Smithsonian Libraries

Smithsonian Libraries. The Smithsonian Institution's library system was founded in 1846, with Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian, playing a key role in its establishment. The libraries have since grown to become a vital part of the institution, supporting the work of National Museum of Natural History and National Air and Space Museum curators, as well as Harvard University and University of Oxford researchers. The libraries' collections have been shaped by the institution's National Museum of American History and National Museum of the American Indian.

● History

The history of the libraries dates back to the founding of the Smithsonian Institution in 1846, with James Smithson's bequest of $500,000 to the United States government. The first library was established in Washington, D.C. and was initially housed in the Smithsonian Building, also known as the Castle (Washington, D.C.). The library's early collections were influenced by the work of Charles Darwin and Gregor Mendel, and included rare books such as On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man. The libraries have also been shaped by the institution's relationships with other organizations, including the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and British Museum.

● Collections

The libraries' collections include over 1.5 million volumes, with a particular focus on the history of science and technology, as well as American art and culture. The libraries hold significant collections related to the work of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and Alexander Graham Bell, including rare books, manuscripts, and patent documents. The libraries also have extensive collections related to the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the National Portrait Gallery (United States), including works by Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Mary Cassatt. Additionally, the libraries have strong collections in the areas of botany, zoology, and anthropology, with significant holdings related to the work of Carl Linnaeus, Charles Lyell, and Margaret Mead.

● Services

The libraries provide a range of services to support the research needs of Smithsonian Institution staff, as well as the broader research community. These services include access to the libraries' physical and digital collections, as well as research assistance and interlibrary loan services. The libraries also offer a range of educational programs and workshops, including those related to digital scholarship and data curation, in partnership with organizations such as the Digital Public Library of America and the Council on Library and Information Resources. The libraries' services are also informed by their relationships with other institutions, including the University of California, Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Columbia University.

● Locations

The libraries have multiple locations throughout the Washington, D.C. area, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum. The libraries also have locations in New York City and Suitland, Maryland, and offer access to their collections through a range of digital platforms. The libraries' locations are strategically situated to support the research needs of Smithsonian Institution staff, as well as the broader research community, and are influenced by the institution's relationships with other organizations, including the New York Public Library, Brooklyn Museum, and National Gallery of Art.

● Digital Libraries

The libraries have a strong commitment to digital scholarship and offer a range of digital collections and services. These include the Biodiversity Heritage Library, a digital library of botany and zoology literature, as well as the Smithsonian Digital Repository, a digital repository of Smithsonian Institution research output. The libraries also participate in a range of digital initiatives, including the Digital Public Library of America and the Internet Archive, and have partnerships with organizations such as the Google Cultural Institute and the Wikimedia Foundation. The libraries' digital collections are also informed by their relationships with other institutions, including the Stanford University, University of Michigan, and Duke University.

● Conservation and Preservation

The libraries have a strong commitment to the conservation and preservation of their physical and digital collections. The libraries' conservation lab is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by experienced conservators, who work to preserve the libraries' rare and fragile materials, including those related to the work of Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton. The libraries also have a range of digital preservation initiatives, including the use of digital forensics and data migration techniques, and participate in national and international efforts to preserve digital cultural heritage, in partnership with organizations such as the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. The libraries' conservation and preservation efforts are also informed by their relationships with other institutions, including the Getty Conservation Institute, National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Society of American Archivists.