The ABAA encourages applicants who are antiquarian or rare booksellers of good character, reputation, and credit rating who have been in business for four (4) continuous years and whose principal place of business is in the United States.
An applicant must have sponsorship of three current members of ABAA who will write letters in support of the applicant, and three persons to serve as references who may be members of the ABAA or ILAB or other professions affiliated with the rare book trade (such as a special collections librarian). A biographical letter, a credit report, samples of catalogs or stock listings with full bibliographic descriptions are also necessary. Applicants must also submit an evaluation essay detailing how one would go about assessing the condition and value of approximately 300 items in the applicant's area of specialty. The essay should include resources, including bibliography or other, one would consult to determine value and points.
Sponsors must have been ABAA members in good standing for three (3) years. One must visit the premises personally within 60 days prior to the application (Primary Sponsor). (During the pandemic, these visits may be virtual.)
The application must be received at least 60 days prior to a Board of Governors meeting (usually held in February, April, July, and November). The applicant's name is circulated to the membership for comment, and there is usually an interview by one current local member. The list of applicants is also published on the Members only section of the ABAA web site and email listserv for public comment at the discretion of the membership committee. A 2/3 vote of the Board of Governors is required for ABAA membership.
