ABSTRACT

This report offers an overview on the creation of databases for medieval and early modern watermarks. Watermarks have long been a source of fascination and frustration for those hoping to use them to determine the provenance of manuscripts and early print editions, as the differences between individual watermarks are often minute. Paper mills had at least two molds in service at any given moment, meaning that even within the same house, one could have numerous variations of the same watermark. Several of the most current in-process database collections are reviewed in terms of best practices and interoperability. It will be important for these databases to prepare for future technological developments and shifts that might require refactoring the way they handle and present their data. Integrating a unit on paper and watermark databases into codicology courses is just as essential.