Q: I have a Saalfield book that might be worth some money. Can you tell me how much it's worth?
A: Some Saalfield books
are collectible. Special Collections cannot provide an appraisal or value to you. You
might wish to hire an appraiser to assess the value of your book.
The American Society of Appraisers can
help you locate a qualified appraiser. Also, the The Antiquarian
Booksellers' Association of America publishes a directory of its member
dealers by specialization. (See question below.)
Q: Where can I purchase Saalfield books for my own collection?
A: The Antiquarian
Booksellers' Association of America publishes a directory of its member
dealers by specialization. They also offer a directory on their website which
might help you to locate a book dealer who sells Saalfield books (HINT: search
under specializations of "Children's Books" and "Juveniles.")
You might also be able to locate Saalfield publications through online auction
houses, such as Ebay.
Q: Where can I find information on a Saalfield author or illustrator?
A: Special Collections and Archives does not
have information files on most Saalfield authors and illustrators. Instead we
have examples of their publications. Your local library may be able to help
you to track down biographical information about Saalfield authors and illustrators.
Reference works such as Something About the Author and Contemporary
Authors (published by Gale) may include the person you are researching.
Many Saalfield authors and illustrators are not well-known or well-documented,
so your search might be difficult.
Q: I want to have reproductions of a Saalfield illustration or text sent to me. How do I order this?
A: Although Special Collections & Archives
physically owns many of Saalfield's publications, we do not own the literary
rights or copyright to the items in the collection. If you are using copies
for research purposes only, we can provide copies in accordance with our Duplication
Policies. If, however, you wish to use images or texts for commercial purposes
or in published works, it is your responsibility to obtain permission for duplication
from copyright owners. In most cases, we do not know who owns copyright and
cannot research that information for you.
Q: If I want to visit Kent State in person, is the Saalfield Collection available for use?
A: Yes, the collection is available for research
or general interest use on site. There is a collection of Saalfield business
files that has not yet been processed and is not available for research, in
most cases. If you are travelling from out of town, you are strongly encouraged
to contact Special
Collections and Archives at least 24 hours in advance. Please review our
inventories
ahead of time to identify specific parts of the collection to view in person.
For more details on using our collections, see our "Policies
for Using Materials in Special Collections & Archives."
Q: Why is the Saalfield Collection located at Kent State University? How did you acquire the collection?
A: In 1977, the Saalfield Publishing Company ceased operations. During the process of liquidating the company's property, a large collection of Saalfield publications, old business records, and other company archives was discovered in a room in one of the former Saalfield buildings. Kent State University Libraries offered to purchase this material for $4000 in 1977 and was able to raise the funds for the purchase through an anonymous donation, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. A. Clarke Mack, and some library funds.
The materials in this archive are part of the Department's collection development
emphasis in children's literature.