Abstract

The activities of valuation and appraisal of old and rare books are analyzed as a professional service to be provided by experts in the field. First, a general outline is presented on the need of such experts as advisers and intermediaries between the participants in the business of acquiring and selling old and rare documents. An approximation to the status of such an expert is provided, including scope of action, origins and causes, and detailing a typology of the most frequent tasks in which he/she may be involved and a comprehensive procedure for this professional course of activity.

Abstract

The paper analyses the similarities between cultural heritage libraries and museums. First, books are analyzed as heritage objects and museum artifacts. Secondly, researcher’s needs and interests concerning rare books are studied, as well as the knowledge and skills a librarian must possess. Finally, main functions and special features of heritage libraries are outlined.