Ever wonder where the history of German education resides? It’s right here at the Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung in Berlin. This library is not just a repository of books. It is a center for historical educational research. Let’s step inside and uncover its story.
The Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung is part of the DIPF. That is the Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education. The BBF holds outstanding library and archive collections. These collections focus on the history of German education. Its international relations are also documented here.
Its history began in 1876 with the German School Museum. The museum aimed to familiarize teachers with the latest teaching materials. It also provided access to important pedagogical works. A large teacher library was part of the museum. Adolf Rebhuhn, a dedicated teacher, led the library from 1879. He greatly expanded the collections.
In 1908, the institution shifted its focus. It concentrated on the pedagogical library. The teaching material collection was given away. The name changed to Deutsche Lehrerbücherei. The library moved to the Berlin Teachers’ Association building at Alexanderplatz. This new location offered modern facilities.
During the Nazi era, the National Socialist Teachers League took over. The library’s collection grew to around 240,000 volumes by the end of World War II. The library was largely spared from war damage. But valuable collections were moved to Schloss Bensen. Many manuscripts and collections were lost.
In 1948, the Deutsche Lehrerbücherei reopened. In 1951, it became part of the Pägagogische Zentralbibliothek. This was under the control of the Ministry of Education of the GDR. The library continued to serve teachers. It also supported research activities.
In 1964, the Pägagogische Zentralbibliothek and Lehrerbücherei merged. They were located in the “Haus des Lehrers” at Alexanderplatz. This was near the old Teachers’ Association building. Historical collections were stored in external magazines.
In 1970, the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of the GDR became the library’s sponsor. The library collected pedagogical literature from the GDR. International literature, especially from socialist countries, was added. Literature from western countries had restricted access.
After the reunification of Germany in 1990, the library lost its sponsor. In 1992, it became part of the DIPF. It was renamed Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung. In 1994, the collections were brought together at the current location. This is on Warschauer Straße.
Today, the Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung continues its work. It provides access to knowledge about education. It collects sources and research literature. The library supports researchers interested in German educational history.
The library boasts around 760,000 media items. It is one of the largest collections of pedagogical literature in Germany. Historical sources are increasingly available in digital form. Two important databases are Scripta Paedagogica Online and Pictura Paedagogica Online.
The archive preserves documents of educational history. It houses collections, manuscripts, and photographs. The research area focuses on the history of school, teaching, and pedagogical knowledge.
The Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung actively contributes to the field. It digitizes copyright-free works. This ensures that historical knowledge benefits the public.
So, as we stand here, remember the Bibliothek für Bildungsgeschichtliche Forschung. It is a treasure trove of educational history. Its collections and research contribute to our understanding of education. It connects the past with the present.