The IN_CONTEXT project is focused on preparing the digitization of library collections related to colonial histories. Based at the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin (Berlin State Library), the project is funded by the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz (Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation). Launched in January 2023, the initial phase involved identifying sources relevant to colonial histories for digitization. In the next phase, the project is building networks with other institutions and communities of interest. A key milestone was the workshop Koloniale Kontexte in Bibliotheken as well as the publication of a thematic issue of the journal obib, see especially the article “Libraries and Colonial Contexts. A Conversation with Researchers from the Global South”.
The Sam Cohen Library and Archives is a reference library with over 10.000 books, which include the valuable Africana collection of Ferdinand Stich, a former bookshop owner of Swakopmund. The archives preserve valuable information about Namibia (former Deutsch-Südwestafrika), including over 33 000 historic photographs, postcards, slides and negatives, several maps, unique scientific collections, diaries and documents. About 16 000 archive items have been scanned to date. The Sam Cohen Library is also well-known for the largest collection of historical Namibian newspapers dating back to 1898. The Swakopmund Museum is the largest privately-run museum in Namibia and most popular.
The Scientific Society Swakopmund (a non-profit organisation) is the governing body of the Sam Cohen Library and the Swakopmund Museum. The Society collects, preserves and exhibits cultural goods and scientific objects, it promotes education on science, heritage and culture of Namibia. The Society serves as a hub to share scientific information through public lectures, excursions, events, information distribution and publications such as its regular “Communications”.