Rare Book Criteria

A collection development librarian or specialist may recommend that a book be transferred or assigned to the Rare Book Collection in Special Collections if it meets one or more of the following criteria:

1. Early Imprints:
   • All books published before 1750
   • American books published before 1870
   • Washington State books published before 1950 and Washington State documents by exception
2. Non-Standard Formats:
   • Pamphlets and fragile books of significant value
   • Materials containing expensive loose plates
   • Other materials requiring non-standard storage facilities such as elephant folios, photographs, maps, etc.
3. Special Features:
   • Books from notable or small presses
   • Significant illustrated books
   • Fine bindings
   • Limited editions (250 copies or less)
   • Significant first editions
   • Autographed copies
   • Signed presentation copies
   • Expensive books of $500 or more
   • Difficult to replace books
4. Subject Specialties:
   • Books on Western Washington University
   • Books on Bellingham
   • Books on Whatcom County
   • Books on Washington State and the Pacific Northwest of particular rarity