The library of the Institute of St. Vincent Pallotti (ISVP) consists of a collection of more than 12000 volumes. The library holds books specifically relating to Pallottine history, history of Rome and contemporary ecclesiastical and secular history. The collection focuses above all on the historical context in which St. Vincent Pallotti lived. A book is all the more precious when it can not be found in any other library the world over. The library of the ISVP, therefore, is specialised and exceptional by what it offers and serves above all the Pallottine historical research work.
The books in the library have been systematically and carefully gathered over the years, from the foundation of the ISVP in 1943 to this day. The collection was initiated by Rev. Fr. Ansgar Faller SAC who directed the Institute for nearly 50 years.
The more systematic arranging of the library was carried out during the more recent years of the Institute. The books are classified into five categories, each distinguished by a letter: P (Pallotti), S (secular and ecclesiastical history/ history of Rome), A (rare books), RIP (periodicals) and G (general works). For the arrangement of the books on the shelf, the system of arranging according to their height, without taking into consideration the subject, is followed. An American Program ProCite 5.0 for Window is used for the cataloguing of the books. This program permits diverse fields for the description of the book.
A printed catalogue updated in 2007, of all the books in the library of the ISVP, is put at the disposal of the users (the catalogue is updated every five years). It contains bibliographical cards of the authors in alphabetical order. There are a total of 12.767 of them. The users can themselves consult the catalogue at the office of the ISVP or, if required, seek assistance from those responsible.