Russian State Library (Moscow)

Overview

Often described as one of the largest libraries in the world, the Russian State Library maintains large holdings in many languages and formats. It is officially recognized among Russia's national libraries (national library) and performs legal-deposit and bibliographic functions for printed and electronic publications issued in the country (Russia).

Collections and services

The library's collections typically include rare books, periodicals, maps, manuscripts and modern research materials. Services commonly available to visitors and researchers include reference help, interlibrary loan, digital reading rooms and exhibitions. Typical collections and facilities include:

• Historical and rare-book holdings and special collections;
• Research reading rooms and bibliographic reference services;
• Public exhibitions, educational programs and digitization projects.

History and identity

The institution grew from 19th-century public collections associated with the Rumyantsev Museum and later developed through the Soviet period. During much of the 20th century it was widely known by a different name reflecting the Soviet era; since then it has continued expanding its collections, facilities and public programs.

Distinctions and role

The Russian State Library is distinct from the National Library of Russia in Saint Petersburg, which serves a parallel national and historical role. Together these major institutions underpin Russia's national bibliographic infrastructure, support scholarship, preserve cultural heritage and provide broad public access to documented knowledge.

For practical information on visiting, collections and modern services, readers can consult institutional information sources or research guides provided by libraries and academic centers (location details, national library framework).