As an manuscript researcher I am shocked about the decision of the
Baden-Wuerttemberg government to give away 3500 from 4200
(mostly medieval) manuscripts of the Badische
Landesbibliothek Karlsruhe. They will be transferred to the
Markgraf of Baden who claims to be the legal owner (a
dubious claim). He will sell the manuscripts in the auction
trade to gain 70 millions Euro for a foundation which will
help to preserve the historical Salem castle (a well known
school and former monastery).
The ranking of Karlsruhe as a research library is funded in
its manuscript treasure. The manuscripts are from former
famous monasteries like the isle Reichenau or St. Peter or
St. Blasien (both in the Black Forrest).
It is clear that such medieval libraries like the Reichenau
manuscripts are a heritage and cultural property which
should'nt destroyed by auctioning the single manuscripts.