Constructing an international library: The collections of journals in Turin's Special Mathematics Library

The Special Mathematics Library of Turin University, founded in 1883, was fundamental in the development of two research schools under the leadership of C. Segre and G. Peano. First founded to house a growing collection of international journals acquired through both purchase and exchange from publishing centres worldwide, it later evolved into a ‘presence library’ modelled on the legendary Lesezimmer in Göttingen. A systematic study of the library's history and its directors' policies provides interesting insights into the various aspects of the international circulation of journals and their use at different times and in various contexts in Turin (Turin Academy of Sciences, Società di cultura, national university library, etc.).