The film Linotype: In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World (2012).

The film Linotype: In Search of the Eighth Wonder of the World (2012).

The film depicts a “second printing revolution” inaugurated by the production and proliferation of Ottmar Mergenthaler’s Linotype machine which quickly replaced the long-standing Gutenberg Press around the globe. The film also provides a window into the world of those individuals who currently operate and maintain Linotype machines. 

1. Imagine that you have chosen the Linotype machine or Ottmar Mergenthaler (or both) as the subject of your Final Research Essay assignment. Locate at least two (2) published sources (1 primary and 1 secondary) that provide information about the Linotype machine or Mergenthaler (or both). The sources could be a book, a journal essay, a magazine, newspaper article, correspondence by Mergenthaler himself, a patent, a diagram, or anything else that you are able to locate.

2. Clearly identify the sources. This includes determining which source is a primary source and which is a secondary source, as well as identifying the author, the publisher, and publication type (for example, a book, journal, newspaper article, or another type of publication).

3. Discuss and explain the content of the sources. 

      What information is each source attempting to convey?

      Do you think that the sources you identify would serve as useful sources for your research essay?

4. Finally, identify at least one of the many examples of tacit knowledge on display in the Linotype film. Clearly explain how the example (or examples) you provide exhibit the characteristics of tacit knowledge.