Holdings of Rare Photographs and Plate Books at the Slavic & Baltic Division of The New York Public Library

Abstract

The Slavic & Baltic Division(SLV) of The New York Public Library(NYPL) is one of the largest and oldest collections of its kind in America established more than 100 years ago. IT holds more than 500,000volumes that range from 14th century illuminated manuscripts, to the latest serials in Slavic and Baltic vernacular languages, as well 20,000 microfilms and microfiche titles. The Division has continuously acquired valuable and unique materials from authorized dealers and donors in the United States and abroad.

Among the collections at the SLV, serial monograph titles, original photographs, and folio plate books are the most unique and rare materials. Other Divisions of NYPL also hold termendous plate books related to Russian and east European materials. The SLV's holdings of such special materials and rare books, however, are the most prominent collections of their kind in the USA. This paper will describe these holdings, as well as current projects showcasing such materials.