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This book presents a sample of the unique acquisitions made by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek in The Hague during the period that Wim van Drimmelen was the Director General of the KB, from 1991 to 2008. This book has been published to commemorate his retirement.
Under the leadership of Wim van Drimmelen, the KB experienced some dramatic developments, many of which have been reported on elsewhere. This work deals specifically with an aspect of the work of a librarian that appeals most to the imagination: the acquisition of the most beautiful, unique, rare and valuable works. These may be individual objects or entire collections, and may date from the middle ages to our own time.
Directors have a vision, determine broad policy directions, provide guidance from a distance and sometimes fill their position with an almost ceremonial allure. All this certainly applies to Wim van Drimmelen. And yet it equally rings true that Van Drimmelen was often able to give the acquisition of unique items a strong impulse thanks to his personal efforts and involvement. These actions sometimes had a very practical and tangible nature, but always with a subtle and even sense of style. This always pleased and inspired his immediate colleagues, but also contacts outside of the KB, such as libraries, funds and government ministries.
The selection of acquisitions highlighted in this book is meant to serve two purposes. First, it is an account of the efforts made by the Koninklijke Bibliotheek during a specific time frame. But it is also a symbol of gratitude from the KB for the contributions by Wim van Drimmelen, one of the most important librarians of the last 210 years. In doing so, we hope to take our leave of him with the same sense of moderation and style that Wim van Drimmelen has inspired us to maintain for a long time to come.
Martin Bossenbroek
Director of Collections and Services Koninklijke Bibliotheek
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