The library differs from other libraries specializing in American media mainly due to the breadth of its collective profile that includes Canada and extends across the entire spectrum of humanities and social sciences.

Transregional Service

In addition to being a teaching and research tool for the Kennedy Institute and the Graduate School of North American Studies, the library also plays an important role for providing regional and nationwide service for academics.

Institute’s Scholarship Program

This is especially true for the unique collection of newspapers on microfilm, which has been funded by the German Research Foundation since 2011 as a special collection. Other focal points include African American Studies and pop culture. The institute’s scholarship program also attracts foreign visitors to the library. Each year with the help of this program, 20-30 North American scholars come from all over Europe and the Middle East to conduct research in the library.

Modernization

In an extensive modernization in the years 2007-2008, bright quiet reading areas were created for about 80 people. There are also two group study rooms, a screening room for audiovisual media, and a computer room available for individual use as well as training and seminars. Most of the library’s materials may be checked out locally or through interlibrary loan. All the media items are sorted by topic and freely accessible.

Further Information

For further information, see the website of the library.