The University of Arkansas Special Collections Division has teamed up with the Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures to host a two-day event exploring Boccaccio's Decameron and the use of facsimiles of rare books in the classroom. Join us on the first floor of Mullins library Tuesday Feb 24, all events are free and open to the public.

Grand Opening Exhibition “Facsimiles: The Magic of Reproductions”
Light refreshments provided by Mullins Library
9-10 a.m. in MULN 135

“What Is a Facsimile? A Workshop on its History, Definition, and Materiality”
Presented by Giovanni Scorcioni (Facsimile Finder)
10-11:30 a.m. in MULN 135

The workshop introduces the concept and terminology of “facsimile,” tracing its etymology, outlining the distinction between complete and partial facsimiles, and explaining how this matters to both scholarship and publishing. Emphasis is placed on the craftsmanship and technical decisions that balance scientific precision with artistic judgment—particularly in color proofing, paper selection, and final finishing, demonstrating the fusion of technology and manual skill that defines modern facsimile production.

“Fine Press Facsimiles vs. Digital Images: A Conversation on Manuscript Studies”
Presented by Giovanni Scorcioni (Facsimile Finder) and Joshua Youngblood (Special Collections)
Light refreshments provided by the WLDH Studio
3-4 p.m. in WLDH Studio, J.B. Hunt, Room 207

The two speakers will engage in a conversation about printed and digital reproduction of Medieval illuminated manuscripts. They will discuss the main characteristics of facsimiles and digital editions, both in their technics/mechanics and in their objectives. The conversation will also explore the different uses, as well as advantages and disadvantages of the two outputs.

Link to the full program is on the UARK event website. https://calendars.uark.edu/event/boccaccios-decameron-new-perspectives-between-text-and-images