The National Library of Latvia, 2001–2008

Abstract

The new millennium witnessed significant changes in the development of the National Library of Latvia (NLL). The last decade of the twentieth century was linked to the restoration of all the basic functions of a national library in independent Latvia, but its development over the following decade was determined by the creation of a new, contemporary library. The twenty-year debate on the necessity of a new library, conforming to Latvia's needs, generated discussion not only on the functions of the library, but also on the broader cultural context. The basic approach was clear – nothing would remain the same in the new library. The size of the library's traditional collection has not changed significantly, but the provision of digitally born information and electronic publications has expanded rapidly. From 2001 to 2008 the NLL developed a national competence-building function in library computerization projects. Deepening cooperation with research libraries and other educational and research institutions, as well as the establishment of the Research and Development group, which brought the vision of a digital future into the Library, have been very important for enshrining the authority of the NLL in the whole library network. The National Library holds an optimistic view of the coming decade, believing that the new building will be completed, that the National Digital Library ‘Letonica’ will be created with resources in TEL, Europeana and the World Digital Library, and that the Library will be a valuable interactive centre of culture, education and research in the state.