The Newberry does not offer appraisals of books, maps, postcards, or other library materials. We can, however, help you devise search strategies for finding information about particular items, or discuss how to find an appropriate appraiser. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Please note: this list does not constitute an endorsement of any resource, business, or individual by the Newberry or by any member of its staff. It is offered for convenience and informational purposes only.

Reference Tools at the Newberry

These sources will assist you in finding past and current market values of some items.

Ahearn, Allen and Patricia. Collected Books: The Guide to Values. 1997. Call Number: Ref Z1033.F53 A39 1997

American Book Prices Current (ABPC). (Annual. 1894-2004.) Annual volumes of auction sales of rare books, manuscripts, and similar "literary properties" in the United States. Call Number: Z 482 .03

Book Auction Records. (Quarterly. 1941-1995.) Call Number: Z 482 .77 

Bookman's Price Index. (Semiannual. 1964-2007.) Call Number: Tech Serv folio Z 482 .098 

Book-Prices Current. (Annual. 1888-1957). A British publication of auction sales of rare books and similar items. Call Number: Z 482 .1

Mashburn, J. L. The Postcard Price Guide: A Comprehensive Reference. 2001. Call Number: Ref NC1872 .M37 2001

Rare Book Hub. Includes a subscription database of over 12 million records of historical records of sales transactions of books and related material. Most are priced records from auction houses, though some bibliographies and bookseller catalogs are included. Subscription content is only available within the Newberry; contact Reference staff for login information.

Rosenthal, Jon K. Antique Map Price Record & Handbook. (Annual, biennial. 1983-2000.) Call Number: Map Ref GA197.3 A57 

United States Cumulative Book Auction Records. (Annual. 1941-1951.) Call Number: Z 482.916.

You can find additional price guides by searching the online catalog for the subject "Books—Prices." The Newberry also has books on collecting antiquarian books. These can be found by searching the online catalog for the subject "Book Collecting."

Internet Resources

Appraiser Organizations
The websites of the American Society of Appraisers, Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America, Appraisers Association of America, and International Society of Appraisers each provide a form to find an appraiser who is a member of their organization.

Map History / History of Cartography
Includes a directory of antiquarian map dealers.

Online Booksellers
The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America provides some information about evaluating rare books. If you're interested in finding ballpark prices for your book, sites such as AddALL and viaLibri will search across hundreds of web sites to find similar items for sale.

Your Old Books (Rare Books and Manuscript Section of ACRL)
The Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) provides answers to frequently asked questions about old books. Includes a bibliography and links to helpful Internet resources.