News archive

Category: Library+ Special Collections update


  • Faculty of Science and Engineering: Investigating book materials with microscopy

    As part of the student project Level 2000, at the Maastricht Science Programme, a selection of damaged books of the Special Collections was examined to better understand and manage foxing, which are brown stains that could threaten the integrity of many books. Handling these books provides information about their creation and history. Paper, glue and ink indicate when the book was created, while damage can reveal more about its history.

  • New acquisition for our Special Collections: Marlene Dietrich portrait by Charles Eyck 

    We are excited to announce a significant addition to our Special Collections at Maastricht University Library: an original portrait of Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich, created in 1945 by celebrated Limburg artist Charles Eyck. This acquisition enriches our already extensive Charles Eyck collection and highlights a unique historical connection between Dietrich, Maastricht, and the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. 

  • University Library Maastricht achieves successful digital integration for enhanced heritage access

    In 2023, Maastricht University (UM) Library joined the NDE Versnellen grant program, a Dutch initiative that supports heritage institutions in making their digital collections more accessible and interconnected. Through this project, the library implemented advanced digital functionality (with IIIF) in their existing Omeka S system (software platform for digital collections), allowing rich metadata access, public availability, and compliance with national heritage standards.

  • Course Sustainable Digital Heritage (in Dutch)

    The digital infrastructure is now an integral part of our daily lives. This development presents numerous opportunities for education and research while also setting new demands for the accessibility and presentation of our cultural heritage. Learn more about this course, which this edition offers students a unique chance to participate free of charge.

  • A participant at a Spoken Word event. Poetry.

    Celebrating World Poetry Day: A Timeless Art Form

    Poetry should be celebrated every day because it allows one to see the world through different eyes. That’s the sentiment echoed by Limburg poet and writer Merlijn Huntjens as International Poetry Day is celebrated worldwide today, on 21 March.

  • Historical Book Review main image

    Exploring the pages: Students bring rare books to life

    Student reviews about 12 captivating old books from Maastricht University’s (UM’s) Special Collections have recently been published on Wikipedia.

  • Mathilde Docclot in UM's Special Collections

    On Charles Eyck’s trail: A student’s journey from France to Maastricht

    The surprising discovery of remarkable artwork in a small-town church in northern France led a young French student all the way to Maastricht University’s (UM’s) Special Collections.

  • Beyond his art: The personal side of Bernard Reith

    As an exceptional exhibition of Bernard Reith’s work is showcased at Maastricht University, his family offers insights into the artist’s personal life and lasting legacy.

  • A Hollywood star in Maastricht: Marlene Dietrich as seen by Charles Eyck

    A wartime sketch of Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich by Dutch artist Charles Eyck sparks intrigue as it resurfaces, shedding light on an important chapter of Maastricht’s history and the hunt for the missing original.

  • Pierre Kemp and his muses on display

    Explore the newest exhibition at Inner City Library, unveiling captivating narratives about poet Pierre Kemp and his muses.