Use and service

The collections of the Image Archive are particularly worthy of protection and may therefore be used exclusively in the Reading Room for Music/Maps/Images.

Large parts of the images from the collection of portraits and views and from the photographic archives are available in digital format. They can be searched and viewed in the OPAC of the Image Archive.

Ordering reproductions

For reproductions, these images can be made available in high-resolution quality under the conditions of use of the Image Archive. Also new digital copies can be produced. The use of the images is subject to authorisation and usually subject to a fee.

Conditions of use of the Image Archive of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek

Please direct your request – stating the image number, where possible – to:
bildarchiv@bsb-muenchen.de

Ordering items for viewing in the reading room

The collections can be viewed exclusively in the library, in the Reading Room for Music/Maps/Images (1st floor). The images need to be ordered using a green order slip, stating the classification mark.

Volumes bearing the shelf mark "BA" can be ordered via the OPACplus/BSB catalogue and can likewise be used exclusively in the Reading Room for Music/Maps/Images.

Modified conditions of access to the reading rooms during the Corona pandemic

Please note:
The number of available working places has been reduced due to the currently mandatory hygiene and distancing rules.
Therefore, prior reservation of a working place is required for every visit to the reading rooms.
Further information on booking a working place in a reading room

The Image Archive of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek received the seal of quality "Certified Licensor" of the Federal Association of Professional Image Providers (Bundesverband Professioneller Bildanbieter; BVPA) at the beginning of the year 2020. This means that the Image Archive of the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek, with its collection now grown to 17 million images, has become a member of the circle of big picture agencies, such as mauritius images or bpk.
The certificate indicates to customers that the provider has sound legal knowledge and that their requests will be handled swiftly and at a high quality level.

Further information