What is it exactly?
The Collection of Old Books and Manuscripts comprises printed papers related to Hungary published from the beginning of typography until 1850 and books published until 1700 but not categorized as ’hungaricum’. The collection also contains manuscripts owned by the library.
The aim of the collection is to support the education and research work in the university, to ensure an environment for independent scientific library workshops reaching European standards, to be connected to national and international programs dealing with old documents and finally, to preserve valuable documents corresponding to book preservation aspects.
Where can I find it?
The Collection of Old Books and Manuscripts is located in the left wing of the building, on the 3rd floor, opposite to the computer labs. The Collection of Old Books and Manuscripts is open only to the researchers of the collection between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays. Group tours in the collection are available by prior arrangement.
Who can help me?
| Katalin Farkas Room: 3.036 Tel.: +36 62 546-629 E-mail address: katalin.farkas@ek.szte.hu |
Mónika Mátrai Room: 3.036 Tel.: +36 62 546-629 E-mail address: monika.matrai@ek.szte.hu |
How can I use it?
The Collection of Old Books and Manuscripts is the only closed collection at the University Library, due to the increased protection of museum documents. Security cameras also operate in the collection. Access to the Collection is permitted only for researchers and readers registered in the library; the intent to entry needs to be signalled by the bell on the door. Researchers visiting from afar are advised to contact the collection’s curators in advance. Personal computers can be used in the Collection and university WiFi (Eduroam) is available.
To use the documents, a request for retrieval must be submitted which can be done remotely via the library’s catalogue or with the assistance of a librarian during a visit to the collection. Museum documents in poor physical condition cannot be provided for use. Books and manuscripts can only be used on-site, in the presence of the collection’s curators. Gloves and a book cradle, provided by the library, must be used when handling museum volumes.
If you wish to photograph documents with your own device, you must always notify the curator of the collection. Only documents in good physical condition may be photographed or digitised. Photos may be taken for research purposes only, and the use of flash is prohibited. Digitisation of museum documents is carried out by the library on-site, requests can be submitted via this form. Once contacted, the library staff will inform the requestor of the estimated cost of digitisation.
Groups are welcomed by prior arrangement, please submit this booking form for either of our library tours. You may also e-mail us at tura@ek.szte.hu for specific requests, or contact the librarians working at the collection.
