Overview

Welcome to the official website of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section (RBMS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). RBMS strives to represent and promote the interests of librarians who work with rare books, manuscripts, and other types of special collections. If you happened on our website because you are interested in finding out more about your old books, please refer to our guide titled "Your Old Books" for some basic information and references. If you are a new member of RBMS or are interested in becoming one, please refer to our membership information page.

News & Events

• Slate of candidates for the spring 2010 ACRL/RBMS elections announced and candidate statements now available [posted 10/27/09]
• Call for Papers for the 2010 RBMS Preconference, Join or Die: Collaboration in Special Collections [posted 10/14/09]
• ACRL/SAA Joint Statement on Access to Research Materials in Archives and Special Collections Libraries [posted 10/12/09]
• Guidelines Regarding Security and Theft in Special Collections approved by ACRL Board [posted 10/06/09]
• Electronic files from 50th Annual Preconference Seas of Change: Navigating the Cultural and Institutional Contexts of Special Collections available [posted 9/22/09]
• RBMS Diversity Recruitment Toolkit now available [posted 7/6/09]
• Winners of the 2009 Katharine Kyes Leab & Daniel J. Leab Exhibition Awards announced [posted 6/14/09]
• RBMS Annual Meeting Times and Locations (10-14 July 2009) [posted 6/2/09, updated 6/11/09]
• Keyword searchable online archive of the RBMS Newsletter [posted 5/22/09]