Düsseldorf University and State Library owns more than 3,200 volumes of 16th century prints, some of which are unique and of supra-regional importance. Many of these works belong to the library's most important special collections. For example, 133 titles come from the Pharmaceutical History Library of Dr Helmut Vester, 62 works from the library of the Westphalian-Lower Rhine humanist Johannes Cincinius (1480-1555) and 53 titles from the private library of the Lower Rhine humanist Gisbert Longolius (1507-1543). The collection also includes 62 early Düsseldorf prints and works of cultural-historical interest, such as the "Confectbuch und Hauß Apotek" by Walther Hermann Ryff from 1593 or the "Kreutterbuch" by Hieronymus Bock from 1587. The historical atlases by Franz Hogenberg (1535-1590) and Gerhard Mercator (1512-1994) are also of particular importance.

Thanks to funding from KEK, around 1,700 specially adapted, age-resistant protective packaging will be added to the collection in 2023 and 2024 in order to systematically improve storage. The protective packaging is suitable to prevent damage of valuable holdings caused by environmental influences, use and disasters. The measure is also related to the context of emergency planning, as packaged collections are better protected in the event of disasters and can be evacuated more quickly. Furthermore, the impact of temperature fluctuations can be minimised as a result.

KEK project page