HISTORY OF THE FUND OF MANUSCRIPTS AND UNIQUE AND ESPECIALLY VALUABLE PUBLICATIONS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

This article provides a historical overview of the creation and formation of the Fund of
Manuscripts and Unique and Especially Valuable Publications, which comprises an invaluable treasury of works of
scientific, spiritual and cultural value that consists of literature and art, handwritten and graphic documents, albums,
and printed periodicals, in the National Library of Uzbekistan. Named after Alisher Navoi, the Fund’s composition
is currently being enriched through acquisitions of handwritten books and rare printed publications from the general
population. The restoration and conservation of the Fund’s ancient collections with the use of modern equipment are
also underway. Electronic copies of rare publications and manuscripts are being created, their certifications are
being executed, their descriptions are being written, and the schedules for relevant restoration work are being
planned. The pride of the Library is its collection of especially valuable collections—over 200 thousand copies of
publications from the 15th to 19th centuries. Over 30 thousand of these are rare and ancient editions, manuscripts,
and lithographs, including the first national magazines and newspapers. Thus, in this paper, the authors detail how
the methods and directions of activity in the Fund of Manuscripts and Unique and Especially Valuable Publications
enrich the Fund’s composition by restoring and preserving its ancient collections using modern equipment