Bridwell Library Special Collections鈥痚mphasizes the development of our holdings in鈥痬odern and contemporary artists' books and fine printing, renewing a鈥痜ocus established by the library's first director,鈥疍echerd Turner.
Current efforts seek鈥痶o expand representation of women and people of color while鈥痓uilding on existing strengths.鈥疐uture development鈥痯riorities鈥痺ill seek to represent the鈥痝lobal history of printing beyond Europe,鈥痚specially the authorship, publication, and production of printed materials by indigenous peoples as they gained agency and鈥痑ccess to鈥痯roduction. Long-range plans will further鈥痠nclude鈥痯roactively鈥痠dentifying select, historically significant鈥痯ublications鈥痶hat will鈥痚nhance the existing holdings.
Bridwell Library Special Collections purchases materials for the collection from recognized auction houses and rare book and manuscript dealers, as well as printers, artists, and book artists who create and sell their own works. We are unable to purchase materials from private collectors and other individuals. This includes, but is not limited to, books, manuscripts, archival materials, ephemera, art, and realia. We are further unable to provide appraisals of any materials. If you are seeking an appraisal and/or to sell materials, you can find certified appraisers through the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA).