The RIAS library houses one of the leading collections in Europe dedicated to the study of the United States. It holds an extensive collection of printed materials on American history, as well as a wide range of copies of archival documents on microfilm. Particular areas of strength include the life and work of Theodore, Franklin, and Eleanor Roosevelt, US foreign relations, political history, and Civil Rights.
An American Archive in the Netherlands
Many of these include material unavailable anywhere else outside their original repositories in the United States. Some highlights include the complete papers of Theodore Roosevelt; the Presidential Office Files of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman; selected papers of Eleanor Roosevelt; numerous collections on Civil Rights history; and Dutch-American diplomatic correspondence dating back to 1784.
A full overview of our microfilm collections, along with detailed catalogues, is available under 'Special Collections'. For printed material, please consult our regular catalog.
Using the Library
The library is open to all interested visitors during the institute's regular opening hours, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, with the exception of public holidays. Please see our contact page for detailed information. We ask that all visitors contact the Institute at rias@zeeland.nl before visiting. If you would like specific guidance on a research project, please feel free to contact to library to obtain advice over email or to arrange an on-site meeting with one of our academic staff.
Most of the library's printed collections can be borrowed, either by visiting the library in person or through the inter-library loan system of the Zeeuwse Bibliotheek. If you intend to borrow materials, please remember to bring a proof of identity, such as an ID card, passport, or student card.
