# Latin Place Names: RBMS/BSC

> online database of Latin place names found in the imprints of books printed before 1801 and their vernacular equivalents

**Wikidata**: [Q105828855](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105828855)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/latin-place-names-rbms-bsc

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **Latin Place Names: RBMS/BSC**:

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## Summary  
Latin Place Names: RBMS/BSC is an online database of Latin place names found in the imprints of books printed before 1801, along with their vernacular equivalents. It serves as a reference tool for identifying historical publication locations in standardized RDA (Resource Description and Access) form. The database is maintained by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the American Library Association.

## Key Facts  
- **Title**: Latin Place Names (also known as *RBMS/BSC Latin Place Names File* or *Fichero de topónimos latinos*).  
- **Creator**: Robert L. Maxwell, a prominent librarian and scholar.  
- **Inception**: Launched in 1997 as a digital resource.  
- **Publisher**: Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the American Library Association.  
- **Website**: Available at [https://rbms.info/lpn/](https://rbms.info/lpn/) (in English).  
- **Content Focus**: Latin place names in pre-1801 book imprints and their vernacular equivalents.  
- **Instance Types**: Classified as a reference work, gazetteer, and website.  
- **Main Subject**: Toponyms (place names), Latin language, and historical places of publication.  
- **Language**: English.  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is the purpose of the Latin Place Names database?  
A: It helps researchers and librarians identify and standardize Latin place names found in early printed books, facilitating accurate cataloging and historical research.  

### Q: Who maintains the Latin Place Names database?  
A: The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the American Library Association oversees its maintenance and updates.  

### Q: Is the database freely accessible?  
A: Yes, it is available online at [https://rbms.info/lpn/](https://rbms.info/lpn/) without restrictions.  

## Why It Matters  
Latin Place Names: RBMS/BSC addresses a critical need in bibliographic and historical research by providing a standardized reference for Latin place names in early printed books. Before its creation, scholars and catalogers faced challenges in accurately identifying and translating these names, which often varied by region and period. The database streamlines the process of cataloging rare books and enhances the accuracy of metadata in library systems. Its role in preserving and clarifying historical publication data makes it indispensable for librarians, historians, and bibliographers working with pre-1801 materials.  

## Notable For  
- **Specialized Focus**: One of the few resources dedicated exclusively to Latin place names in early book imprints.  
- **Standardization**: Aligns with RDA (Resource Description and Access) guidelines for consistency in cataloging.  
- **Collaborative Origin**: Developed under the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section, a leading authority in rare materials cataloging.  
- **Digital Accessibility**: Free, web-based access ensures global usability for researchers.  

## Body  
### Overview  
Latin Place Names: RBMS/BSC is a digital gazetteer and reference work designed to assist in the identification of historical publication locations.  

### Content and Structure  
- **Scope**: Covers Latin place names from books printed before 1801.  
- **Format**: Lists Latin names alongside vernacular equivalents in RDA-compliant form.  
- **Organization**: Entries are searchable and structured for ease of use.  

### Development and Maintenance  
- **Creator**: Robert L. Maxwell, a noted expert in rare books cataloging.  
- **Launch Year**: 1997, as a digital successor to earlier print resources.  
- **Publisher**: RBMS, a section of the American Library Association specializing in rare materials.  

### Technical Details  
- **Platform**: Hosted on the RBMS website ([https://rbms.info/lpn/](https://rbms.info/lpn/)).  
- **Language**: Interface and content in English.  
- **Classification**: Functions as both a reference work and a gazetteer.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. [Source](https://rbms.info/lpn/)
2. FactGrid