Collate a rare-book copy against the control

Reinforce bibliographic-collation order from rare-book / special-collections training. A copy is not cataloged as complete until format, gatherings, and the catchword or signature check match the control.

1. Identify the edition.
2. Identify the control description.
3. Determine format.
4. Count the gatherings.
5. Check signatures, catchwords, or pagination against the control.
6. Note missing, extra, or supplied leaves.
7. Record provenance marks without erasing them.
8. Do not ‘make it complete’ by moving a plate from another copy.