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Welcome to the collections of the Allard Pierson


About this site

This website offers descriptions of collections and archives that have been deposited with the Allard Pierson. The descriptions provide general information about the collection as a whole, noting not only content and composition of each collection, but also details about its provenance and acquisition, as well as information on how to consult the collections and any restrictions on use.

A number of collection descriptions come with a complete inventory. An inventory is a structured list with descriptions of component parts. An inventory is hierarchically organized and is subdivided into series, files and items.

A number of collections and archives have been digitized and can be consulted online on the website.

Where possible, references have been included in the collection descriptions to individual items that have been described in CataloguePlus (the catalogue of the University Library, including the Allard Pierson) or in the image banks.

Most collection descriptions are in Dutch, some in English because of the international importance of the relevant collections. ArchivesSpace, the programme used by the Allard Pierson, is entirely in English, implying that the terminology used is also in English. As a result, both Dutch and English are used side by side.

Not all of Allard Pierson’s collections and archives have been made accessible as yet. Should you wish to consult material that has not yet been made accessible or have any questions about our collections, please contact us.

Requesting Materials

Inventoried collections or archives:
Use the ‘Request’ button at the top right when you have found the inventory number you want to request and complete the form.

Please note!
Series, sub-series and sub-fonds (Identifier contains Series) and files cannot be requested as such. You can only request individual inventory numbers.

Non-inventoried collections or archives:
1. Collections often consist of individual items (e.g. books or prints) that have been described in and can be requested through CataloguePlus. The relevant information can be found in the collection description.
2. Collections or archives that have not yet been inventoried can be requested using the ‘Request’ button on the relevant collection description page.

Please note!
Archival material is for consultation only. Some materials may be subject to limited use, for instance if they are very fragile, are in the process of being preserved or are already available online. In some cases the material may be under an embargo.

An Amsterdam University student or staff card or a library card for external visitors is required to consult the materials. You will need to agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Allard Pierson.