October 2009: Haeberle-Hirschfeld Archive

On October 12, Prof. Haeberle’s print Archive, i.e. his library and collections (Haeberle-Hirschfeld-Archiv) became accessible to the public at the new centrally located university library of Humboldt University - the Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum, Geschwister-Schollstr. 1-3, 10117 Berlin. The Archive - now entirely the property of  Humboldt University - offers a very large number of historical and current sexological books and journals in several languages as well as collections of original documents (photos, letters, postcards, newspaper clips, diaries, artifacts, audiotapes, films, videos, CDs, DVDs etc.), making it now one of the most important sexological resources in the world. At this time, the various Archive collections are not yet accessible, since they are still in the process of being reorganized. However, we already offer a steadily expanding library catalogue, which, as a work-in-progress, can be searched directly online by clicking here. It lists books and other monographs, journals, and reprints.
 


Photo by Stefan Müller


Photo by E.J. Haeberle

External view
 

Entrance hall
 


Photo by E.J. Haeberle


Photo by E.J. Haeberle

Stairs leading to reading room

Central reading room

I. The new central library of Humboldt University: Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum

The library contains 2,5 million books and other media on location,1250 working stations, and a large, terraced main reading room extending over 5 floors as well as more secluded desks along the windows which allow easy access to the close by subject holdings. Group study rooms and carrels offer ideal conditions for those who prefer teamwork or who work on individual research projects. Readers have access to a wide range of digital resources and services. In addition to the workstations provided by the library and the computer and media service a comprehensive wireless LAN allows laptop users to move freely through the entire building. A fully equipped digital imaging service is run by specially trained staff. This up to date information and communication infrastructure is completed by seminar and conference facilities, parent child spaces and open communication areas.

II. The Haeberle-Hirschfeld-Archiv

The Archive is one of several special collections housed in the large rare book division on the building’s 6th floor. Users can enter with special permission and read their chosen material in a large research reading room. There are also individual reading rooms for students and researchers working on larger projects. Some parts of the Archive’s collection are restricted to qualified scholars.


Entrance area:
Prof. Haeberle and a bronze bust of Magnus Hirschfeld (1868-1935)

View of the stacks
The books and journals of the Haeberle-Hirschfeld Archive are stacked in a long row of bookshelves extending from the entrance area along one wall of the building. Large windows provide natural light. The Archive’s collections are housed in separate, locked rooms in the middle of the library.
Photo by E. J. Haeberle


Research reading room
Prof. Haeberle in the research reading room. Books, journals, and collection items from the Archive will be made available for reading here.
Photo by E. J. Haeberle