Topic 10 – Special Collections in the Administrative Library

Like many historically developed libraries, the Administrative Library holds a unique and distinctive collection. Its evolution is reflected in its holdings, which also mirror the history of the library and the institutions it has served.

While the majority of the special collections consist of printed publications, the scope of collection and cataloging has expanded in recent years to include digital media. However, the mere age or format of an item is not enough to qualify it as part of a special collection. Rather, special collections are defined by specific criteria – particularly the content, context, or acquisition history that sets them apart from the library's general holdings. Materials that are unusual or exceptional in terms of subject matter or provenance may be classified as special.

A thorough understanding of these historical holdings is essential for delivering high-quality library services. This includes the ability to quickly locate contemporary historical sources as well as uncover less obvious materials embedded in older holdings. It also enables support for research involving historical legal documents or superseded legal norms.

One notable example is a collection of several 100 volumes from the "Zentralstelle der Fürsorge für Kriegsflüchtlinge" (Central Office for the Welfare of War Refugees).

This office was established in 1915 by the Ministry of the Interior to support the many refugees who arrived in Vienna during the First World War. Its operations were sustained through private donations of money and goods. Located in Vienna's 2nd district at Praterstraße 9, the Central Office housed a library and reading room under the direction of Vienna city councillor Dr. Rudolf Schwarz-Hiller.

Special collections of the Administrative Library

Since the mid-2000s, the Administrative Library has maintained an electronic special collection of digital publications produced by public administration. This includes publications, research projects, and studies issued by federal ministries, offices, and agencies. These are made publicly accessible online via epub.bka.gv.at.

Particular attention is given to printed works that are published under the leadership of the Federal Chancellery or created in collaboration with it.

Additional special collections continue to be catalogued through the re-indexing of older holdings and are being made searchable and accessible via the library catalogue. Examples include a collection of school newspapers from the 1970s and 1980s, as well as a valuable collection of posters, pamphlets, and brochures from the revolutionary years of 1848–49.

Rare and unique items

The Administrative Library holds a number of rare and unique works. These items are systematically catalogued as part of ongoing efforts to identify and present them as special collections. A selection of notable rare items includes:

Bibliographie des Oestreichischen Kaiserstaates (1852–1853) by Constantin Wurzbach

A comprehensive bibliography documenting the publications of the Austrian Empire, started on September 1, 1852, and continued until December 31, 1853.

Topographia Austriacaru[m] Austriae, Styriae, Carinthiae, Carniolae, Tyrolis etc. (1649)

Published in Frankfurt am Main by Matthäus Merian, this volume offers a richly illustrated topographical overview of key towns and regions in what are now the Austrian provinces. Part of the renowned Topographia Germaniae series, it features detailed copperplate engravings.

Tagebuch geführt während des Congresses in Laibach by Heinrich Costa (1821)

This is the only known copy of the original diary kept by writer Heinrich Costa during the 1821 Congress of Laibach. The manuscript copy was created by Chrisant Albert Ritter von Franken in Ljubljana. Considered a unique item, it was loaned for the 2022 exhibition The Red and the Black – Europe at the 1821 Congress of Ljubljana.

Wiener Leut' – Wiener Leb'n – Vom lieben Augustin bis zur Frau Sopherl vom Naschmarkt (1923/24)

A historical portrayal by Otto Karl Feilenhauer, with 65 illustrations based on original drawings by Robert Fuchs.

Otto Karl Feilenhauer's text, likely written in the late 1970s, offers a nostalgic and affectionate glimpse into everyday life in Vienna. In a light hearted stroll through the city at the turn of the 20th century, the author paints a vivid picture of urban life: maids shopping at the corner grocer, scissors grinders announcing their trade with handcarts, and basket weavers pulling their goods through the streets – while "the sky is full of violins."

The accompanying illustrations are by Robert Fuchs, the artist behind the 1955 painting of the Austrian State Treaty. Fuchs, a controversial figure due to his early association with National Socialism and his membership in the Working Group of National Socialist Artists, gained fame through portraits of political, cultural, and business personalities published in newspapers such as Neues Wiener Tagblatt, Wiener Montag, and Neue Freie Presse.

Written in Viennese dialect and rounded off with a glossary of dialect terms, Feilenhauer's text – enhanced by Fuchs' humorous illustrations – becomes a loving, satirical homage to Viennese life and culture.