Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Scientific Information for Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, often referred to as INION, stands before you. The Institute has played a critical role in shaping Russia’s intellectual landscape. It was founded in the turbulent year of 1969 and became a beacon for academic research. INION is more than just a repository of knowledge, it is a testament to the vibrant cultural life that Moscow has always embraced. It stands as a powerful symbol of the strength of ideas. It is a place where the past and future of social sciences intertwine. This imposing building houses over 14 million items. The story of the Institute is fascinating. Its legacy is deeply rooted in Russia’s intellectual past. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of scholarly pursuits. It was initially created as the successor to the Fundamental Library for Social Sciences, which had been around since 1918. The original library had even more humble beginnings; it originated in 1918 as the Library of the Socialist Academy. The Institute suffered a devastating fire in 2015, which destroyed 5.42 million of its invaluable items. 2.32 million of these items were unique copies never to be found anywhere else in Russia. The Institute is slowly recovering from the fire with its main building undergoing reconstruction since 2019. Despite the setback, the Institute continues to serve as a pivotal center for research and information. Today, its vast collection is used to fuel the scholarly pursuits of researchers both in Russia and abroad. The Institute’s legacy offers a glimpse of the boundless potential of the human mind and the enduring power of knowledge. While tragic, the fire highlights the importance of preserving cultural assets and the constant struggle to protect the wealth of knowledge that the Institute offers.