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

• RBMS Workshop on Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books) Friday, December 12, 2008 at Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, New Haven, Connecticut [posted 11/14/08]
• 50th Annual Preconference Seas of Change: Navigating the Cultural and Institutional Contexts of Special Collections [posted 9/10/08, updated 11/14/08]
• Draft of ACRL/RBMS Guidelines Regarding Security and Theft in Special Collections now available for review and comment [posted 9/2/08]
• PowerPoint presentations from the ALA 2008 RBMS Program “Action! Setting Preservation Priorities and Ensuring Access to Your Moving Image Collections” [posted 8/06/08]
• Library and Archival Security Resources Directory released [posted 7/14/08]
• ACRL Guidelines: Competencies for Special Collections Professionals - Approved by ACRL 7/1/2008 [posted 7/9/2008]