Every Collection has a Story. The Archives holds records that document the Smithsonian’s people, events, buildings, and research. The history of the Smithsonian is a vital part of the history of American experience, scientific exploration, and international cultural understanding.
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Appointment times are currently filling up 2-3 weeks in advance. For more information about Smithsonian Libraries and Archives locations, see Library Locations and Smithsonian Institution Archives Reference. To requests an appointment at another location, use Contact Us.
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August 6, 1897
Cyrus B. Adler, Librarian of the Smithsonian Institution, writes The International Catalogue of Scientific Literature, which presents background information, including pertinent correspondence, to trace the evolution of the first international catalogue of scientific literature ever produced. He begins by commenting that the International Bibliographical Conference, held in London, England, during July 14-17, 1896, was the most important step ever taken toward international cooperation in scientific and bibliographical work.
