Consultation and use

Our collection offers a wealth of information on social history, which both online and offline is available for research and consultation.

Read here how to search our online catalogue, how to reserve and consult collection items in our reading room and what options there are for reproductions and reuse of documents and images.

What does our catalogue offer? 

Our catalog is your gateway to the Amsab-ISG collection. Here you will find a wide range of resources, including:  

  • Catalogues of the subcollections: archive, library and image and sound collection.
  • Digital and digitized resources: such as newspapers, magazines and journals, which you can search in full text. 
  • Collection overview: all collections located in Amsab-ISG, including collections that are not yet accessible via catalogues. 

What can you do in the catalog?

  • Searching the collection: in addition to searching the descriptions (metadata), you can also view collection items via an IIIF viewer, as long as they are digitally available and the rights permit this.
  • Reserve collection items for consultation in the reading room. 
  • Download or request images.  
  • The catalogue is interactive: you can comment and add keywords to further enrich the information. 

Search the collection

How do you search the catalog?

Watch the instructional videos

Read the quick guide

  • Simple search: Enter a search term and choose whether you want to search in all fields or full text:
    • All fields: searches the full description (metadata) of all collections – archive, library, image, sound and collection overview.
    • Full-text: searches the text of digital and digitized documents (such as newspapers, magazines, and film shot lists)
  • Advanced search: Search directly within a specific collection or document type for more targeted results.
  • Refine search results:
    • Use the filters in the right column to refine search results.
    • Click on a title or image to open a detailed sheet from the list of search results.
  • Detailed description: In the detailed view you will find:
    • More information via the tabs below.
    • Links to digital documents under the tab Reference.
    • The archive structure under the tab Hierarchy.
  • Want to comment or add tags? Then register via the button at the top right.

Consult collection items in the reading room

Would you like to view collection items? You can do so in our reading room, but only by appointment. After all, the materials are located in various depots and must be collected in advance. 

How do you make an appointment?  

  • Reserve via the online catalogue - Watch the instructional video here. 
  • Confirm your appointment – After your request you will receive an email to schedule a time. 
  • Please take waiting time into account – Collection of materials can take up to a week. 

Specific requests

  • Audiovisual material (film, video, audio): Book via the meemoo visitor tool and choose Amsab-ISG as provider. 
  • Archives: Requests can only be made at file level. For large archive parts, please indicate this when making your reservation or by e-mail. Please note: for consultation of some archives, the permission of the archive creator is required. This is done in consultation with an archivist.   
  • Magazines: When making your reservation, please indicate the desired years and numbers, which can be found under the tab Holding in the catalogue. 
  • Digital or digitized material: Documents that are available digitally are not offered on paper. Digital documents that may not be published online for legal reasons can only be consulted in the reading room.   

Note: Collection items are not loaned out, except as loans for exhibitions. 

Not found what you're looking for? Send an email to Dit E-mail adres wordt beschermd tegen spambots. U moet JavaScript geactiveerd hebben om het te kunnen zien.. 

Facilities

  • Wifi and power supply. 
  • Use of computers, scanners, microfilm and microfiche devices. 
  • Assistance with research by the reading room manager. 

Reading room rules

  • Eating, drinking and telephone conversations are not allowed. 
  • Coats and bags can be stored in the lockers. 
  • The arrangement of documents may not be changed. 
  • Damage or theft may result in denial of access. 
  • Are you unable to complete your work within the appointment period? Report this to the reading room manager or send an email for a follow-up appointment. 

Contact

  • Questions about the reading room? Mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  • Other questions, suggestions or complaints? Mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

More information about opening hours, accessibility and accessibility of Amsab-ISG here..

Reproductions and (re)use of collection items

Usage copies

You may take photos yourself (without flash). No camera? Use the scanner in the reading room. 

Scan on demand

Can't make it to the reading room? We can provide scans for your own use on request. Reserve the desired items via the catalogue and we will look at the possibilities.

Rates:

  • Up to 5 pages: € 10
  • More than 5 pages: €10 + €2 per additional page (max. €100 per file/publication)

Note: Applications may be denied for vulnerable documents or contractual restrictions. 

Imagery

Images in the public domain can be downloaded in high resolution via the IIIF viewer in our online catalogue. 

  • Format: The IIIF viewer allows you to download the images in various formats. If the format you want is not available, you can download them via  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. request a different format. Images that are already digitally available in the desired format can be downloaded for free. Images that still need to be digitized cost €5 per image.
  • Rights and licenses: Always check the rights and licenses that apply to the images via the IIIF viewer before you reuse them. This information determines whether the images can be downloaded and reused, and under what conditions, as laid down in the Amsab-ISG data policyFor images for which the rights need to be cleared, a contract is first concluded. 

(Re)use

If you use material from our collection, always respect copyright and privacy laws. In some cases, the use of audiovisual and visual material is recorded in separate contracts.

Correct citation is important: 

  • To help readers assess the reliability of the information.
  • To give others the opportunity to further investigate or correct the information.

Search the collection