Ephemera
Object types in Special Collections
Introducing the different types of objects researchers in Special Collections can encounter.
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Ephemera is defined as ‘any transitory written or printed matter not meant to be retained or preserved’, this is often used to refer to printed material. Some archives and libraries have dedicated collections of ephemera. This type of ephemeral, fragmentary material is not just limited to more recent times: incunabula and medieval manuscripts often include manuscript fragments, which were not meant to be preserved (and were often used to reinforce bindings, for example).
Image credit Leeds University Library