Merriam-Webster defines "philately" is as the collection and study of postage and imprinted stamps. Philatelists have intensely studied stamp paper, inks, printing processes, mail service types, cancellation processes, and more. For example, the Institute for Analytical Philately sponsors technical research.
Literature
Most philatelists are familiar with the SCOTT catalogues. However, philatelic literature delves into a variety of topics and specialties. For example, Loran C. French published the "Encyclopedia of Plate Varieties on U.S. Bureau-Printed Postage Stamps." Postmaster Potter published the pamphlet, "The United States Postal Service: An American History 1775-2006."
The Northern Philatelic Society maintains a resource library in Minneapolis as part of their mission to support stamp clubs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. There is a fee for membership.
The American Philatelic Research Library in Bellfonte, Pennsylvania contains tens of thousands of titles.
Gary W. Loew, editor-in-chief of "The American Philatelist," has published several downloadable papers.
Philatelic periodicals include:
Documentation of most United States stamp design subjects can be found at USStampGallery.com.
The Northern Philatelic Society maintains a resource library in Minneapolis as part of their mission to support stamp clubs in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Dakotas. There is a fee for membership.
The American Philatelic Research Library in Bellfonte, Pennsylvania contains tens of thousands of titles.
Gary W. Loew, editor-in-chief of "The American Philatelist," has published several downloadable papers.
Philatelic periodicals include:
- The American Philatelist, published monthly by the American Philatelic Society (available locally at Great River Regional Library)
- Linn's Stamp News, published weekly by Amos Media Company, includes a monthly update to the SCOTT catalogues
- The United States Specialist, published monthly by the United States Stamp Society
- U.S. Stamp News, published monthly by Stamp News Publishing
- The Prexies Era, published perhaps quarterly by the Prexie Era Committee
- Coil Line, published monthly by the Plate Number Coil Collectors Club
- The Penny Post, published quarterly by the Carriers and Locals Society
- Postal Bulletin, published bi-weekly by the United States Postal Service for its employees, archives available elsewhere
- The Chronicle, published quarterly by the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society
- Postal History Journal, published thrice yearly by the American Philatelic and Postal History Congress
Documentation of most United States stamp design subjects can be found at USStampGallery.com.
Online Seminars
The first Virtual Stamp Show was held in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other online seminars include:
- APS Stamp Chats
- The Collector's Club hosts live video programs.
- The YouTube channel "Exploring Stamps" includes noteworthy videos such as The History & Future of Stamp Collecting and Inherited a collection?
- Institute for Analytical Philately Symposium 2020
Clubs & Online Communities
Knowledge-sharing and fellowship amongst philatelists can be of great benefit. Several stamp clubs exist within Minnesota, the United States, Canada, and elsewhere. Additionally, these online communities can provide a wealth of support and knowledge:
A variety of additional resources are available in the Stamp Smarter Library. See also the Smithsonian National Postal Museum.
