Creating transparency. Identification, indexing and national evidence of Nazi-looted books in the Collection of Printed Books at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz

The project aims to systematically examine approx. 11,000 items acquired for the Collection of Printed Books at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library). These books are considered to be of dubious provenance. The project stock comprises acquisitions which have already been identified and listed in the index database of dubious acquisitions (IDZZ), extensive acquisitions originating from the Institut für Sozialforschung (Frankfurt am Main) which are to be researched using the Alphabetical Card Catalog AK II, and works from the inventory check of shelf number sections in the stock that is particularly suspected of containing Nazi-looted property.

The Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin attaches great importance to documenting the search and indexing results obtained in the project in a timely manner, ensuring they are available nationally. All verified cases of Nazi-confiscated books, together with all their provenance markings, are promptly and comprehensively documented in the library’s online catalog. The information ascertained in this context can thus be searched from all over the world. Through the in-depth cataloging of provenance information, it will be possible for other projects dealing with Nazi-confiscated property in other regions to re-use the data. Information on books identified as looted property can also be accessed in the online Lost Art Database maintained by Magdeburg Coordination Office. At the same time as the systematic investigation and indexing, potential owners or their legal successors are identified based on an analysis of any ownership markings in evidence. Where the legal situation is clear, the respective restitution process is initiated.

The investigation into urgent suspicious cases in the Hebraica and Judaica section has now been concluded. Unfortunately, the search for suspicious books in this particular section of the holdings proved to be extremely complex because of the large proportion of books lost from the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin during the war. Likewise already concluded are the investigations into the acquisitions of donations and depository copies from Germany. Among these are books looted from the libraries of politically undesirable organizations such as Socialist and Communist associations, Masonic lodges and Jewish and free church religious communities.

(c) Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz