Histórico e Conservação da Biblioteca Baptista Caetano d’Almeida da cidade de São João del-Rei (Minas Gerais)

Abstract

This experience report aims to present the history of the Baptista Caetano d’Almeida Library, opened in 1827, in São João del-Rei (Minas Gerais). This is the first public library in the state of Minas Gerais. Its collection of rare and special books consists of 2,762 titles, spread across approximately 5,000 volumes, published in the period from 1551 to 1941. The second part of the report focuses on describing the cataloging and conservation process through which the books have been dealt with. The methodology used for the production of this text consists of bibliographic and documentation research, qualitative analyses of data and in the description of the actions taken. As results, it is observed that the actions taken contribute to a staff training, the conservation of the special collection, and the democratization of an important bibliographic heritage.