Salar Jung Museum Library in the Heritage City of Hyderabad

Abstract

This is an analytical review of engagement and outreach of Salar Jung Museum Library's collection (MSS, printed, and digital). The chapter aims to visualize the benefits of being located in a heritage city, viz., Hyderabad, in India. The method adopted is first to trace impressions of researchers and scholars and second to gather data of its presence in libraries across the world. Tracing such variety and distinctness will open doors for further exploring the impact factors. The original collector, viz., Salar Jung, had open doors for diversity and open mind to welcome all cultural depictions of the world. Its diversity is evident in artifacts and resources that represent samples from East and West. So also is its inclusiveness – the entire collection is without bias of gender, race, or religion. The data analysis shows the engagement in heritage building is reciprocal. A study in the post-COVID era with a larger variety of data (viz., survey, virtual visits, digital impression) will reveal the full picture of reciprocity and will also highlight the actual needs and demands.