of mine since I was in library school," said Dean, "I feel especially fortunate that my work at the University Libraries has supported my interests and activities in this area, resulting in this honor."

"Jason Dean's scholarship and knowledge of rare books is an asset to the Libraries," said Carolyn Henderson Allen, dean of Libraries, "I'm proud of this accomplishment, especially since this opportunity brings with it a connection the Libraries have never enjoyed before – Professor Dean is the first U of A librarian to receive this honor." In fact, Dean is the only member from the state of Arkansas. 

Noted in his membership materials were his continued work with special collections materials at the University of Arkansas Libraries, his efforts studying S. Fred Prince, his peer reviewing activities, his service to the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the American Library Association, as well as his scholarly work with the American Color Plate book collection at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Dean published the first scholarly work on the museum's collection of 19th century American color plate books, while he was cataloger and technical services librarian at Crystal Bridges' Library. He seeks to continue researching books that are uniquely American artifacts, as well as helping users of the catalog discover these significant resources through the advent of linked open data in libraries.

These pursuits complement the Grolier Club's own goals, which are "to foster the study, collecting, and appreciation of books and works on paper, their art, history, production, and commerce." The club's mission includes maintaining a library devoted to all aspects of the book and graphic arts and especially bibliography; publishing books designed to illustrate, promoting the book and graphic arts; and creating exhibitions and educational programs for its members and the general public.

Dean's membership allows him to contribute to the club's scholarship and exhibitions, and provides him with access to their extensive collection. "The club actively exhibits and supports research on rare and fine press books," Dean says. "Their current exhibition and forthcoming catalog on the work of Aldus Manutius, the first printer to use italic type and print the canon of Greek classics, is a great example of that, and I look forward to contributing to that work as a member."

For more information about Dean, visit www.jasonwdean.com. For more information about the Grolier Club, visit www.groilerclub.org.