Duplicate Book Sales

[ewilkie@ix.netcom.com (Everett Wilkie )]

I can't speak for other libraries, but it is my impression that most 
rare book and special collections libraries don't sell materials from 
their collections for the mere purpose of raising money.  We certainly 
don't here, although we do routinely dispose of materials.  We have a 
written collecting policy, debated at great length, that provides 
grounds for disposing of materials, and raising money is not one of 
those grounds.

As much as I can appreciate a collector's concern about what is to be 
the ultimate fate of his or her collection upon one's decease or after 
it is given to an institution, I believe historical perspective on the 
matter indicates quite clearly that the ultimate outcome cannot be 
known either by the institution or the collector.  A great deal of the 
material we dispose of here came in when we, like many similar 
instutitions, collected not only our state's history but general U.S. 
history, as well.  It was decided a while back that we should stick to 
our strength--Connecticut history--and not compete in the general U.S. 
history field.  Ironically, of course, some of the material we're now 
disposing of was bought with our own money and was hardly a donation 
from anyone.  But the donations are going, too.

In this discussion, I would recommend as useful and diverting Nicholas 
Basbane's recent book, *A Gentle Madness.*  Basbanes quite often quotes 
various collectors on their feelings about the ultimate disposition of 
their collections.  Some agonized over their fate; others were more 
than happy to put them up at auction so that others might know the 
thrill of the chase, just as they had known it.

As a further remark, I would point out that the membership of RBMS, 
into whose hands many a donation falls, is not exactly insensitive to 
this issue.  The RBMS Preconference in Ithaca this year will have a 
seminar entitled "Easy Come, Easy Go: The Why's and Wherefore's of 
Deaccessioning."  The seminar will be presented by two distinguished 
rare books curators and a distinguished antiquarian bookdealer--all of 
whom are mightier than I and whose shoes I am not worthy to bear.  But 
if this topic concerns you, here is a chance to meet the lion in his 
lair.


-- 
                     Everett C. Wilkie, Jr.
	       Head Librarian and Crofut Curator of
		    Rare Books & Manuscripts
		The Connecticut Historical Society
	      1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, CT 06105
         Phone: 860-236-5621, ext. 250  Fax: 860-236-2664
		   Cell/car phone: 860-402-2126
		   Email: ewilkie@ix.netcom.com
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