How to identify a first printing
- Institutional/society publishing. Catalogues, exhibition books, and scholarly series — identify the first printing by the copyright-page number line where present, otherwise by year and single-printing status.
- Co-published or distributed titles follow the partner university press's number-line conventions.
- Conference proceedings and bibliographic guides are typically single-issue and dated.
- Some fine or exhibition publications were issued in limited or special bindings — identify by limitation statement.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1887 as an independent research library; publishing output is scholarly and occasional rather than trade.
- The D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies was founded in 1972 and anchors a notable scholarly series.
- Partner-press distribution means first-printing conventions follow the trade partner per title.
- Exhibition catalogues are the most collectible category; coverage in standard first-edition pocket guides is limited.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: The Newberry Library, Center for the History of the American Indian (D'Arcy McNickle Center) series, co-publications/distribution with university presses (e.g. University of Nebraska, University of Chicago). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my The Newberry Library book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. Institutional/society publishing. Catalogues, exhibition books, and scholarly series — identify the first printing by the copyright-page number line where present, otherwise by year and single-printing status. Co-published or distributed titles follow the partner university press's number-line conventions.
Does The Newberry Library use a number line?
Co-published or distributed titles follow the partner university press's number-line conventions.
Is a book-club edition a The Newberry Library first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1887 as an independent research library; publishing output is scholarly and occasional rather than trade.
What era does this cover?
This covers The Newberry Library (1887–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.