Collections

To develop its collections, the university Library has invested in two specific areas:

  • electronic resources (e-books, e-journals, databases)
  • special funds, which contain either books or archival documents (such as correspondence, deeds, epistolaries etc.).

These collections are part of our holdings, which include books and journals (both print and electronic), antique books and manuscripts, audiovisual resources, CD-ROMS and DVD-ROMs, maps and databases.

With the Prometeo catalogue, you can search all material types and all collections owned by the Library in a single search box.

Most print materials are in open stacks, where they are directly accessible to users.

The books are arranged according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), a universal library classification system based on subject matter. This means users can find similar, possibly interesting books next to the one they were looking for.

The Library’s collection is constantly being expanded and updated through new acquisitions – see New acquisition bulletin. New acquisitions must be consistent with existing collections and respond to research and teaching needs in the disciplines represented in the university. Materials are acquired through purchases, exchanges or donations. Donations will only be accepted if they meet our guidelines.

Book funds and donations

Book funds and donations are collections of books and journals developed by institutions or individuals of note during their activity and then acquired by the Library. They may also be special collections which are created and developed within the Library itself. A specific location is assigned to each book fund in acknowledgement of its unique identity, while donations are integrated within the Library’s main collection.