SLUB’s Modern Lounge Makes Audiovisual Holdings More Accessible

The Saxon State and University Library (SLUB) has recently unveiled its modern lounge, providing a new and improved way for visitors to access its extensive audiovisual collections. Gone are the days of long rows of audio media and small monitors – now, a structured space awaits with curated selections from the library’s rich CD and DVD collection.

With over 200,000 audiovisual media in its collections, the SLUB boasts a significant cultural heritage with great relevance for research. Director General Karin Stump describes this collection as a “treasure” that has been made usable in a modern form. The new media library aims to transform the SLUB into a lively experience space with a high quality of stay for researchers, students, and the general public alike.

One of the exciting features of the new lounge is the digitization bar, where visitors can digitize records, VHS tapes, and other media carriers for free. From personal family recordings to historical city parades, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a silent grand piano with headphones and access to the Berlin Philharmonic’s Digital Concert Hall, the Naxos Music Library, and the SLUB’s digitized historical sound and film recordings.

The SLUB has a rich history dating back to the 1930s, serving as a state collection site for music in the GDR and later becoming a phonotheque with its own location in a garrison church. Today, the library’s holdings span from the oldest recording dating back to 1896 to unique tape recordings from the estates of Saxon composers and private film reels from the 1920s onwards. This diverse collection documents the musical history of Dresden, Saxony, Germany, and the world, showcasing the evolution of audiovisual media from the phonogram reel to the audio/video file.

Overall, the new modern lounge at the SLUB is a testament to the library’s commitment to providing accessible and engaging resources for all. Whether you’re a researcher, student, or simply a lover of music and film, the SLUB’s audiovisual holdings are sure to captivate and inspire. Visit the library today to experience this unique blend of history, culture, and technology in a welcoming and innovative space.