BSA Events at International Congress on Medieval Studies 2026
Bibliographical Society of America and Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library Yale University Co-Sponsored events at the 2026 International Congress on Medieval Studies Conference
Location: Western Michigan University
BSA-ICMS Liaison Gina Hurley has organized, with Katherine Hindley and BSA New Scholars Chair Agnieszka Rec, the following events to take place as part of the 61st International Congress on Medieval Studies on site at Western Michigan University.
Registration for the Congress is required. Learn more and view the full program on the ICMS website.
Teaching with Manuscripts: A Roundtable of Practical Exercises
Friday 15 May 2026,1:30–3pm Eastern
Waldo Library 3016, Western Michigan University
Whether at small colleges with small collections or large research universities with large rare books holdings, instructors often find themselves navigating similar challenges in the manuscript studies classroom. Participants in this roundtable are invited to share practical examples of exercises and resources that could easily be adapted by others teaching in different contexts, whether graduate or undergraduate.
A roundtable discussion with
Christopher Platts, University of Cincinnati
Agnieszka Rec, Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University
Gina Marie Hurley, Yale University
Anna Siebach-Larsen, University of Rochester
William H. Campbell, University of Pittsburgh–Greensburg
Caitlin J. Branum Thrash, Middle Tennessee State University
Reorienting Book History in the Curriculum (A Roundtable)
Saturday 16 May 2026, 3:30–5pm Eastern
Waldo Library 3016, Western Michigan University
How do we design book history or manuscript studies courses that engage students in the study of material text while developing critical transferable skills? This roundtable invites speakers to share their approach to semester-long book history or manuscript studies courses, focusing on the organizing principles that govern these courses. What are the drawbacks and affordances of a chronological survey? How might questions of genre, format, and theme suggest alternative organizing principles? How does the chosen organization of a course support different types of skill acquisition? Speakers will share their course structure and reflect on its contribution to student understanding.
A roundtable discussion with
Stacie Vos, University of California–San Diego
Hope D. Williard, Hampden-Sydney College
Emerson Storm Fillman Richards, University of Central Florida
Kasia Leousis, Auburn University
Kristin Leaman, Purdue University
There will also be a reception in the Student Center (Gathering Stairs) on Saturday 16 May from 6–7pm Eastern. The reception and roundtables are all proudly co-sponsored by the Bibliographical Society of America and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University.