Tegestology
Some beermats are collectible items. Tegestology is a Latin term defined as the practice of collecting beermats or coasters, with practitioners known as tegestologists Collecting beermats is an especially popular hobby in Germany, where beermats are known as Bierdeckel. There is an international collector's association called IBV in Germany which has been active since 1958.
The British Beermat Collectors Society was founded shortly afterwards in 1960 and currently has around 300 members spread around the world. Like the IBV, it organizes regular meetings for collectors and also publishes a monthly newsletter.
Other notable clubs associated with tegestology include two Australian clubs, the South Australian Coaster Collectors Club and New South Wales Coaster Collectors Club. There are many subcategories of tegestologists, including those who are solely interested in porcelain or other specific kinds of beermats.