Consultation and use

What does our catalog offer? 

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

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

What can you do in the catalog?

• Searching the collection: you can not only search the descriptions (metadata), but also view collection items via an IIIF viewer, as long as they are digitally available and the rights allow 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

• Search and filter in the catalog
• Search full text in the catalog
• Search the hierarchy

Read the short manual

• Simple search: Enter a search term and choose whether to search 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 record 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 Reference .
  • The archive structure under the Hierarchy .
• Want to comment or add tags? Sign up using the button in the top right corner.

Consult collection items in the reading room

Would you like to view items from the collection? You can in our reading room, but only by appointment. The materials are held in various depots and must be picked up in advance. 

How do you make an appointment?  

• Reserve via the online catalogue – Watch the instruction video here .
• Confirm your appointment – ​​After your request, you will receive an email to schedule an appointment.
• Please allow for waiting times – Picking up materials can take up to a week.

Specific requests

• Audiovisual material (film, video, audio) : Book via the meemoo visitor tool and select Amsab-ISG as provider.
• Archives : Requests can only be made at the file level. For large archive sections, please indicate this when you reserve or by email. Please note: permission from the archive creator is required to consult some archives. This is done in consultation with an archivist.
• Magazines : When making your reservation, please indicate the desired volumes and issues, which can be found under the Holding in the catalogue.
• Digital or digitized material : Documents available digitally are not available in print. Digital documents that cannot be published online for legal reasons can only be consulted in the reading room.

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

Didn't find what you're looking for? Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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. 
• Please store coats and bags in the lockers. 
• The arrangement of documents may not be changed. 
• Damage or theft may lead to denial of access. 
• If you can't complete your work within the deadline, please notify the reading room manager or send an email to schedule a follow-up appointment. 

Contact

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

Reproductions and (re)use of collection items

Usage copies

You can take photos yourself (no flash). No camera? Use the scanner in the reading room. 

Scan on demand

Unable to visit the reading room? We can provide scans for your personal use upon request. Reserve the items you need through the catalog, and we'll explore the options.

Rates:

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

Please note : applications may be refused if documents are fragile or there are contractual restrictions.

Visual material

Public domain images can be downloaded in high resolution using the IIIF viewer in our online catalog. 

• Format: You can download the images in various formats using the IIIF viewer. If the format you require 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 already available digitally in the desired format are free to download. Images that still need to be digitized cost €5 per image.
• Rights and licenses : Always check the rights and licenses for the images via the IIIF viewer before reusing them. This information determines whether the images can be downloaded and reused, and under what conditions, as stipulated in the Amsab-ISG data policy . For images for which rights must be cleared, a contract is first established.

(Re)use

If you use material from our collection, please always respect copyright and privacy laws. In some cases, the use of audiovisual and visual materials is governed by 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