Abaa

ABAA stands for the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America. It is a professional association of rare and antiquarian booksellers that operates primarily in North America. The organization was established in the mid-20th century by a group of dealers who sought to promote high professional standards, ethical conduct, and the preservation of bibliographic heritage. Membership is open to book dealers who meet defined criteria, including demonstrated expertise, professional conduct, and adherence to a code of ethics. Members may participate in educational programs and are listed in a public directory to aid collectors and researchers.

The ABAA administers a code of ethics and professional guidelines governing descriptions, provenance, condition reporting, and business practices, aiming to provide reliability for collectors, libraries, and researchers. It also promotes scholarly exchange, bibliographic standards, and the preservation of rare books through seminars, publications, and curated exhibitions or book fairs. The association supports the ongoing care of libraries and archives through references to conservation and digitization resources.

The ABAA operates as a national network with regional chapters and annual events, including major book fairs and dealer meetings that attract collectors, librarians, and bibliophiles from around the world. It maintains a directory of member dealers and provides resources on authentication, appraisal, and provenance.

ABAA is distinct from similarly named organizations and most commonly refers to the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America.