Applications now open for an ILAB Scholarship for the York Antiquarian Book Seminar 2025

The York Antiquarian Book Seminar (YABS), coordinated by the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association ABA (UK), offers an opportunity for leading booksellers and librarians to share their expertise and experience with booksellers new to the trade, librarians and collectors in a comprehensive survey of the second-hand, antiquarian and rare book markets. Basic procedures and problems are discussed formally and informally through a series of lectures, discussions, and practical hands-on workshops emphasizing cataloguing, pricing and bookselling.
The seminar is designed for people of all levels of expertise, from beginners to those with years of experience who want to hone their skills in this rapidly changing field.

The scholarship will cover 700 GBP for tuition (full coverage) and 300 GBP towards travel and accommodation. The Antiquarian Booksellers' Association ABA will be able to give recommendations on accommodation options.

Who can apply and how?
Applicants must envisage a full-time career as an antiquarian bookseller but do not have to be a member of an ILAB-affiliated trade association.
Applicants shall send a motivation letter (no longer than two pages) explaining how they would benefit from attending the seminar.
Applicants must reside outside of the UK.

Key dates:

The seminar takes place from Sunday 7 September 2025 - Thursday 11 September 2025.
Applications must be received by the ILAB Secretariat no later than 18 April 2025.
The successful candidate will be chosen by the ILAB Committee and informed after 25 April 2025.

Contact:
Angelika Elstner, ILAB Secretary: secretariat@ilab.org
Riley Grant, ABA Secretary & YABS Coordinator: secretary@aba.org.uk

Read the report of the 2024 scholarship recipient >> HERE