Before speaking at the conference, the prime minister visited the library's Rumyantsev Room where ancient manuscripts and their digital copies are kept. The prime minister was shown several priceless volumes, including a book with notes made by Tsar Peter the Great, the Gospels, and the Life of St Sergius of Radonezh in bindings inlaid with precious stones.

Vladimir Putin then examined a number of unique documents, including a certificate presented to Chancellor Nikolai Rumyantsev by the emperor in honour his foreign policy achievements.

The prime minister was also told about how the library's electronic catalogue works.