Preservation of Libraries.- Ordinance (An) by the Lords

Preservation of Libraries.- Ordinance (An) by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament for the Preservation and Keeping together for publique Use, such Books, Evidenees [sic], Records and Writings sequestered or taken by Distresse or otherwise, as are fit to be so Preserved. 18 Novemb. 1643, 8pp., first edition, title with typographical border, woodcut head-piece and initial, text in black letter, some very light soiling, modern morocco-backed cloth, [Wing E1780], 4to, for Edw. Husbands, 1643.

⁂ Important document for the preservation of libraries and archives in the Civil War. It deplores as "prejudiciall to the publique" any "dispersing by sale or otherwise" of books seized by the parliamentary Committees for Sequestration or Distresses, whether "Manuscripts or written Bookes, proceedings of Courts, evidences of Lands ..." or "whole Libraries, and choice Collections of printed Bookes". Before any seized books can be sold, they must be examined by another committee (among whose members are John Selden, Francis Rous and Sir Simonds D'Ewes), and, if considered of importance, must be inventoried and deposited in a safe place for public use.