Archives may choose to purchase historical materials at auctions, through private collections, or through manuscript dealers. As this is an expensive practice, it is the exception rather than the rule.

If pursuing this option, one must ensure that the acquisition is a valuable and necessary addition and that it meets your archives' mission and collection policy. Can you afford it?

If unsure of the monetary value, always have an outside agency appraise it before completing the purchase.

Some facts about NAAB (National Archival Appraisal Board)

• Established to service institutions in appraising cultural properties
• Appraisal by committee allows for a variety of views (booksellers, archivists, historians, lawyers, architects) and each member stays abreast of market trends
• They don't appraise 3-dimensional artifacts
• They do appraise manuscripts, film, photographs, books, maps, and architectural drawings
• Appraisals are conducted on a flat-rate basis to avoid accusations of inflated values
• NAAB requires submission of finding aids two weeks before their on-site visit
• Appraisals must state that they establish the estimated fair market value of the collection. Evaluations "for insurance purposes", "for probate purposes" or simply for "value" are not acceptable.
• The definition of fair market value is "the highest price, expressed in terms of money, that the property would bring in an open and unrestricted market between a willing buyer and a willing seller who are both knowledgeable, informed, and prudent, and who are acting independently of each other".