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The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada was founded in 1966
with the aim of fostering interest in rare books and manuscripts and
maintaining high standards in the antiquarian book trade. To further
these objectives the ABAC sponsors antiquarian book fairs and endeavours
to stimulate interest in book collecting by private collectors and public
institutions.
Membership in the Association is restricted to
booksellers who have a minimum of three years' experience and can provide
four recommendations from members in good standing who can vouch for the
applicant's expertise and integrity. Election is at the discretion of the
executive.
ABAC booksellers offer a broad variety of antiquarian and rare
material which they are qualified to describe, authenticate and
guarantee. They are also available to provide guidance to individuals
and institutions building collections within the firm's specialty
subjects. Our member firms also continually require replenishment of
their stocks so they are always eager to purchase individual items and
collections of merit as well as general libraries.
ABAC firms are qualified to provide appraisals of manuscripts,
antique maps and prints, and antiquarian and rare books; for estate,
tax, insurance or sale purposes. It should be noted that evaluating
books and manuscripts is a professional service for which a fee is
charged. The amount of the fee will depend on the quantity and value of
the items appraised and the time and specialized knowledge required. The
bookseller may waive the fee for material he or she subsequently
purchases, or for items of little or no value.
This website is intended to provide information
about ABAC firms
and their specialties to all who may desire professional assistance in
the purchase, sale or appraisal of antiquarian and rare books; antique
maps and prints; and manuscripts.
Joining the ABAC
Membership is open to antiquarian booksellers of good character and
reputation who have been actively and solely engaged for at least three
continuous years in the buying and selling of antiquarian books and
manuscripts and related materials, and whose principal place of business
is Canada.
The antiquarian bookseller has one or more fields of expertise. This
expertise is partially demonstrated through scholarship, bibliographic
descriptions, collations, catalogues, lists, quotes and appraisals. An
antiquarian bookseller must also have a good reference library of
bibliographies and standard reference works.
Applications for membership are handled by Canada Post, not electronically,
and require sponsorship of four current members of the ABAC, at least
two of whom have been members for at least two years. The application and
recommendations shall be submitted as to be received by the secretary at
least 30 days prior to the next meeting of the Board of Directors at which
membership applications will be considered. The name of the applicant and
the names of the recommending members shall be circulated among the entire
membership for comment. Typically, the Directors meet once a year, in
October. An affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Board of Directors is required.
When an applicant has been accepted, there is an initiation fee of $200. The
dues are $350 for the current calendar year. Regional chapter dues may also apply.
All active members of ABAC are listed on the ABAC Web Site as a benefit of
their membership. As well, ABAC members automatically become members of the
ILAB and are eligible to list books for sale on the ILAB website, and to
exhibit at book fairs sponsored by any ILAB member organization.
If you have received encouragement to apply for membership, or if you believe
that you meet all of the qualifications, you may contact the ABAC by mail for
a membership application form:
Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada
c/o 783 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
CANADA K1S 3V5
Email: info@abac.org
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About the ABAC
