A library network of the Warsaw Scientific Society in the years 1907-1952

Abstract

The Warsaw Scientific Society (WSS) was active in between November 25, 1907 and December 31, 1952, when it was taken over, together with the Academy of Learning, by the Polish Academy of Sciences. It aimed at development and support of research in all scientific domains, as well as publication of their results. A network of vibrant libraries was developed at the Society, to support research activities. It was the very first organised and consequent network of research libraries in Warsaw. The article presents activities of both the WSS Central library and the WSS units’ libraries. Their description consists of the following elements: full name, establishment and closing dates, location, collection size, collection characteristics, library works (acquisition, indexing, lending), own publications. Place of current storage of the book collections of individual units has been settled in most cases.