Archives and Acquisitions
The preservation of our collections is a core responsability of the Library. We ensure their long-term care through controlled storage conditions and careful handling during use, exhibitions, and digitisation.
Collection Development
At SUB Göttingen, collection development is driven by the research, teaching, and learning needs of our users – in the field of modern academic literature as well as in its historical collections. Within our historical collections, we place a particular emphasis on 18th-century prints. As part of the Sammlung Deutscher Drucke, the Library acquires several hundred volumes from this period each year, focusing on rare works not yet available in Göttingen or other public institutions. All subject areas and literary genres are considered.
The acquisition of manuscripts and autographs builds on the historically grown collections of SUB Göttingen. It reflects the library’s role as both the central information hub of the University of Göttingen and as a guardian of cultural heritage at the regional, national, and international levels. While all academic disciplines are considered, a strong focus is placed on modern mathematics and the natural sciences. The focus lies on materials from the period since the university’s founding in the 18th century, especially those connected to Göttingen, southern Lower Saxony, and neighboring regions.
We welcome suggestions for acquisition, as well as offers to purchase or donate works. Please note that we can only accept items that fit our collection profile and are not already held by the library. We kindly ask that unsolicited book donations are not sent to the Library.
Archiving Official Records
Official University of Göttingen documents must, by law, be offered to the Göttingen University Archive for archiving. Here you can find all the information on how to submit them, as well as the benefits for your department.
Archiving Personal Papers
This page provides information on the conditions and procedures for SUB Göttingen to acquire private collections as well as the process and the services offered in connection with their transfer.