Soviet Independent Press Collection, 1988-1992

Creator:

Extent:

63 linear feet 147 boxes

Language:

Russian , English .

Scope and content:

More than 2000 titles of periodicals and newspapers (many of them complete runs), as well as thousands of leaflets, broadsides and posters. Titles includes: Antisovetskaia Pravda, Armianskii Vestnik, Atmoda, Azadlyg, Baltiiskoe Vremia, Belarusskaia Tribuna, Chernoe Znamia, Demokraticheskaia Gazeta, Demokraticheskaia Rossiia, Edalet, Ekspress-khronika, Evrei i Perestroika, Evreiskaia Gazeta, Golos Kurda, Romania Libera, Carpatische Rundschau, to name just a few.

Biographical / historical:

Since 1989, in response to opportunities presented by Perestroika and changes throughout the Communist block in Eastern Europe, Columbia University Libraries has undertaken a broad and extensive effort to collect newspapers, periodicals, leaflets, posters and other materials documenting the activities of different parties and organizations emerging as the result of the sudden collapse of Communism.

The collection documents and illustrates the transition to democracy (1988-1991) in this region, and the first free elections throughout the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. The extensive collecting effort was halted in 1992 upon the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Acquisition information:

Source of acquisition--Slavic Bibliographer. Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--2003.

Custodial history:

Purchased by the Slavic bibliographer, and sent to RBML in 1993, with small additions still being added as of 2000.

Processing information:

Papers processed, PTL 9/25/2015.

Katia Shraga, May 2019: So far as migration issue for top containers is concerned - renamed SIP Leaflets boxes as "Leaflets Box" 1-7.

Arrangement:

Periodicals and newspapers are arranged by title in alphabetical order (Latin alphabet). Leaflets are arranged by broad subjects and by issuing organization (also alphabetically).

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Related material:

Eastern Europe Independent Press Collection. Columbia University Libraries.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:: Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Soviet Independent Press; Box and Folder; Bakhmeteff Archive, Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:: Rare Book & Manuscript Library

RBML Home Page
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th Street
New York, NY 10027, USA
Before you visit:: Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.

Contact:: rbml@library.columbia.edu

Collection