The Newberry Library does not offer appraisals of books, maps, or other library materials. We can, however, help you devise search strategies for finding information about particular items. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Reference Tools - Internet Resources - Chicago-Area Appraisers & Dealers
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. (1991 ed.) Call Number: Wing Z 987.5 U6 A36 1991 (2nd floor).
American Book Prices Current (ABPC) on CD-ROM. (Annual. 1975-2006.) This CD contains two databases --- one for autographs and manuscripts, and one for books --- that provide data from auction sales reported by American Book Prices Current (ABPC) from September 1975. Available on a computer in the 3rd floor reference area.
The print version of ABPC is also available on the 3rd floor, in the book pricing area.
Antique Map Price Record [on CD-ROM]. Comp. Jeremy Pool. Cambridge, MA: Map Record Publications, c2002- . Each successive CD-ROM is cumulative from 1983. Call Number: Map Ref CD-ROM GA 197.3 .A57 (ask Map Reference Librarian for assistance).
Book Auction Records. (Quarterly. 1941-1995.) Call Number: Z 482 .77 (3rd floor reference area, book pricing area).
Bookman’s Price Index. (Semiannual. 1964-2007.) Call Number: Tech Serv folio Z 482 .098 (3rd floor reference area, book pricing area).
Book-Prices Current (1888-?). Call Number: Z 482.1.
Rosenthal, Jon K. Antique Map Price Record & Handbook. Annual, biennial. Amherst, MA: Kimmel Publications, 1993-2000. Call Number: Map Ref GA197.3 A57 (Special Collections, 4th floor). Superceded by Antique Map Price Record [on CD-ROM].
United States Cumulative Book Auction Records. Annual. New York: Want List, The Book Trade Weekly, 1941-date. Call Number: Z 482.916.
You can find additional price guides by searching the online catalog for the subject “Books---Prices.” The Newberry Library also has books on collecting antiquarian books. These can be found by searching the online catalog for the subject “Book collecting.”
Please note: This list does not constitute an endorsement of any business or individual by the Newberry Library or by any member of its staff. It is offered for convenience and informational purposes only.
Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
www.abaa.org/books/abaa/abaapages/evaluating.html
The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America provides some information about evaluating rare books, along with a link to a web form that will help you find a local appraiser.
Bibliobot
www.pbagalleries.com/bibliobot
Bibliobot is an online appraisal service created and maintained by PGA Galleries, a San Francisco auction house. Enter relevant information about your book into the web form, and Bibliobot will give you a range of possible values.
Map History / History of Cartography
www.maphistory.info/market.html
Includes a directory of antiquarian map dealers.
MapTrade Mailing List Home Page
www.raremaps.com/maptrade
MapTrade is an online discussion group for antique map collectors, dealers and enthusiasts, and a good place to post questions.
Odden's Bookmarks
oddens.geog.uu.nl
Site with thousands of links relating to all aspects of cartography, current and historical. Refer to the section titled "Sellers of Cartographic Material-Antiquarian."
Online Booksellers
If you're interested in finding ballpark prices for your book, sites such as http://used.addall.com and http://www.vialibri.net will search across hundreds of web sites to find similar items for sale.
Your Old Books (Rare Books and Manuscript Section ofACRL)
www.rbms.info/yob.shtml
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.
Please note: This list does not constitute an endorsement of any business or individual by the Newberry Library or by any member of its staff. It is offered for convenience and informational purposes only.
Mary Beth Beal (specialist in antiquarian books, manuscripts, and maps)
3919 N. Claremont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
P: (773) 539-0105
E: mbbeal@ameritech.net
Chicago Rare Book Center (specialists in antiquarian books)
703 Washington St.
Evanston, IL 60202
P: (847) 328-2132
E: info@ChicagoRare.com
www.ChicagoRare.com
Thomas J. Joyce Company (specialist in antiquarian books)
400 N. Racine, #103A
Chicago, IL 60622-5838
P: (312) 738-1933
F: (312) 243-6252
E: tjoyceco@comcast.net
Kathleen Lamb (specialist in books and photographs)
1539 W. Birchwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60626
P: (773) 761-7626
F: (773) 761-7681
E: kathleenlamb@sbcglobal.net
Kenneth Nebenzahl (specialist in atlases and maps)
P.O. Box 370
Glencoe, IL 60022
P: (847) 835-0515
F: (847) 835-0519
E: knebenzahl@msn.com
George Ritzlin Maps & Books
1937 Central St.
Evanston, IL 60201
P: (847) 328-1966
F: (847) 328-2644
E: maps@ritzlin.com
www.ritzlin.com
Harry L. Stern (specialist in antiquarian books, atlases, and maps)
777 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2805
Chicago, IL 60611
P: (312) 337-1401
F: (312) 214-2510