A-Infos (en) Italy, FdCA, IL CANTIERE #37 - Presentation of the "Vienna Library, Archive, and Research Institute of Anarchism" (ca, de, fr, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

Even after the heyday of anarchism in Austria in the 1880s, there were 
noteworthy currents, such as the "Independent Socialists" (Unabhängigen 
Socialisten) of the 1890s or the "League of Non-Governmental Socialists" 
(Bund herrschaftsloser Sozialisten) of the 1920s and 1930s. However, a 
lasting anarchist movement failed to develop in Austria. After 1945, 
there were certainly attempts to rebuild anarchist movements, but they 
remained fleeting, like the many small anarchist groups and formations 
that also emerged and disappeared from the 1960s onward. The constant 
emergence and dissolution of anarchist currents and movements in 
Austria, however, demonstrates that something could be defined as an 
anarchist continuum existed here. The diversity of these currents has so 
far been considered and described only in detail from an anarchist 
perspective. As a result, anarchism in Austria has been perceived as 
merely a historical footnote. Furthermore, until recently, there were 
few opportunities in Austria to learn about local anarchism and the 
anarchist movements and activities beyond the hedge of the National 
Garden. In this context, the idea was born to create, through a 
permanent library and archive, a place in Austria where people could 
acquire and/or deepen their knowledge of anarchist ideas and movements. 
From the very beginning, the intention was also to fill the gaps in the 
anarchist tradition in Austria with content.
Under the slogan "Yesterday in memory, today in hand!" Rainer Schakmann, 
together with some like-minded individuals, promoted the "Anarchist 
Library - Archive - Institute - Vienna," which opened on May 1, 2010, at 
Vienna 8, Lerchenfelder Strasse 124-126, Stiege 3, Gate 1a.
It was an important first attempt, but it was temporarily put on hold 
due to the lease expiring on March 31, 2019. Activities continued in 
different spaces, but it was not a satisfactory situation. Thanks to the 
launch of collection activities for new spaces ("Mehr Platz für 
Anarchie" and "A-Bib braucht Raum") on May 1, 2015, and thanks to 
fortunate circumstances, properties were finally purchased at 
Sanettystraße 1, Vienna, in February 2020.
This location, located in a neighborhood once important to the history 
of anarchist movements, stands out for two advantages: its central 
location and good access to the subway and tram. In April 2020, the 
institution began its ecological renovation, and, due to delays caused 
by Covid-19, it reopened on February 14, 2022, as the "Anarchist Library 
- Archive - Institute for Research on Anarchism - Vienna."
With the collaboration of numerous anarchists, the institution was 
conceived by Rainer Schakmann and Philipp Mock.
The library's logo originates from a design by anarchist cartoonist 
Linda Bilda (1963-2019). The library, archive, and institute for 
research on anarchism have a user lounge, where most of the collections 
are on display. This area also features technical equipment for film 
screenings. The lounge offers ample space for lectures, discussions, 
readings, musical events, and exhibitions.
There is also a café serving drinks and, at certain events, vegan 
cuisine under the name "VoKü" (popular cuisine). Next to an accessible 
restroom is a technical room equipped with a microfilm camera and a 
high-quality A2 scanner (Bookeye 5).
This area also houses tools and materials for the self-made archive 
boxes and wooden shelves. Periodicals and archive materials are stored 
in specially designed, acid-free archive boxes. The collections 
currently include approximately 3,000 books and pamphlets and 
approximately 1,100 newspapers and magazines in various languages. These 
are complemented by approximately 350 posters and several original 
documents. Furthermore, there is a collection of approximately 300,000 
digitized books and pamphlets, newspapers and magazines, as well as 
archival materials from both the library's own inventory and various 
national and international institutions. Printed volumes can be 
consulted in the library and also online in the catalog 
(https://abibliothek.org/info-zum-online-katalog/). The Library, Archive 
and Research Institute for Anarchism has published a wall calendar 
annually since 2016. The first book was published here in 2022: "Der 
abenteuerliche Karl F. Kocmata 1890-1941. Dichter . Reporter . Verleger 
. Revolutionär . Obdachloser".
Detailed information about the Library, Archives, and Research Institute 
on Anarchism can be found at https://a-bibliothek.org/. This provides 
information on current activities, projects, usage options, and an 
online catalog of the collections. It also offers the option of 
downloading digitized newspapers and magazines, as well as books and 
brochures. Two extensive online projects are currently under 
development: a digital map and a lexicon on anarchism in and from 
Austria. The map, complete with a timeline, provides an overview of key 
locations of anarchist movements in Austria, notable events, and the 
birthplaces, activities, and deaths of anarchists. In addition to 
meeting points, virtual tours on the topic of anarchism in Austria are 
available.

All entries are linked to the lexicon, which contains a history of 
anarchist movements in Austria and a lexicon of individuals. 
Furthermore, it contains lexicographical articles on organizations, 
events, periodicals, publication series, publishers, and an overview of 
images relating to people, places, and events. See: 
https://karte.a-bibliothek.org/. "Anarchistische Bibliothek | Archiv | 
Institut für Anarchismusforschung | Wien" is managed by the "Verein zur 
Förderung libertärer Bibliotheks- und Archivkultur" (Association for the 
Promotion of Libertarian Library and Archive Culture).
It is funded without public support, exclusively through donations. The 
Library, Archive, and Institute for Research on Anarchism see themselves 
as an open forum for anarchists from various anarchist currents. 
However, they should also offer those interested in anarchism the 
opportunity to engage with anarchist ideas and movements, whether 
initially or more in-depth. Ultimately, it is also about countering the 
idea of anarchism in Austria as a mere historical footnote.
To achieve these goals and maintain the organization, contributors are 
welcome!
And, of course, donations are welcome! Donations to:
Verein zur Förderung libertärer Bibliotheks- und Archivkultur, IBAN: 
AT78 1400 0108 1000 0703; BIC: BAWAATWW; Bank: BAWAG.

https://alternativalibertaria.fdca.it/
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