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ABAC Past President's Message
The members of the ABAC are the best resource in Canada for professional consulting on rare and out of print books, whether for appraising, building a collection, or for selling duplicates, or an entire collection.
Searching for Books?
If in browsing through various bookshops, catalogues, websites or internet
search engines, you come across the acronym (ABAC), you can be confident that the
member will have the expertise to describe the book properly, and that the order
will be handled to suit your requirements.
Bookshops and Bibliophiles
What booklover hasn't dreamed of owning and running a bookshop? Surrounded by tall
bookcases, shelves crammed with books thin and wide, with obscure titles or fine
attractive bindings, who of us hasn't experienced both awe and trepidation in
browsing through the stacks hunting for whatever might take our fancy, or for that
book we have been searching for?
Many ABAC members have thriving bookshops with thousands of new arrivals appearing on
the shelves every month. These booksellers practice what might be called an arcane
art: that is, being able to discern what is good from what is bland as well as what
will remain perennial long after the flash has fizzled. They will have discernment
for what is popular and why, and what books of great merit have been lost in the
shuffle of our speed driven culture.
These shop-owning booksellers know their stock without consulting a computer, and can
often put their hands on an important book that would complete or enhance the jig saw
puzzle of an on-going collection or reading interest. Many booksellers maintain
client files, and when something special comes in they will notify the person.
Bookshops are the refuge of bibliophiles.
Catalogues
While the internet has become a nearly universal method for selling books, many members still issue specialised print catalogues which list their most recent acquisitions. Many of these catalogues are of considerable scholarly interest because of the bibliography and annotations provided with each book. Members issuing catalogues will state so in the descriptions that list their specialties on the members' pages.
Buying from the Web
Many of our member booksellers sell on-line: from their own web sites or from
web-based booksellers' databases, or both. They offer the same detailed descriptions
and high-quality service as those who issue print catalogues. Links to their sites
can be found on the members' pages.
In our opinion, the best book search engine is hosted by the International League of
Antiquarian Booksellers at:
www.ilab-lila.com. Many of our
members list their inventories there.
Appraisals
When an appraisal is needed for insurance or probate, members of the ABAC are qualified to provide appropriate written documentation.
Bjarne Tokerud
President ABAC, 2003-04
The Best Resource
The members of the ABAC are the best resource in Canada for professional consulting on rare and out of print books, whether for appraisal, collection development, or for selling unwanted materials.
Appraisals
If formal appraisals for donation and tax purposes are required, ABAC members are
conversant with the rules and regulations governing the various kinds of donations
and are therefore fully qualified to provide written appraisals. Appraisal fees,
usually charged by the hour or by the day, are commensurate with the years of
experience and particular expertise and vary slightly from bookseller to bookseller.
When an appraisal is needed for insurance or probate, members of the ABAC are also
qualified to provide appropriate written documentation.
Does your institution or library host fund-raising events that include antique and
antiquarian book appraisals? For a small fee or consideration, ABAC members can be
called upon to give informed, verbal appraisals. They have the experience, expertise,
and reference tools to back up what they say.
Searching for Books?
If in browsing through various print and electronic catlogues or internet
search engines, you come across the acronym (ABAC), you can be confident that the member
bookseller will have the expertise to describe the book properly, and that the
order will be handled to suit your requirements.
In our opinion, the best book search engine is hosted by the International League of
Antiquarian Booksellers at:
www.ilab-lila.com. Many of our
members list their inventories there.
Collection Development
Many ABAC members have thriving bookshops with thousands of new arrivals appearing on the shelves every month. These booksellers practice what might be called an arcane art: that is, being able to discern what is good from what is bland as well as what will remain perennial long after the flash has fizzled. They will have discernment for what is popular and why, and what books of great merit have been lost in the shuffle of our speed driven culture.Bjarne Tokerud
President ABAC
2003-04
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