Abstract
The accession of Philip IV on the Spanish throne brought an extensive program of government reforms created to mitigate the negative impact of the deep crisis generated during the reign of his father, Philip III. These reforms spread all over the Hispanic kingdoms and in New Spain, the new appointed viceroy marquis of Gelves wished to implement new administrative policies since the beginning of his rule. Among the new reforms all those who had served as royal officers were requested to make detailed inventories of all their belongings before a notary. Accordingly, hundreds of these inventories were made throughout the viceroyalty during 1622, being dispatched to the Council of the Indies in Seville. One of the clauses specifically requested the possession of libraries. Therefore, 39 inventories mentioned either the ownership of some books or even rich libraries. Among the owners were scribes, majors (alcaldes), scholars linked to the Audience such as bachelors, lawyers, as well as professors of the University. In brief, this article seeks to shed light in the study of private libraries in New Spain during the first quarter of the 17th century.
