Holdings
The Historic Printed Collections of Göttingen State and University Library comprise approx. 564,000 volumes. Because of the systematic collection building since the founding of the library, Göttingen State and University Library has become one of the most important libraries in Germany. An area of particular interest are publications of the 18th century.
All the historical holdings are listed in GöDiscovery and in the Göttingen University Catalogue.
Göttingen State and University Library also collects publications of the 18th century as part of the Consortium Collection of German Prints (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Sammlung Deutscher Drucke). The acquisitions profile encompasses works printed in German-speaking regions (independent of the language of the actual work) between 1701 and 1800, and any German language publications of that period (independent of their publishing or printing location). We welcome suggestions for the acquisition of individual books as well as sales offers or donations.
Göttingen State and University Library furthermore contributes to two national bibliographic cataloguing projects (Bibliography of Books Printed in the German Speaking Countries from 1601 to 1700 and Bibliography of Books Printed in the German Speaking Countries in the 18th century).
A selection of modern secondary reading material, resources, textbooks, and works of reference is available for use in the Reading Room for Historic Printed Collections (1501-1900).
The historic holdings (1501-1900) can be accessed in the Reading Room for Historic Printed Collections in the Historical Building near the city centre (Papendiek 14; corner of Prinzenstraße / Papendiek) only (please be aware of our current opening hours). The requested documents will be made available to visitors only after the presentation of a valid national ID card or passport.
The application form for a library card can be handed in at the service desk of the Reading Room for Historic Printed Collections, where the finished card can also be collected.
We would like to ask interested parties, who are not directly affiliated with the university and have not yet received a guest pass, to submit an advance notification (email) at least one week prior to the desired date of their visit.
A selection of modern secondary reading material, works of reference, textbooks and encyclopaedias is available in the Reading Room for Historic Printed Collections. Many of these volumes are available for loan; elements of the non-lending collection are clearly marked with a double line on their label.
You are welcome to order photocopies or scans of the material, provided its condition allows reproduction. Please take note of our price list for copy and scan orders. You are also welcome to bring along your own digital camera to photograph individual pages, once you have asked permission from the librarian at the control desk. The copy room next to the Reading Room for Historic Printed Collections is equipped with a copier and a book scanner, which you may use with the permission of the librarian at the control desk.
Carrels and lockable book trolleys are available for your use Reading Room for the Historic Printed Collections. They can be rented by the semester and their use can be requested in advance.
