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Penn State's faculty explore book history and textual studies through diverse methodological approaches and critical inquiries. Beyond extensive editorial initiatives, professors, graduate students, and undergraduates investigate print culture, digital media and literacy research, literary networks, manuscript traditions, and the evolution of authorship, publishing, and readership. A key highlight is the Penn State Center for the History of the Book, an interdisciplinary hub advancing the examination of literary culture. The Center organizes graduate seminars, hosts visiting scholars, curates exhibitions, and collaborates with Penn State Press on a publication series. It maintains partnerships with the Library of Congress's Center for the Book and joins a network of comparable institutions at the British Library, Sorbonne, University of London, and various U.S. universities. Additionally, it connects with academic groups including the American Antiquarian Society, the Society for the History of Authorship, Reading, and Publishing, and the Society for Textual Scholarship. Under the leadership of James L. W. West III, the Center operates within the English Department while maintaining strong ties to Pattee Library's Special Collections. Support comes from the English Department, College of the Liberal Arts, Penn State Press, University Libraries, and the Pennsylvania Center for the Book.