Field monuments and archaeological finds are tangible evidence of our past, but publications form the basis for comparative research into these legacies. With around 200,000 media units, the RGK library is one of the largest collections of archaeological literature in the world. The collection focuses geographically on Western, Central, Northern and Eastern Europe and subject-wise on prehistory and early history as well as provincial Roman archaeology. Relevant publications from historical and scientific disciplines are also included.
The library is a reference library only, i.e. it is not possible to borrow books. Nevertheless, the RGK is the only library in the DAI that participates in national and international lending, but only in the form of scans in compliance with copyright. The library indexes articles from journals and anthologies from its holdings as part of the DAI's Union Catalog Zenon, or in connection with our own projects (e.g. Propylaeum-Vitae). It also displays its holdings in the journal database (Zeitschriftendatenbank/ZDB).

Since its foundation in 1902, a central task of the library has been to foster and promote the exchange of literature across national borders through cooperation. It is open to all scholars and students of classical studies. Foreign scholars also use the library for longer research stays. In addition to the physical volumes, electronic media can also be accessed within the library rooms, which are acquired and made available centrally by the DAI.