Rule of monks

The guidebook – Rule of Monks was influenced from the sixth century order of Saint Benedict.  The guidebook set out the principles and duties of the monastic community, informing their members to practice all things in moderation – eating. Religious devotion, fasting and also to read every day. The Rule of Monks required each monastery to have one book for every brother and recommended Benedictines never to be idle and to set aside specified periods for manual labour along with prayerful reading.  Mealtime was a time the monks were read aloud by a brother, sometimes narratives from the lives of the saints.

Resources

Murray, S A.P 2009, Library: An Illustrated History, Skyhorse Pub, New York

1993, World encyclopedia of library and information services, American Library association, Chicago

Monastic Scribes and Libraries, Medieval Writing, viewed 17^th August 2010, <http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/author/monasticscribe.htm>