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Collection Development Manual > Libraries & Collections > Central Library > Customs

Customs

The Customs collection covers many subject areas - social etiquette, folklore, costume & dress, and customs relating to many areas of life.

The library collects materials on the customs of weddings, funerals and death, births, food and eating, drink and drinking, etiquette, war, and diplomacy. Materials on tattooing and other body modifications, the history of costume & fashion, and personal appearance are also collected, as are folklore, folk tales, and materials relating to folk and traditional symbolism.

This collection is used by high school students and undergraduate researchers, and by adult general readers. The costume and fashion materials are well used by theater and film professionals and home sewers. The materials on wedding customs and international business etiquette are among the most heavily used items in the Customs collection.

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Materials about the traditions and customs of meals and table service (e.g. napkin folding, table decorations, formal table service) and those about sewing and clothing construction are kept in the House and Home collection. Items discussing clothing and textile manufacture are part of the Manufacturing collection. At Central Library, these collections are kept in the Science & Business room.

Materials dealing with other textile crafts are part of the Art and Architecture collection. Materials on theatrical make up and set design are kept with the Performing Arts collection. At Central Library, the Art and Architecture and Performing Arts collections are kept in the Humanities rooms.