In 2025, the team led by Giancarlo Morolli, then VP of FEPA, proposed a new SREV for literature. The FEPA Board forwarded this proposal to FIP, the International Federation.
The Organising Committee adopts these new SREV because it is available to assess these new ideas.
New regulations defined by a panel of FEPA experts led by Giancarlo Morolli RDP. In agreement with FEPA, Italia 2026 is applying these rules on a experimental basis.
Special Regulations for the Evaluation of Philatelic Literature Exhibits at FIP Exhibitions
Art. 1. Introduction
In accordance with Articles 1.4, 5.2, and 5.3 of the General Regulations of the FIP for the Evaluation of Exhibits at FIP Competitive Exhibitions (GREV) that establish the evaluation principles for all competitive classes, this document presents such principles for the Philatelic Literature class.
Art. 2. Philatelic Literature Exhibits
2.1. Philatelic Literature is the stored form of philatelic knowledge that can be retrieved by collectors and students who are interested in the same subject.
Good literature is meaningful to its readers, whatever the format. Even a short book, magazine, article, or blog fulfils readers’ needs if it provides new and valuable information to the target audience.
Different forms of literature have their own merits. Good books do not simply repeat common knowledge but provide new information that has been thoroughly researched. The editorial line of a good journal will maintain coherence over time in all aspects related to its content. A good digital publication leverages the latest technological capabilities of its platform or format.
2.2. Philatelic exhibitions encourage and promote the display of philatelic literature to a larger part of the philatelic community and reward the exhibits for the achievements recognised by their juries based on the principles presented hereafter.
2.3. Philatelic literature exhibitions encompass works related to all FIP competitive classes.
The philatelic content of an exhibit must relate to one or more FIP classes, including picture postcards.
Art. 3. Classification of Philatelic Literature Exhibits
3.1. Philatelic literature exhibits include all types of media related to
- philatelic research and observation
- documentation, education and promotion of philately.
Philatelic media dealing with research and observation may cover any philatelic topic, including the production of stamps and their varieties, the use of stamps, postal services before and after the introduction of stamps, and other related subjects. Media concerning the documentation, education, and promotion of philately may encompass the history of philately, descriptions of its specialised areas, its organisational structures, the collector’s guidance, and the commemoration of special events. However, specific works may integrate both aspects, for instance, publications marking a special occasion, such as an anniversary. They may cover a variety of subjects or focus on a specific aspect, treated in depth, often with contributions from students from different specialities.
3.2. Philatelic literature can be in traditional printed form or on digital support or platforms. The same literature work can be published in different formats. These include
- a printed work
- a digital copy (usually a PDF file) prepared for the printing process (“Produced for print”)
- a digital work (“Born digital”)
- a website
- other digital formats that cannot be precisely defined, as they are constantly evolving.
The different forms of literature have their own merits. The medium for publishing philatelic literature is not particularly relevant, except for its usefulness in storage and retrieval.
3.3. Philatelic literature works may be divided into four categories:
a. Monographs, which are detailed, systematic expositions of a single specialised subject or an aspect, the information content of which forms a coherent whole. They include:
- Special studies, handbooks and other similar publications
- Specialised catalogues
- Specialised auction catalogues
- Documentation of personal collections or exhibits
- Exhibition catalogues
- Documents from lectures
- Collections of articles, from philatelic and non-philatelic publications, forming an independent entity
- Bibliographies.
b. Periodicals, which are publications that appear regularly. They include:
- News, magazines or journals published at regular intervals
- Yearbooks and similar publications.
c. Catalogues and other publications that provide straightforward data and classification of stamps and/or other philatelic items, by country, topic or other criteria.
d. Digital media include all types of digital publications that comply with Art. 3.1. They cannot be precisely defined due to the continuous development of technology.
In particular:
- Specialised catalogues are the central repository for a constant stream of discoveries; hence, they may present significant differences from one edition to the next.
- Auction catalogues may present scholarly written-up material, along with the history of the items on sale or their auction history.
- Documentations of collections may contain additional chapters presented in an annotated manner, such as official decrees and other official documents on the subject, other notable items in the exhibitor’s possession or from various exhibits, and forgeries.
- Exhibition catalogues may contain important articles and studies in addition to their testimonial role. A key aspect to evaluate is their efficiency in guiding visitors to understand the exhibits on display and retain a good memory.
- Collections of articles may gather consistently, regular features in the same magazine or coverage of the same topic across different publications.
- Bibliographies may contain an annotated classification that presents the merits and limitations of each work, thereby helping readers choose the most suitable sources.
- Yearbooks and similar publications, besides their documentary relevance, may contain important articles and studies.
- Digital media is content provided in digital format for use through the Internet or other electronic platforms.
3.4. For evaluation purposes, digital media entries can be assimilated into traditional ones, as the intellectual content of a publication should be the primary source of evaluation; technical matters and typesetting are secondary considerations.
Art. 4. Criteria for Evaluating Exhibits
4.1. Philatelic literature exhibits will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Treatment of contents
- Communication Skills
- Significance
- Knowledge, Research and Information
- Usability Features
- Presentation.
The form in which an entry is presented may change, but it should not alter the evaluation of treatment, communication, significance, knowledge and research of the entry. However, the evaluation of the Usability Features and Presentation takes into account the peculiarities of each form.
The key is to understand what the author is trying to convey with his/her work. A research monograph, for example, asks and answers a research question. A society magazine aims to serve its members, while a catalogue must cater to the needs of collectors. Once the publication’s goal has been established, it is necessary to determine how well it achieves it.
4.2. The “Treatment of Contents” criterion pertains to the literary aspects of the work. It requires an evaluation of how the publication’s subject (or subjects) are presented in terms of narrative. It concerns the following aspects:
- Clarity of the purpose of the publication – level of achievement of such purpose
- Scope of the effort (large and complex or relatively simple and less demanding)
- Structure of the publication (chapters, etc.) and its balance through the chapters
- Logic of the story – ease in following the thread
- Accuracy and consistency of the information provided
- Depth and completeness
- Evidence of sources supporting the work.
4.3. The “Communication Skills” criterion considers the literary style, clarity, and effectiveness in conveying the reader’s understanding of the entire story surrounding the subject discussed. It concerns the following aspects:
- Ease of comprehension and usability of both text and illustrative material
- Clear language and correct grammar, suited to the intended audience, making concepts understandable, and avoiding overlong paragraphs and sentences.
- Appropriate layout, selection, allocation, and textual arrangement of illustrations; style and linguistic accuracy and continuity; other general settings (titles and subtitles, illustrations, imprints, pagination, table of contents, use of footnotes, list of abbreviations, etc.).
- Explanation of technical terms and abbreviations to ease the reader’s comprehension
- Links to additional reading or further research (particularly online).
- Use of electronic media as an adjunct to print media.
4.4. The “Significance” criterion reflects the relevance of a publication to its target readers and in the general context of philately. It concerns the following aspects:
- Relevance of the subject matter in terms of the work to its subject, scope, and added value for its target audience
- Challenge taken by the author in terms of the degree of difficulty
- Multilingual text (whole or at least some supporting features).
4.5. The “Knowledge, Research and Information” criterion considers a publication’s content, its usefulness in helping the reader to approach or more deeply understand its subject. It concerns the following aspects:
- Knowledge presented to the reader
- Degree of elaboration of facts presented – plain presentation or annotated analysis and synthesis
- Originality – new edition of a previous work (how much has changed?) or original effort
- Innovative approach to already treated subjects – new findings – ideas and research that add something new to the discourse, rather than merely presenting existing content once again.
- Exploitation of new sources
- Proper credits given when relying on the work of others.
4.6. The “Usability features” criterionexamines the tools provided to make the readers’ experience enjoyable and straightforward, focusing on how well the information captures their attention and enables quick, easy access to the details they seek.
This criterion addresses the aspects listed below merely from a technical standpoint. Other criteria cover their appropriateness and quality. Attention is necessary to avoid improper evaluation or double-counting. For instance, titles, subtitles, etc, might be perfect for describing the structure of a work “treatment”), but their technical implementation (“usability”) might be poor and the appearance disgraceful (“presentation”).
Paper publications
- Clear typography: Readable font size, spacing, and layout.
- Table of contents and index: Helps readers quickly find topics of interest.
- Chapter summaries or headings: Guide the reader through main ideas.
- Visual aids: Images, infographics, or illustrations to clarify concepts.
- Glossary: Definitions of key terms for easy reference.
- Quality paper and binding: Enhances reading comfort and durability.
- QR codes, and other aids, ISBN or ISSN number
Websites
- Intuitive navigation menus: Allow users to find information quickly.
- Search function: Enables fast access to specific topics or pages.
- Responsive design: Ensures good usability on mobile and desktop.
- Readable layout: Clear fonts, colours, and spacing.
- Interactive features: Tools like forms, chat support, or quizzes for engagement.
- Accessibility options: Support for users with disabilities (contrast, text size, screen reader compatibility).
- Feedback and contact forms: Easy ways for users to communicate or ask questions.
Blogs
- Category and tag filters: Helps readers sort content by topic or interest.
- Comment sections: Allow interaction and feedback from readers.
- Easy sharing options: Buttons for sharing posts on social media.
- Consistent formatting: Uniform style across posts for familiarity.
- Subscription tools: Methods for readers to receive updates (newsletters, RSS).
- Multimedia integration: Embedding images, videos, or audio for richer content.
Podcasts
- Episode lists with descriptions: Helps listeners choose episodes based on interest.
- Playback controls: Features like pause, rewind, skip, and variable speed for listener convenience.
- Transcripts: Text versions for accessibility or reference.
- Show notes: Summaries, links, and resources mentioned in the episode.
- Download and streaming options: Flexibility for offline or online listening.
- User feedback options: Ratings, reviews, or Q&A to engage the audience.
Other electronic media
- Ease of loading
- Reader-friendly interface
- Title, contents page, index, Hyperlinks
- Compatibility with previous operating systems and platforms (e.g., PC).
4.7. The “Presentation” criterion concerns “the evaluation of the overall aesthetic appearance of the exhibit” (GREV art. 4.9), i.e. how appealing it is to the reader.
- Quality Images and Graphics
- Harmonious colour scheme
- Appropriateness and consistency of print size and style
- Visual Hierarchy: The most important parts (titles, calls to action, navigation) guide the reader’s eye thanks to the appropriate choice of size, colour, or placement.
- Accessibility: Fonts, colours, and layouts support ease of reading for all users, including those with visual impairments.
- Minimal Distractions: Absence of unnecessary decorative elements, flashy animations, or excessive ads that could interrupt content consumption..
Art. 5. Judging of Exhibits
5.1. Literature exhibits will be judged by approved specialists as per Section V (Articles 30-45) of GREX.
5.2. For Literature exhibits, the following relative terms are presented to lead the Jury to a balanced evaluation:
| Criterion | Points |
| Treatment of contents | 20 |
| Communication Skills | 10 |
| Significance | 10 |
| Knowledge, Research and Information | 35 |
| Usability Features | 20 |
| Presentation | 5 |
Art. 6. Concluding Provision
6.1. In the event of any discrepancies in the text arising from translation, the English text shall prevail.
Supplementary Rules to the GREX for the Philatelic Literature Class at FIP Exhibitions
The Regulations for evaluating the Philatelic Literature class at FIP Exhibitions have been developed according to the General Regulations of the FIP for Exhibitions (GREX) concerning managing, exhibiting, and judging from an organisation’s standpoint. However, this class’s peculiarity in respect of all others, based on the display of entries on frames, requires some specific provisions or clarifications.
Art. 5.2. Philatelic Literature Exhibition Class
Philatelic literature exhibitions encompass works related to all FIP competitive classes, including picture postcards. The O.C. will consider the following criteria when deciding the acceptance of an exhibit:
- Multivolume entries are accepted as one entry if they have the same rights holders. Otherwise, they are considered separate entries.
- Collections of articles are accepted provided the number of articles presented is large enough to adequately demonstrate the work’s characteristics by the author(s).
- Newspapers and consumer magazines, with a regular philatelic feature, may be accepted as the whole of such features may be considered a collection of articles. Any other content of the magazine is irrelevant for the evaluation.
- Unpublished manuscripts in printed or digital form are, in principle, excluded from the exhibition. However, copies bearing the note “Script Copy” or copies on data storage devices are admitted to compete on condition that they can be purchased, and the address of the supplier source is clearly indicated.
- Non-philatelic publications (e.g., historical and art publications) that use philatelic items extensively as a significant illustration source but do not have any philatelic content beyond the images are excluded from competition.
- Digital entries that are not publicly available because they require free or paid registration (for the whole or for a reserved part) may be accepted only if the exhibitor provides unconditional access, as jurors cannot be asked to register for individual sites.
- Applications and other programs are not considered philatelic literature as they represent tools that ease the collector’s activities (e.g., managing checklists, preparing album and exhibition pages).
- Works presented in both paper and digital formats are considered a single entry and judged accordingly. For instance, a monograph with a digital supplement or a digital database accompanied by a paper elaboration of its content is evaluated jointly.
Art. 6.7. Reading area
The O.C. must make the entries available for public consultation in a dedicated reading area during the exhibition so visitors can examine them. If digital entries are presented, suitable equipment must be installed in the judging and reading rooms, and technical support must be available on standby. Whenever possible, the printed literature exhibits should include an information sheet on who to order them from and at what price; if not, this information should be published on the exhibition website.
Art. 8.1. Awards and recognitions
Philatelic literature entries may be awarded all prizes listed in the GREX and compete for the top awards of an exhibition.
Art. 8.5. Felicitations
The jury may express Felicitations for entries with outstanding merits in one of the evaluation criteria, in addition to the award resulting from the points obtained.
Art. 8.6. Special Awards
Literature entries receiving at least 85 points are also eligible for special awards, provided they have outstanding merits.
Art. 10.1. Qualification for applying
As it is beneficial for philately to have many entries shown, this GREX provision, reserving eligibility only to those affiliated through personal or Society membership to a Member, does not apply to the literature class. This enables the already unofficially established acceptance of works from philatelic publishers, postal museums and institutions, auctioneers, dealers and any other entity that cannot apply for membership in philatelic societies.
Art. 10.3. Previous awards for Application
No previous award at the national level is required (GREX ). Hence, recently published works may directly participate in a FIP exhibition.
Art. 10.3. Time Limits for Participation
Books, specialised catalogues, special studies, and other publications, general catalogues, and, more generally, all entries classified under 1, 2, and 3 in SREV art. 3 must have been published no earlier than five years before 1 January of the exhibition year.
Revised editions will be considered as new publications.
For multivolume works, each volume’s publication date shall govern.
For periodicals and collections of articles, the publication date should be no earlier than two years before 1 January of the exhibition year. For periodicals, the most recent complete volume or the issues of the last year/two years shall be exhibited.
No time limits are set for continuously updated websites and other digital entries.
Art. 11.1. Eligibility as Exhibitor
Entries may be exhibited by the author, compiler, editor, publisher, sponsoring organisation or society, or any other individual or entity holding proprietary rights through the Commissioner of the country where the applicant resides. If more parties hold such rights, they can apply jointly or separately; however, only one application can be presented at the same exhibition. If more than one is received, the author has to get priority as he is the primary stakeholder; otherwise the “first in” principle applies unless the same exhibitor was already accepted at the previous exhibition when the entry was presented. On the form, the exhibitor must sign a declaration of copyright ownership.
Art. 11. 1. Applications
A separate application form shall be used for each entry in the literature class, including the name(s) of the author(s) and the title in its original form, as well as a translation of the same into English. In the case of magazines and catalogues, the name of the editor or publisher is required; for digital publications, this may not be easy, so the title and the HTTP address (URL) are sufficient.
Art. 11.2. Synopsis
A Synopsis shall provide structured input for all data needed for a correct bibliographic description of the entry and a translation of the title and technical details into one of the FIP languages. Such a form will allow the exhibitor to describe his/her aims, efforts, peculiarities, and all the changes introduced since the last edition, if any.
Art. 15.1. Limitation on Entries
There is no limit to the number of entries an exhibitor presents.
Art. 15.4. Entry Fee
The fee for an entry shall not exceed the fee for a frame in the general competition class of the same exhibition.
Article . Basic Requirements for Application to ExhibitThe exhibitor must submit one copy of the entry. The O.C. has the right to exclude any entry that misses this deadline from the competition.
Digital media exhibits should be active at the exhibition’s deadline for submitting application forms.
Art. 19. Obligations of the Exhibitor
If the O.C. refuses the evaluation or the jury excludes an entry from the competition for reasons caused by the exhibitor, the O.C. is not obliged to refund the exhibition fees.
In particular, ddigital entries should be excluded from competition whenever:
- There is no indication of the author (Contact- and Subscription)
- All or some sections are not accessible due to special restrictions (e.g., required user identification or password not supplied) or to technical faults preventing the total or partial examination of the entry. Recording such faults and attaching hard copies of error messages (if any) is advisable.
Art. 30. Composition of the Jury
Literature jurors must have a reading ability in at least two languages, one of which must be any of the four official FIP languages (art. 29.3 of the Statutes). Furthermore, at least one of the jurors should have a good level of use of digital media.
Art. 35. Organisation of Judging
The O.C. shall furnish the jurors with a list of entries and, at best, a copy of the application form and and, whenever feasible, a PDF file of printed exhibits as soon as possible, at least three months before the exhibition.
Art. 40.2. Combination of Entries
Works presented in both paper and digital forms are considered separate entries and judged accordingly.
Works presented in a form and supplemented with an additional part in a different form are judged jointly. For instance, a monograph with a digital supplement or a digital database accompanied by a paper elaboration of its content is evaluated jointly.
The jury can combine various entries from one exhibitor to grant a better evaluation.
Art. 41.2. Awards
Only the exhibitor is entitled to a medal or a diploma equivalent to a medal. It is at the discretion of the O.C. to also give the distinction(s) to other joint exhibitors.
Art. 50.1. Sending and Return of the Exhibit
The exhibitor will bear the charges for sending the exhibit to the host country. Following the exhibition, the O.C. shall donate the entry to a library designated by the member federation hosting the exhibition unless the exhibitor asks specifically in advance to return such copy, provided he/she accepts the relevant shipping costs.
Art. 55. Language
If any discrepancies in the text arise from translation, the English text shall prevail.
Art. 56. Exceptions
Whenever issues cannot be resolved with these supplementary rules, the O.C. will decide after consulting with the FIP consultant. Such a decision is final; no appeals may be lodged.