Bulletin of the Bishkek State University

Rare book collections in Kyrgyz libraries represent invaluable cultural heritage shaped by the complex history of national writing, which underwent three major alphabet reforms in the twentieth century. The study applies descriptive-analytical methods, comprehensive bibliographic analysis, and a problem-oriented approach. Collections from the National Library, the Academy of Sciences, Kyrgyz National University, and the Issyk-Kul Regional Library are analyzed, containing more than fifty thousand storage units, including unique early printed editions in Arabic, Latin, and early Cyrillic scripts. Critical problems are identified, including physical degradation of materials, lack of modern climate control, and shortage of qualified restoration specialists. The implemented projects “Book Monuments of Kyrgyzstan” and the bibliographic index of books in Latin script provide researchers with access to digitized primary sources. Systematic cataloging and digitization are defined as effective ways to preserve national written heritage.

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