Library
The CSMC Reference Library is a world-leading collection for research on written artefacts, especially in the field of manuscript studies. It houses more than 14,000 books, periodicals, and databases, including numerous rare and hard-to-find publications. The library's collection is constantly growing.
Equipment
The library is equipped with a colour book scanner, four desks, and one dedicated PC workstation for selected catalogues and databases. The university's WLAN is available and laptop computers may be used on all desks.
'J.P. Gumbert Special Collection’ at CSMC
Thanks to the generous support of Universität Hamburg, CSMC was able to purchase an important section of the late Professor Johan Peter Gumbert’s (1936-2016) private book collection in May 2017. From 1979 to 2001, Gumbert was Professor, and later Professor Emeritus, of Western Palaeography and Codicology at Leiden University. with a focus on Latin and Dutch manuscripts. As a frequent guest at Universität Hamburg, Professor Gumbert was associated with CSMC from its very beginning as well as with the COMSt-Network (Comparative Oriental Manuscript Studies). The 'J. P. Gumbert’s Special Collection’, which contains 1,700 works on codicology and palaeography annotated with various handwritten comments by J. P. Gumbert, is available at the CSMC library. These works are almost completely catalogued and already listed under the shelfmark group 'MK Gum.' in the campus catalogue. The annotations and addenda have been registered accurately and comprehensively.
Manuscript Identification Service
Heirlooms, souvenirs, or offers at antique fairs and auctions – manuscripts from all over the world are still appreciated and treasured as works of art or collector's items. But often the origin, content, or material cannot easily be identified. Our researchers and conservators examine your manuscripts, provide information about the items, and advise you on proper handling and storage.
Request a personal appointment at: manuscript-cultures@uni-hamburg.de( manuscript-cultures"AT"uni-hamburg.de)