Book Collecting Now

Join Collections Advisor and author of Contemporary Issues in Rare Book & Manuscript Collecting, Spencer W. Stuart as he discusses case studies from his professional practice as well as the past to chart the life cycle of collections and the collectors who build them.

Through these examinations he will touch on important things collectors should consider at key moments of their collecting such as motivations that move one to collect, how to maintain perspective while actively collecting, and finally the legacy of a collection as well as deaccessioning strategies.

Referenced throughout are the recent structural changes that have taken place in the fine art photography, rare books and printed material markets, resulting in a more transparent ecosystem to participate in as a collector as well as the emergence of tendencies Spencer has observed with new collectors that he feels are redefining notions of who collects and what influences their focus.

Collecting is a journey. Executed with foresight, it can be a source of both self-exploration and understanding of the world. Through his talk, Spencer seeks to inspire new collectors and reinvigorate those with an established focus.

This discussion will be facilitated by Myles Cooper, MLIS, Mechanics’ Institute Library Manager.