Annual IOBA Scholarship Winners Announced
June 18, 2014—Christine Volk, Chair of the Independent Online Booksellers Association (IOBA) Scholarship Committee, has announced three IOBA scholarship winners: two will be attending the Colorado Antiquarian Book Seminar (CABS) in August—Adam Schachter of Langdon Manor Books in Houston, Texas, and Elizabeth Saunders of Tannery Books, in Archdale, North Carolina. The final scholarship was awarded to James South, of Treasure and Relish, Harrogate, North Yorkshire to attend the inaugural Yorkshire Antiquarian Booksellers Seminar (YABS) in England this fall.
“I'm excited to receive the scholarship,” says Adam Schachter, “I've spent the last two and half years reaching out to anybody who would help me learn the trade as I tried to determine if I could make a living at it full time. All of my study has been self directed. Now that I am on the cusp of leaving the practice of law, I am very hopeful that CABS will give me that final push to where my joy of the business and knowledge and contacts made at CABS will equal a full time living as a bookseller.”
“After three years in the book business,” says Beth Saunders, who will also be attending the Colorado school, “I was looking for ways to make Tannery Books more successful and professional. Attending CABS this year is perfect timing. We get to learn from experts from all around the country. I'll be surrounded by ‘book people’—I can't wait!”
James South established his online business, Treasure & Relish, in the spring of 2011, “building a business selling the things that have always interested me—art, books and decor.” “For the last year or so,” James continues, “I have concentrated my efforts into acquiring, presenting and selling books, though working alone, buying stock, making decisions, etc., can be daunting when you’re relatively new to the bookselling world. Being awarded the IOBA scholarship to attend the York Antiquarian Book Seminar in September presents a wonderful opportunity for me to learn from some of the leading book dealers and specialists through their lectures, discussions & demonstrations. I am delighted to have received this generous scholarship, and excited to find out where it will take me next.”
Both CABS and YABS are intensive bookselling programs designed not only to make better educated booksellers, but to grow the next generation of leaders in the field.
The Independent Online Booksellers Association is an international trade organization for internet booksellers, offering opportunities for continuing education and providing an opportunity to network with colleagues and discuss issues that affect booksellers and buyers worldwide. When booksellers join IOBA they are strengthening the ranks of a trade association that preserves traditional bookselling standards while embracing new technologies.
