The Philatelic Union Catalog, hosted by the American Philatelic Research Library, allows you to search the holdings of multiple philatelic libraries simultaneously.
Currently, the catalog includes the holdings of these libraries:
American Philatelic Research Library (APRL)
Collectors Club of Chicago (CCC)
Collectors Club of New York (CCNY)
Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation, Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library (Greene)
Northwest Philatelic Library (NWPL)
Postal History Foundation, Peggy J. Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library (PHF)
Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library (RMPL)
Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL)
Roger G. Schnell Library of the Scandinavian Collectors Club (SCC)
Smithsonian Libraries - National Postal Museum (SIL-NPM)
Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History
The catalog contains records for books, journals, auction catalogs, and other library holdings. The types of materials included and level of comprehensiveness vary by library.
The Philatelic Union Catalog is part of the Philatelic Librarians Group, which also includes the Philatelic Librarians Roundtable (held both in person at stamp shows and by conference call) and the Philatelic Library Forum, an online discussion group. You don’t need to be a librarian to join; the group includes library trustees, volunteers, and staff, as well as others interested in philatelic libraries and literature.
Journal Article Index
In addition to the library holdings, the union catalog also includes journal article records. The majority of these come from PHLNDX, compiled by Gene Fricks. The journal article records are provided as a research resource. The libraries in the union catalog may or may not hold the journal issue containing a specific article. In order to determine if a library has the article, search the catalog for the journal title.
Philatelic Union Catalog participating libraries
American Philatelic Research Library | |||||||||
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| Collections: | The APRL has one of the world’s largest and most accessible collections of philatelic literature. The collection includes books and journals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and related subjects like transportation and geography. In addition to its 21,000 book titles and 5,700 journal titles, the APRL has: Catalogs (general and specialized) Government documents Auction catalogs and price lists (only name sales are cataloged) Stamp show programs and palmares (not cataloged) Copies of philatelic exhibits CD- and DVD-ROMs Bibliographies and indexes Special collections and archives (not comprehensively cataloged) Unique resources at the APRL include: Piper File, a card index of philatelic periodicals through December 1969 Daniel Hines Air Mail Archives, documenting the pioneer period of United States air mail American First Day Cover Society Archives APRL Clipping Files, including files from Ernest Kehr, Belmont Faries, John Stark, and Forrest Ellis Elliott Perry–Cyril dos Passos Correspondence Record types used in the catalog: Archive: archival material, library use only Auction catalog: “name sale” auction catalogs, with prices realized when available (non-“name sale” auction catalogs are usually not individually cataloged) Auction house: summary of auction catalog holdings Book: Rare Books and Closed Stacks items are library use only; all other items are available for borrowing unless otherwise noted Exhibit: copies of philatelic exhibits Government Document: publications of government offices and the Universal Postal Union Hines Air Mail Collection: items from the Daniel Hines Air Mail Archives, library use only Journal Map Microform Web site |
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| Collections: | The CCC maintains a large collection of U.S. and worldwide philatelic literature. The collection includes books and journals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and some related subjects. In addition to its several thousand books and journals, the CCC has: Catalogs (general and specialized) Government documents (largely USPOD publications) Auction catalogs many w/ prices realized (not cataloged) Stamp show programs and palmares (not cataloged) Copies of philatelic exhibits (not cataloged) CD- and DVD-ROMs Bibliographies and indexes Several archives (not cataloged) largely photos, 35mm slides and photocopies Unique resources at the CCC include: Cabeen correspondence Colonel Robert Pratt 35mm slides of Newfoundland philately Dr. Harvey Karlen notes on Chicago postal history and Cyprus Record types used in the catalog: Book: Rare Book items are library use only; all other items are available for borrowing by members unless otherwise noted. |
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| Collections: | The Collectors Club Library collection includes books and journals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately. In addition to its 8,000 book titles and thousands of journal titles, the Collectors Club Library has: Catalogs (general and specialized) Government documents (United States and UPU) Auction catalogs and price lists (only name sales are cataloged) Stamp show programs and palmares (not cataloged) CD- and DVD-ROMs Bibliographies and indexes Special collections and archives (not cataloged) Unique resources at the Collectors Club include: Photographic record of the Edward S. Knapp collection Transcription of the Carpenter & Butler correspondence archive Visiting Information: The Collectors Club’s 1902 Stanford White designed and landmarked townhouse is located in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Manhattan within walking distance of both the Penn Station and Grand Central railroad terminals. The library is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. To avoid disappointment, it is best to call ahead of a visit to confirm that the opening schedule is not affected by a vacation or holiday closure. The Collectors Club also welcomes visitors to its regularly scheduled semi-monthly Wednesday evening meetings for which the calendar is available at http://www.collectorsclub.org/Meeting_Schedules_and_Events.shtml Record types used in the catalog: Book: Archive items are library use only |
Vincent Graves Greene Philatelic Research Foundation - Harry Sutherland Philatelic Library | |||||||
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| Lending policy: | The HSPL does not provide an interlibrary loan service. Arrangements for photocopying or scanning of items that are unique to this collection might be possible. Visits to the library, except for members of recognized user groups, are by appointment. |
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The library houses approximately 5,000 books and 300 journal titles. To support the work of the Greene Foundation and philately in the Greater Toronto area, the library aims: to provide a comprehensive collection of items relating to British North American and Canadian philately; to provide an up-to-date collection of items relating to expertizing, frauds and forgeries; to support the basic needs of the Greater Toronto area philatelic community with definitive works on important collecting areas and the most recent general catalogues. Record types used in the catalog: Book |
Northwest Philatelic Library | |||||||
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| Lending policy: | Most library material circulates, except items with call numbers that begin with HIST [Historical], REF [Reference], and PER [Periodicals]. Check-out privileges are extended to NWPL members in good standing, as well as members of affiliated groups. Items may be checked-out in person or by mail. NWPL also participates in an interlibrary loan program for non-members; fees apply. Details may be viewed here: www.nwpl.org/CheckoutPolicy.html. |
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NWPL's broad collection of philatelic literature contains more than 5,300 books, pricing and auction catalogs, periodical titles, and supporting material. Our rare book section houses references, photos, and historic items dating back to the mid-19th century. Along with the general collection, NWPL has selectively emphasized acquisitions in several specialty areas: United States Pacific Northwest Postal History Airmail Great Britain and British Commonwealth Visiting Information: The NWPL is located on the lower level of the Oregon Stamp Society clubhouse and is open during most club functions and by appointment. We welcome all collectors, dealers, and members of the public. Staffed by volunteers, the Northwest Philatelic Library celebrates its 10th year of service as a non-profit organization in 2013. Record types used in the catalog:Book Journal (periodicals) Auction catalog Map Visual material (audiovisual material on CD, DVD or videotape) |
Postal History Foundation, Peggy J. Slusser Memorial Philatelic Library | |||||||||
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The Slusser Library houses over 30,000 books, journals, catalogs, photos, maps, and other reference items related to worldwide postal and philatelic history. The collection has a particular focus on the postal history of Arizona. In addition, there is a sizable collection of Civil War material, including books, photos, and artifacts. Highlights of the collection include: Catalogs (general and specialized) Auction catalogs and price lists Stamp show programs Copies of Postal History Foundation philatelic exhibits Bibliographies and indexes Special collections and archives Unique resources at the Slusser Library include: Arizona Postal Documents Collection, which contains original postal documents from a number of Arizona post offices. Tucson Post Office Administration and Public Relations Collection 1950-1980, which contains documents and photographs relating to the Tucson postal service and local postal promotional campaigns. Collections of Arizona Territory and Statehood covers and correspondence Peggy J. Slusser Civil War Collection, which contains artifacts and documents relating to the U.S. Civil War Thomas Hale Collection of Civil War Patriotic Envelopes Record types used in the catalog: Book Computer disk Journal Presentation: a digital copy of a presentation or speech Visual material: audiovisual material on CD, DVD or videotape |
Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library | |||||||
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| Lending policy: | The RMPL lends books to members ONLY directly or through the internet. The RMPL does NOT engage in interlibrary loan since we rely for all our work on volunteers. Photocopy and scanning services of books and periodicals are available through our on-line catalog coordinator. |
| Collections: | The RMPL has a collection of worldwide philatelic literature. The collection includes books and journals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and related subjects. Highlights of the collection include:
Catalogs (about 800 general and specialized countries) Auction catalogs (4,000) and price lists Stamp show programs and palmares (not cataloged) Copies of philatelic exhibits CD- and DVD-ROMs RMPL Clipping Files Special collections and archives: (not comprehensively cataloged), including but not limited to: This Was Colorado (15 volumes) Scouting on Stamps (25 albums) Byrum Collection of Local Posts and Cinderellas (25 volumes) Map Reference Collection Western History and Railroad Collection Auxiliary Libraries: The RMPL houses the libraries of the following libraries that are administered by the societies themselves. Their holdings are not included in the catalog of the RMPL. Scandinavian Collectors Club of the United States Society of Czechoslovak Philately Great Britain & Commonwealth Collectors Club of the U.S. Reference collection of the UPSS Catalog Colorado Postal History Society Visiting the library: The RMPL is a completely volunteer organization, open 36 hours per week. Our membership consists of 500 members from throughout the United States and a small foreign contingent of 10 members. Our 6,600 square foot facilities (2 buildings) are open to all visitors and we welcome all newcomers to our library. Stamp collecting visitors and their families are welcome to enjoy the gardens at the RMPL maintained by an RMPL volunteer. We hope to see you here whenever you’re out seeking the great American West. Record types used in the catalog:Book (Rare Books and Closed Stacks items are library use only; all other publications are available for borrowing unless otherwise noted) Computer disk DVD Periodicals Videocassette Visual material |
Royal Philatelic Society London | |||||||||
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| Collections: | The Society's Library is among its most significant philatelic assets. It contains an unparalleled collection of philatelic literature from all over the world. The library material is currently housed in five locations on three floors in the Society's building. A member of the Library Committee maintains each of the major sections on a voluntary basis, supported by the secretarial staff and the House Manager. It is classified under seven main headings:Bibliography: including library catalogues and indexes. Monographs and Handbooks: subdivided into sections for Great Britain, Commonwealth, foreign countries and general philately. Many specialist volumes are limited editions and of considerable value to researchers worldwide. Periodicals: Periodicals published in English and foreign languages are held in nearly complete or complete runs in a comprehensive collection of the world's general and specialist publications which would be impossible to assemble today. The Society receives copies of up to 300 periodicals each year with 2,400 titles held, the earliest dating from 1879. Exhibition Material: produced by the organisers of all major international, UK national and other specialist meetings. This provides valuable information on events generally, lists of exhibitors and awards made. The literature frequently includes philatelic information and articles not available elsewhere. Library Books: The Society uses a library cataloguing system called Heritage and this now includes all books held at 41 Devonshire Place with around 14,000 volumes listed. Searching the Catalogue will allow philatelic bibliographies to be shown for any search terms entered. Jonathan Cartwright and his team are continuing to develop this resource which will now be searchable at home by all members. Library Stamp Catalogues: More than 2,250 stamp catalogues are available for research ranging from 1861 with Alfred Potiquet's illustrated stamp catalogue, which was the first in the world. to the present day. Stamp catalogues published by Stanley Gibbons in a nearly complete range from the early 1900s. Good runs of other internationally-recognised catalogues published abroad are also held. These provide information for a wide range of collecting interests. Auction Catalogues: We have an extensive collection of auction catalogues with over 13,500 catalogues, including named and general sales from more than 250 auction houses. The strength lies in the period from the 1930s but some date back to 1872, with not only British sales but with strength in European and North American auction houses. Within the RPSL Catalogue information includes the name of the auction house, the location of the auction and the date. The names of vendors and the subject-matter (e.g. country or theme) of the sales are included in many instances. Other: Other research material including articles, personal research notes, copies of collections and displays, Commonwealth gazettes and Post Office guides. All of these are consulted from time to time during the course of a research project. Record types used in the catalog: Book (only handbook and monograph records are currently included in the Union Catalog) Cartographic Map CD-ROM |
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| Collections: | More than 2,000 books and catalogs related to philately in the Nordic region that encompasses Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland, Finland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Åland, and the one-time colony of the Danish West Indies. The collection also includes hundreds of Scandinavia-related philatelic periodicals and articles, some 70 audio-visual presentations, and copies of numerous exhibits, auctions, and show catalogs associated with Scandinavia’s stamps and postal history. Visiting the library: The library is housed in two rooms inside the main building of the Rocky Mountain Philatelic Library (but is a separate entity from the RMPL). Visitors may view the SCC Library when the RMPL is open, but only SCC members in good standing may borrow materials. SCC volunteers are at the library regularly on Wednesday mornings and occasionally on Saturdays. Record types used in the catalog: Article Book Exhibit Visual Material |
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| Collections: | The National Postal Museum Library is one of twenty specialized libraries in the Smithsonian Institution Libraries system. The National Philatelic Collection was the basis of the Library when it was established in 1993. Now, with more than 40,000 books, journals, catalogues and archival documents, the National Postal Museum Library is among the world's largest postal history and philatelic research facilities. Although the resources at the National Postal Museum Library focus on the postal history and philately of the United States, the collections are international in scope. Third Assistant Postmaster General Highway Post Office Aerial Mail Service Railway Mail Service Panama Canal Zone Post Office Thaddeus Hyatt Frederick Melville George Turner J.W. Scott & Co. Monthly Price List Annotated copies of the Catalogue of the Philatelic Library of the Earl of Crawford, K.T. Catalogue of the Royal Philatelic Collection. Visiting Information:The NPM library is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is mandatory to call ahead of a visit to make an appointment and confirm that the opening schedule is not affected by a vacation or holiday closure. The NPM also welcomes visitors to its monthly public open house on the third Saturday of every month. The collection is located in the staff access-only portion of the museum, so visitors will be escorted to and from the library. Record types used in the catalog: Book Journal Microform Visual material (CD,DVD,VHS) |
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| Collections: | The Spellman has an extensive collection of philatelic literature. The collection is international in scope and includes books and periodicals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and related subjects. Books and periodical holdings are indexed separately. The Spellman also has extensive worldwide collections and exhibits of stamps and postal history available to members and researches for reference and study by appointment. In addition to its more than 9,000 book and monograph titles and over 2,000 runs of different periodicals, the Spellman has: Nearly 1,000 catalogs (general and specialized) Extensive runs of auction catalogs and price lists (only specialized and rarity sales are cataloged) Over 1000 Stamp show programs and palmares (not cataloged) Copies of philatelic exhibits CDs, DVD-ROMs, videocassettes, slides, films, filmstrips Bibliographies, indexes, maps, and atlases Éire Philatelic Association Library (available for loan to Association members) Educational Resource Center with resources for educators Special collections and archives (not cataloged) United States Postal Stationery literature and price lists Children’s literature featuring stamps and the mail Vertical files of philatelic research and clippings Postal administration catalogs Philatelic sheet music Stamp albums and ephemera documenting the history of philately Postal games of the world Stamp cases and stamp boxes Visiting Information: Thursdays to Sundays, Noon to 5:00, Or by appointment. Record types used in the catalog: Book Journal Pamphlet Visual material |
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The WPL has a very extensive collection of philatelic literature. The collection includes books and journals about stamps and postal history, as well as the history of philately and related subjects like transportation and geography. In addition to its more than 14,000 book and monograph titles and over 5,000 bound volumes of journals, the WPL has: Nearly 6,000 catalogs (general and specialized) 10,000 tear sheets (searchable listing at Leonard Hartmann’s Philatelic Bibliopole) Government documents Auction catalogs and price lists (only specialized and rarity sales are cataloged) Copies of philatelic exhibits including exhibitor drafts CD, DVD-ROMs, microfilm, etc. Bibliographies and indexes Special collections and archives (indexes are available on the WPL website for collections listed with *) * Tonga/Tin Can Mail Study Circle Library* Society of Australasian Specialists/Oceania William H. Buckley Library * Tannu Tuva Collectors Society Library * Korea Stamp Society Library * Czeslaw Slania Study Group/Late Harold Short Library Postal Stationery Society Library Casey Jones Society Library (trains on stamps) India Study Circle Library (North American Branch) Postcard section of the library Record types used in the APRL catalog: Book: Most books are available for borrowing unless otherwise noted Additional record types are planned to be added |
Wineburgh Philatelic Research Library | |||||||
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| Lending policy: | The collection is open to the public, and may be used within the Special Collections reading room. |
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Among the collection's strengths are holdings in U.S., British, Western European, and Mexican philately. There is good coverage for the British Commonwealth as well as South America. The collection has especially fine holdings in Confederate postal history. Other important areas include detection of forgeries, postal histories of U.S. states, and air mail philately. The library is also home to the records of the Texas Philatelic Association, Inc. Record types used in the catalog: Book (includes auction catalogs) Journal |
| Visiting Information: | Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm The collection is located on the third floor of the Eugene McDermott Library, in the Special Collections department; see this page for the library floor plan. Visitors who aren’t affiliated with UT Dallas can get a free one-day visitor parking pass at the campus Visitor Center; see the UT Dallas Parking webpage for details. See the library’s Information for Visitors page for driving directions, a campus map, and details on the library’s services and policies. |
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If you have any questions, contact APRL staff by submitting a message or call 814 933-3803 ext. 246. |
