Old library books for a window full#
The title page will give you the author’s name, the full title, and the imprint (the city, publisher, and date) it will also usually state the edition if it’s anything other than the first. The key information that you’ll need is on the title page of the book – not the dust jacket, the front cover, or the half-title – and for modern books its back side, called the copyright page. The International Society of Appraisers (ISA) Find an ISA MemberĪ formal appraisal will cost money and may be necessary for certain situations (insurance coverage and claims, tax deductions, etc.), but for many other purposes you can look up useful information about your book(s) on your own using sources that are available on the Internet and in public and academic libraries.The Appraisers Association of America Find an Appraiser.The American Society of Appraisers Find an Appraiser (ASA).The Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America Booksellers (ABAA).
Old library books for a window professional#
The websites of the following professional organizations include referral lists by geographical area and speciality: The Smithsonian Libraries does not provide appraisals of old books.įor a formal appraisal of books and collections, we advise that you consult a qualified expert. The American Institute for the Conservation provides information on caring for your collections and a offers a referral service to connect you with book conservators in your area for professional advice.
Beware of promises of rejuvenation by restorers! Such treatment is not only difficult to achieve, it often erases features important to understanding the history of the book and can negatively impact its historic and monetary value. The deterioration of the material may be slowed but can rarely be reversed to create a brand-new looking book. Please consult a professionally trained book conservator for recommended treatment options.Īs mentioned above, books are made of organic materials and often show their age. Though the Smithsonian Libraries does not endorse any individual company, here are some resources to get you started with preservation supplies:ĭo not attempt to tape any part of the book if you want to maintain its historic or monetary value. The book can be shelved as if the covers were still attached. Books with detached covers can be tied like a present with white cotton book tape with the bow on top of the text block edge. If your book is already in need of care, do keep any pieces that have become detached.
Thick items could warp and break the book’s structure when the book is closed, and materials like newspaper clippings and post-it notes may stain the pages. Though we all love finding little mementos in our books, it is best not to place foreign objects between pages. To avoid pulling on the headcap, reach over the top and push the book slightly forward from the back, or push in the books on either side to allow a firm grasp on the middle of the spine. A book should never be pulled from the shelf by the top of the spine (the headcap), as the headcap will eventually tear and cause damage to the rest of the spine. Handlingīooks are designed to be handled, but incorrect handling over long periods of time can cause harm. It is best to leave any cleaning of the interior of the book to professionals. Hold your book firmly closed and gently run the vacuum over the text block edges directionally away from the spine. Place a piece of cheese cloth over the end of the hose and secure with a rubber band to ensure no loose bit of books are picked up and lost. You can also vacuum your books using a vacuum hose. It’s possible to clean your books safely! To remove dust, hold your book firmly closed and use a clean cloth to lightly brush along the text block, directionally away from the spine.
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