Bookplates or ex-librīs [Latin, "from the books of..."], is usually a small print or decorative label pasted into a book, often on the front end paper, to indicate its owner. Simple typographical bookplates are termed "booklabels". Bookplates typically bear a name, motto, device, coat-of-arms, crest, badge, or any motif that relates to the owner of the book, or is requested by him or her from the artist or designer. The name of the owner usually follows an inscription such as "from the books of..." or "from the library of...", or in Latin, ex libris.... Bookplates are important evidence for the provenance of books.
