Photobooks are the way we will explain
what photography is to future generations.
We must fill libraries with them—
they cannot remain restricted to private collections. [...]
Photobooks are a form of resistance.Rosângela Rennó
The Photography Library of the Instituto Moreira Salles (IMS) is a unique initiative in Brazil and a rare one in Latin American context, with a collection specialized in photography books. Its mission is to help photography as a form of expression, democratize access to photobooks (usually restricted to collectors or a specialized niche), foster research in the field, and contribute to the preservation and conservation of the memory and heritage contained and represented in these books. The collection includes publications of and about photography and is formed by ongoing acquisitions and special collections — featuring names such as Stefania Bril, Thomaz Farkas, Iatã Cannabrava, Vania Toledo, and Steidl — as well as historical and recent periodicals, including subscriptions to specialized magazines (Aperture, Exit, among others). In 2020, the library made the entire content of Novidades Fotoptica magazine available for online consultation, one of the longest-running photography periodicals in Brazil (1953–1987), led by Thomaz Farkas. It also hosts thematic exhibitions drawn from its collection, as well as courses and lectures for researchers, students, teachers and anyone interested in the subject. As the library remains open and freely accessible, research can be done spontaneously or, to make the most of it, by scheduled appointments. All services are offered free of charge from Tuesday to Sunday (including holidays), from 10 am to 8 pm.
Users are allowed to:
- Have free access to the shelves to consult and check out books;
- Use the Library's consultation terminals to consult the IMS collections;
- Use the tables for consultation;
- Use the sockets available on the tables (only for study and consultation purposes);
- Use the Lounge to consult books;
- Use the library space for group work, as long as it is organized;
- Ask the librarians for help whenever necessary;
- Place the books used in the cart for later storage by the librarians;
- Access the audiovisual material available in the collections (exclusively at the consultation terminals);
- Bring personal consultation material: books, computers, notebooks, etc.;
- Take photos of the library and books for personal use and without flash;
Important! Access, use and services of the Library are free of charge – an appointment can also be scheduled in advance. The only requirement is that everyone must agree to and comply with the Code of Conduct of the Instituto Moreira Salles, available both on the Library’s website and at its entrance.
For security and collection control purposes, the following are not permitted:
- Leaving the library with books from the collection;
- Entering with bags and backpacks that have not been authorized by the Service or Library departments;
- Entering with food and drinks;
- Placing library books on the floor;
- Replacing consulted books on the shelves;
- Exiting via fire escapes, except with permission from security or firefighters;
- Connecting devices with USB to the consultation terminals;
- Using the display case/magazine rack as a consultation table.
For the comfort and safety of users, the following are not permitted:
- Talking on cell phones;
- Using tables solely for charging cell phones;
- Occupying the exclusive consultation table without books from the collection;
- Using the consultation terminal space as a study area with books, notebooks, etc.;
- Climbing the library shelf ladder;
- Rearranging chairs in the space;
- Leaving material on tables to save seats or in the library while moving around other areas of the IMS – the Library is not responsible for these.
Access
- Easy and quick way to request works from the Technical Reserve.
- Exhibitions in the showcase: curation of the bibliographic collection.
- Discussions, study groups and lectures, such as the Bedside Photobook series.
- Scheduled research (at least 24 hours in advance).
- Annual call for photobooks (held in partnership with the ZUM Festival).
- Alert service for the arrival of new books.
- Reading suggestions made by the team.
- Collection Highlights.