This sixth volume of ABHB (Annual bibliography of the history of the printed book and libraries) contains about 2500 entries and added entries, selected from some 4000 periodicals, the list of which follows this introduction. They have been compiled by the National Committees of the following countries: Australia Ireland (Republic of) Austria Italy Belgium Luxembourg Bulgaria The Netherlands Poland Canada Denmark Portugal Finland Rumania France South Africa German Democratic Republic Switzerland German Federal Republic USA Great Britain USSR Hungary Yugoslavia From next volume on, there is some expectation that Spain can be covered by this bibliography and that a committee responsible for Latin America can begin to work. Benevolent readers are requested to signal the names of bibliographers and historians from countries not mentioned above, who would be willing to co-operate to this scheme of international bibliographic collaboration. The editor will greatly appreciate any communication on this matter. VIII INTRODUCTION Subject As has been said in the introduction to the previous volumes, this bibli­ ography aims at recording all books and articles of scholarly value which relate to the history of the printed book, to the history of the arts, crafts, techniques and equipment, and of the economic, social and cultural environment, involved in its production, distribution, conservation, and description.