The Swiss National Library

Abstract

This Swiss National Library, which dates from 1894, initially had the function of collecting Helvetica; later the construction of a union catalogue and the creation of a central information service were added to its responsibilities. It achieved much success, but from the 1970s reduced funds and a lack of foresight severely eroded its standing and role. Following the appointment of a new Director in 1990, a team of experts in information and technology was formed, a general review of the library's strengths and weaknesses was carried out, and an automation programme was started. A new policy has had to be defined for the role of a national library in a federal state. It is proposed that the library's responsibilities should include all kinds of information resources, and give equal attention to conversation and the provision of services, the latter particularly as an information centre for material of Swiss interest. Greatly increased funds and staff are being sought. A revision of the law relating to the National Library has been submitted to Parliament; this defines its collection policy (including legal deposit, which the library has not hitherto had) and prescribes its bibliographic services. These developments should lead to the regaining of a prominent position for the library and thence to a national coordination plan for Swiss libraries. The National Library will seek solutions for the problems posed by multilingualism. It will also look for cooperation with other national libraries in Europe.