The St. Clement of Ohrid National and University Library: Macedonia's National Library

Abstract

The St Clement of Ohrid National and University Library, which was established in 1944, is a state institution of the Republic of Macedonia. It began its activity in modest accommodation with book stocks of about 150,000 library items and 50 seats for readers. It has gradually developed and enriched its functions, particularly after moving into the new building. The NUL is a legal deposit library, a central library headquarters, and an agent for the development of librarianship as well as the library information system of the republic. It is also a national centre for the restoration and preservation of library material, a bibliographic and referral centre, the national ISBN and ISSN agency and the library for the University of Skopje. There are three million library items at its disposal, in general and special book collections (manuscripts, old printed and rare library material, cartographic, art and music scores). It has extensive cooperative arrangements with 260 libraries from 60 countries in the world, as well as with relevant world institutions such as UNESCO and IFLA. Automation was late in starting; it has made substantial progress, but this is now hindered by the difficult economic situation.