Personal Papers and Autographs
The personal papers and archives held by SUB Göttingen reflect more than three centuries of academic work and provide a key resource for studying the history of the university and the history of science.
SUB Göttingen preserves over 440 personal papers and private archives, most of which originate from scholars of the University of Göttingen. These collections document the close relationship between the University and its Library since its foundation. As early as 1770, Christian Gottlob Heyne, the long-serving library director, acquired the collection of Johann Friedrich von Uffenbach, a Frankfurt patrician and private scholar. This includes not only an extensive library and a valuable collection of paintings and prints, but also Uffenbach’s personal manuscripts. Among the most renowned scholars whose papers have been added to the Library over time are Carl Friedrich Gauß and Georg Christoph Lichtenberg.
The personal papers cover all disciplines. In law, notable collections include those of Rudolf von Jhering, Rudolf Smend, and Franz Wieacker; in German studies Edward Schröder; in theology Friedrich Gogarten; in history Karl Brandi; and in physics Ludwig Prandtl, and Robert Wichard Pohl.
The Central Archive for Mathematics Bequests at SUB Göttingen serves as the principal repository for preserving and cataloguing the personal papers of German mathematicians. It now holds the scientific legacies of over 60 well-known mathematicians.
SUB Göttingen also maintains an extensive autograph collection , which consists of over 3,700 documents from important scholars and writers such as Gottfried August Bürger, Friedrich Wöhler, and Otto Hahn.
Search our Collections
For personal papers or private archival materials held by SUB Göttingen, please consult Kalliope. Materials that have not yet been catalogued, as well as older finding aids, can be accessed via the Search section. A chronological overview of the Library’s personal papers is available in the Sammlungskatalog.
Use our Collections
Personal papers and autographs may be requested and viewed in the reading room of the Historical Building. For further information, please see: Visiting the Reading Room.
