Collections at the American Antiquarian Society are described in a variety of databases and specialized catalogs. If you don't find what you are looking for please email our staff at reference [at] mwa.org (reference[at]mwa[dot]org).
If you would simply like to browse collections digitally, visit featured collections.
Library Catalog
The library catalog is called the General Catalog. It provides the most comprehensive search of AAS collections and is best place to start a search.
What is in the General Catalog?
All cataloged books, pamphlets, manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, prints, photographs, ephemera, and broadsides are discoverable in the General Catalog.
Many records will have links to digital surrogates. Some digital surrogates can be viewed freely. Others, including subscription digital collections, can only be accessed from the AAS reading room.
What is not in the General Catalog?
Uncataloged and unprocessed collections not in the General Catalog include approximately 10-15% of AAS's books and pamphlets, as well as parts of the manuscripts, newspapers, periodicals, and graphic arts collections. Finding aids and inventories have been created to help researchers access some uncataloged materials.
How do I search the General Catalog?
A series of brief tutorial videos is available in the searching the American Antiquarian Society Catalog playlist on YouTube.
Digitized Materials
AAS does not have a single database containing all digitized content.
Digital Resources
Digital collections and online exhibitions contain digitized images of materials from AAS collections.
- Subscription digital collections can be accessed onsite at AAS and may include materials from other institutions.
- Learn more about Digital Resources
GIGI: The AAS Digital Image Archive
GIGI is the Society’s digital asset management system. It contains image files of material from the Society’s collections.
- For the most robust searching, please use the General Catalog as many records there will have links to images in GIGI.
- What's in GIGI
- For help finding existing images within the GIGI database see Obtaining Digital Images or email the reproductions department at reproductions [at] mwa.org (reproductions[at]mwa[dot]org).
Specialized Catalogs and Directories
Clarence (Newspapers and Periodicals)
Clarence is a database containing information about the newspapers and periodicals collection.
Catalogue of American Engravings (CAEP)
The Catalogue of American Engravings describes engravings issued as separate publications or as illustrations in books and periodicals from the early eighteenth century through 1820.
19th Century American Children's Book Trade Directory
The 19th Century American Children's Book Trade Directory contains 2,600 entries documenting the activity of individuals and firms involved in the manufacture and distribution of children's books in the United States between 1821 and 1876.
For additional databases see specialized catalogs and directories.