Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Note the appearance of a colophon at the end of a book or portfolio. Was your collection book signed, editioned or numbered?

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Make note of books that have been annotated within the text – possibly by a former owner, by a scholar in the field of study or by a notable person.

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: First edition literature (does the book lack an edition statement or clearly state the copy as a “first edition”), particularly of famous works and also autographed works by the author are notable.

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Fine press books printed on high quality paper and utilizing fine inks and binding are worthwhile to seek out, but in general keep an eye open for anything different such as tipped in maps or photos and other special features of the book.

Trash or Treasure? Many libraries have built collections of various sorts as a part of their mission: Newark Public Library’s Illustrated Book and McEwen Christmas Collections ecialcollections1.html ecialcollections1.html Morristown and Morris Twp. Library’s Thomas Nast Collection Rutherford Public Library’s William Carlos Williams Collection amcarloswilliams/ amcarloswilliams/

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Watch for emerging trends: 1. Graphic novels are very popular, but have actually have been around for a number of years (note Lynd Ward’s Madman’s Drum). 2. Digital prints 3. The recent revolution in children’s illustration

Trash or Treasure? Watch for emerging trends: Barnard College Library has built a great collection of “zines,” which are inexpensive or free, have small print runs and an amateurish look

Trash or Treasure? Watch for emerging trends: Pop-up Books are experiencing a boom time with illustrators such as Robert Sabuda and pop-ups created for subjects such as Dr. Seuss, Star Wars and Elvis. Newark Public Library has a Pop-up Book Collection.

Trash or Treasure? Watch for emerging trends: The Artists’ Books Movement is another trend by artists over the last several decades to create “multiples” at a reasonable price for the general public to enjoy and own. The Newark Public Library has a nice collection of Pop-up books dating back into the 1960s.

Trash or Treasure? A Library’s serials and periodicals collection can also have important material, often that show off aspects of history and popular culture

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Newspapers Who saves your town’s or county’s newspaper? Perhaps only your town’s library… It is important to consider this point as many major libraries only have limited room to save their own town daily or weekly papers.

Trash or Treasure? What materials to consider acquiring or that may reside within your own stacks: Maps, both local street and highway and unique and rare maps are always popular with patrons and a handy reference.