Museumification of family libraries (on the example of Gomel architects Ivan and Valentina Burlak’ library

Abstract

Library is a cultural institute accumulating in itself various functions, including museum and archival ones. The author views personal, private, home or family library entering a museum collection as an indispensable component so museumification becomes the mode of its processing. In 2019 Gomel Regional Library became the owner of the unique archive of Gomel architects Ivan and Valentina Burlak, which consisted of 276 objects including 64 documents of their family library. This archive was sectioned into three collections: that of Ivan Burlak, of Valentina Burlak and general collection. This home library was inventoried as a complex of printed editions. The author worked out a concept according to which information and bibliographic, specific and structural polygraphic peculiarities of documents revealed themselves as much as possible. Structural elements of documents descriptions became: format, character of design and polygraphic implementation, degree of its safety, presence of provenances and inscriptions, belonging, source and way of acquisition, pressmarks. When creating pressmarks, the author of this article was guided by museum practice of objects systematization. Terminological system of document management and attribution completely describes library collections received as a gift and being an integral part of museum collections. Museumification makes it possible to identify more accurately any document belonging to library and museum collections. An organic combination and application of practical methods of document management and attribution expands public library’ possibilities, contributes to its development as a scientific institution.