From collecting to sharing information: the Theatre Library in a changing world

Abstract

The Theatre Library in Moscow, attached to the theatre school of the Maly Theatre, was founded in 1922. It contains books on theatre and the performing arts, magazines, newspaper clippings, theatre programmes, and graphic items. The scope of the collections embraces both Russian pre-Revolutionary and Soviet post-Revolutionary theatre and drama. Illustrative materials (not confined to theatrical subjects) include some 40,000 engravings, and many postcards. The Library compiles albums of visual source material for specific productions. Video recordings have been collected since 1988. Library services include the maintenance of several card indexes, the publication of specialised indexes, the provision of a small reading room, an enquiry service, assistance to users and the organisation of exhibitions.