Frequently Asked Questions: History, Humanities & Social Sciences

The Library of Congress neither authenticates nor appraises books, works of art, or individual objects. Such services are provided by specialized businesses such as auction houses and antiquarian booksellers. You may wish to consult your local library for specialized collecting guides and catalogs. 

Contact information for specialists to authenticate or appraise your item can be found through professional organizations such as the American Society of Appraisers and the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America. The pamphlet, "Your Old Books," by Peter Van Wingen, answers frequently asked book related questions and includes bibliographical references.