Abstract In the ten years after Estonia regained its independence in 1991, there were many developments that continue to shape the work of libraries today: the establishment of the Estonian Libraries Network Consortium (ELNET), the implementation of automated library systems and the modernization of basic library work processes, library legislation, harmonisation of copyright law, the procurement of information resources necessary for the development and consolidation of Estonian statehood, economy, science and culture, the creation of conditions necessary for the preservation of the national heritage, and new developments in the preservation and digitisation of library collections.