Starting a Career in the Rare Book Trade?

Are you new to the world of rare books? Thinking about launching your own bookselling business or looking for guidance in your early career? You are warmly invited to a special session introducing the ILAB International Mentoring Programme.

Launched in 2016, this global initiative connects early-career booksellers with experienced ILAB members, offering one-on-one guidance, encouragement, and practical advice to help navigate the rare book trade. Many past mentees have since joined national associations and become active members of the international bookselling community.

This session, led by Dawn Albinger (President of ANZAAB), Sally Burdon (Past ILAB President), and Angelika Elstner (Executive Secretary of ILAB), will introduce the programme, explain how to get involved, and share personal stories from those who have taken part.

The mentoring programme continues a long-standing tradition of mutual support in the book trade, once passed down through apprenticeships, now offered through a formal international network. Whether you have graduated from a rare book school, recently started your business, or simply feel you would benefit from a helping hand, this session is for you.

Join us for the conversation - all questions and aspiring booksellers are welcome!