Frequently Asked Questions: History, Humanities & Social Sciences

Although the Library of Congress doesn’t appraise or authenticate books or other objects, we can suggest a few resources and organizations that might be helpful.

Your Local Library

You can check with your local library to find general guides on collecting books and other items, as well as price guides and compilations of auction records, which may help you estimate the value of your item. Standard price guides for books include American Book Prices Current  and Bookman's Price Index.

Websites

For Books

You can search for your book on some of the major online used-book sellers to get an idea of what your book is worth:

• Addall
• Bookfinder 
• Vialibri

You can also consult the American Library Association (ALA) or the “Your Old Books” page by the Rare Book and Manuscripts Section of ALA.

For Objects

The Smithsonian Institution offers some resources that may be useful for determining the value of antiques, artwork, and other collectibles:

• Researching Your Art
• How Much is My Object Worth?

Professional Organizations

You can find a professional appraiser for almost any item - whether it’s an antique vase or an autograph – and many professional associations of booksellers and appraisers maintain online membership directories. While the Library of Congress does not endorse or guarantee the work of any appraisers, we can suggest some accredited appraisal organizations for you to contact:

• American Society of Appraisers
• Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
• Antique Appraisal Association of America
• Appraisers Association of America
• International Society of Appraisers

Library of Congress Format Specialists

Format specialists in some Library of Congress divisions may be able to provide additional suggestions for locating appraisers of prints and photographs, newspapers and periodicals, and artwork.