The American Philatelic Research Library and the Robert A. Mason Digital Library work together to make philately open to all; they benefit each other! The digital library team prides itself on providing accessibility, awareness, and preservation of library materials for our patrons to enjoy. 

The Robert A. Mason Digital Library makes materials accessible to patrons all over the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Users do not need to be in the physical library during operating hours to view library content or be concerned about checking materials out for off-site use. However, the Robert A. Mason Digital Library team typically withholds the most recent publications of modern philatelic journals. Come to the library to find fully updated publications or subscribe to the publication itself to receive new issues!  

Jackie Kennedy's signature served as the postage for this piece of mail.

Small publications may be looked over in a physical library setting. Some users may find content easier to browse in a digital format and may subsequently find themselves browsing materials they would not have seen otherwise. Not only does this further expand our patrons’ philatelic experience, but it extends the reach of our smaller philatelic publications, stamp societies, and exhibitors! 

The preservation of library materials is a large part of the Robert A. Mason Digital Library’s goal as well. Accessing rare or fragile materials is safer through a digital format, and these materials may not otherwise be available to view closely. For example, we recently worked on a project to digitize a collection of presidential free franks. These artifacts are rare, fragile, and require special handling. Exhibiting materials of this nature digitally keeps them safe, while also providing the education and experience of interacting with them! 

This is mourning stationary was sent by Lucretia Garfield, wife of President James A. Garfield.

Whether you want to access materials from anywhere at any time, combine digital materials with physical materials from the American Philatelic Research Library, find a new publication to enjoy, or delight in access to rare and fragile library materials, the Robert A. Mason Digital Library has something for you! As of right now, we have uploaded 9,070 individual journal issues comprised of 361,493 individual pages; 71 individual exhibits comprised of 5,450 individual pages; and more! 

A Jimmy Carter signed cover in celebration of his presidential inauguration. This is one of 6 existing copies. 

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