Russian State Library

Russian State Library. It is the national library of Russia, located in Moscow, and is one of the largest libraries in the world by collection size. Founded in 1862 as part of the Rumyantsev Museum, it was later renamed the V. I. Lenin State Library of the USSR before assuming its current name after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The institution serves as a federal depository library, mandated to collect and preserve the national published heritage and provide access to a vast array of domestic and foreign materials for research and public use.

History

The library's origins trace back to the private collection of Count Nikolai Rumyantsev, which formed the core of the Rumyantsev Museum established in Saint Petersburg in 1828. In 1861, the museum, including its library, was transferred to Moscow by decree of Emperor Alexander II, opening to the public the following year in the Pashkov House. Under the direction of Nikolai Fedorov, it began to grow significantly. Following the October Revolution, it was designated the principal library of the RSFSR and, in 1925, was renamed the V. I. Lenin State Library of the USSR, becoming the central repository for the entire Soviet Union. It played a crucial role during the Great Patriotic War, safeguarding collections and serving the home front. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1992, it was renamed the Russian State Library, continuing its mission as the national library under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

Collections

The library's holdings exceed 47 million items in 367 languages, making it a treasure trove of global knowledge. Its special collections are renowned, including the world's most comprehensive assembly of publications in Russian and other languages of the peoples of Russia, a vast collection of Slavic manuscripts, and invaluable early printed books like the Gutenberg Bible and the Arkhangelsk Gospel. It houses unique archives of Russian writers and composers, such as papers from Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The collection also encompasses millions of patent documents, dissertations, newspapers, maps, sheet music, and audio recordings, supported by extensive foreign acquisitions from institutions like the British Library and the Library of Congress.

Architecture and buildings

The library complex is a significant architectural landmark in central Moscow. The main building, constructed between 1928 and 1958 on the site of the former Moscow Orphanage, is a prime example of early Stalinist architecture, designed by Vladimir Shchuko and Vladimir Gelfreikh. Its facade features sculptures of prominent thinkers and a prominent statue of Fyodor Dostoevsky. The historic Pashkov House, a neoclassical masterpiece built for Pyotr Pashkov by architect Vasily Bazhenov, now houses the library's Manuscript and Music departments. Additional modern storage facilities, such as the building in Khimki, support the vast collections. The entire complex is situated near the Kremlin and Moscow Metro stations like Biblioteka Imeni Lenina.

Services and access

As a major research institution, it provides extensive services to a diverse readership, including scholars, students, and the general public. Access to the reading rooms requires registration, and many catalogues, including the central Electronic Catalogue, are available online. The library is a leader in digital library initiatives in Russia, running projects like the National Electronic Library and digitizing millions of pages of rare and historical materials. It offers specialized services through departments for interlibrary loan, bibliography, and conservation. The library also hosts numerous cultural events, exhibitions, and conferences, such as the annual International Book Fair.

Governance and administration

The library operates under the authority of the Government of Russia, specifically the Ministry of Culture. Its director, currently Vadim Duda, is appointed by the government and oversees a large staff organized into numerous directorates and research centers. Key administrative bodies include the Academic Council and the Library Council, which guide its scientific and developmental activities. The library is a member of major international organizations, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the Conference of European National Librarians. Its funding is derived from the federal budget, and it collaborates closely with other national institutions like the National Library of Russia in Saint Petersburg and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Category:National libraries Category:Libraries in Moscow Category:Buildings and structures in Moscow Category:Research libraries Category:1862 establishments in the Russian Empire