I have a mass of old books, ranging from the 1800s to about the 1980s. I eventually want to try to sell most of them, but I want to talk to some people and do some research before I start putting them on ebay. You know, just in case I'm sitting on anything of value. I'm not holding my breath for that, but I want to be sure. Anyway, I'm in the process of setting up a database, and I was wondering if anyone knows what information is the most important to keep track of. Right now, I'm logging copyright date and/or the latest print date, publisher and location, title, author/editor, inscriptions, and miscellaneous notes like if the book is a First Edition or signed. I also plan to make a note of the condition of each book. Am I missing anything?
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Sounds like you have a good start. Condition is very important. Also if you have an notes on the history of a book, if there is any kind of special history associated with it.
I'm an avid book collector, however, I've never SOLD any of my stuff. I just get more
However, sometimes to determine value, I will go to Ebay and search by "completed items" - things that have already sold - for items similar to what I have, to get an idea of value.
Farmgirl
Posted by imenimok (Member # 7679) on :
Good ideas, FG. Thanks. Part of the reason I'm making the database is because I have so many, bt once I get it pretty well done, I'll start looking them up and see if I get lucky. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
For those that have them, ISBN and/or LoC number is likely useful.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
"A Gentle Madness" by Nichlas A Basbane is a nice history of the book collecting mania.
Posted by Hammer (Member # 7528) on :
Here are a few of several hundred sites available to learn more about book pricing and marketing. Hope it helps.
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