Research library

Under a research library in the strict sense refers to a library that not only supported a single institution (eg a research institute or university ), but the research in this area generally used on large stocks to a greater or lesser area of ​​expertise. Research libraries there are, especially in the historically oriented humanities, which rely on extensive old stock and the appropriate secondary literature. The holdings are accessible in more detail in the rule as in other academic libraries. At a research library research programs are located ( for young researchers ), series of publications and scientific projects such as editions and bibliographies. Further research libraries hold regular exhibitions and conferences.

Examples of research libraries are the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbüttel or the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar, which cover the whole range of cultural history of early modern or classical 1750-1850. As research libraries on a narrower field the Library for the History of Education in Berlin ( historical education research ) or the Johannes a Lasco Library are to be mentioned in Emden ( Reformed Protestantism ).

In a broader sense, all scientific libraries can be described as research libraries as they gather for the research needed literature, open and accessible.

Especially in the field of applied sciences in Germany, the National Libraries play an important role, especially during the libraries of the collection are German prints of importance for the more historically oriented humanities in addition to the already mentioned actual research libraries.

Sometimes also corporate libraries, namely referred to in the research departments of larger companies existing special libraries as research libraries.