The main library of the LGI, which arose in 1773 together with the Institute, founded only 7 years later than the world's first higher mining school, the Freiberg Mining Academy, is not only a powerful educational support institution, but also one of the first mining technical libraries of the Union. Among other libraries USSR it has the most complete collection of journals and monographic literature on mining, geological exploration and related disciplines, since the Mining Institute in pre-revolutionary Russia for a long time was the only center for the accumulation of mining, geological and technical knowledge. Over the 165 years of existence and operation of the Main Library, two stages of its activity can be distinguished: 1. Library of the Mining Institute from 1773 to 1917. 2. Library of the Mining Institute from 1917 to the present (see article). We consider it necessary to continue to develop the work of the library with even greater energy, both in relation to information, disclosure of the contents of the library’s collections, and finding the best methods for serving the reader, storing books, etc.
