Antiquing? Check out these Libby Extras!

If you’ve been in Libby recently, you might have noticed some “Extras” that add to your overall
experience. I for one was especially interested in Kovels Antique Trader. I’ve long been a fan of searching for treasures in thrift shops, or spending a Saturday driving around and checking out yard and estate sales. There’s an excitement when you find something that speaks to you out in the wild and then discover its part of a larger set you now HAVE to find. But for me, I really love how this becomes my own personal historical adventure. What time period is the item from? Was it mass produced, or made in small batches? What can I learn about how it was made? A vintage item can connect you to the past as you give it a second (or third) life in the present.

Previously, I’d taken the common routes to learning more about an item. A google here, maybe leading me to some useful search terms there. But it was hard to be confident in what I was finding. Kovels Antiques and Collectibles allows users to confidently search for items to learn more about them and the companies who make them. 

Kovels has a great overview of using the site with helpful pictures.

One tool that can really help your detective work when identifying the history of an antique is the Mark Search feature. Their library has over 20,000 marks to help you better understand the item you’re looking for! If you want to learn more about antiques but don’t have your own to investigate, check out the Readers Q&A on Marks section. It’s full of interesting finds readers have submitted and expert information about them and their history. For patrons interested in selling their treasures, Kovels also has a useful price guide that can help you determine a fair price for an item. Need more guidance for helping a special item find a new home? The How to Buy or Sell section has an interactive map of businesses that can help.

For some bonus resources, look no further than Libby (and its Extras)!

 
Magazines: The Libby magazine subscription feature makes it easy to get a notification when a new issue is available so you’ll never miss one!

Kovels Antique Trader: In addition to the Kovels database, you can subscribe to their magazine for monthly issues full of research about unique items as well as items listed for sale.

 

Country Living Magazine: Aside from the usual lifestyle/home design content you’d expect, the Hunt section in each issue includes “What is it? What is it Worth” that highlights readers’ interesting heirlooms and gives expert insight into what they are.

Antiques Roadshow: A public television classic, you can stream episodes through Kanopy – another Libby Extra!




- Joanna, Information Technology