The Royal Library — National Library of Sweden

Abstract

In 1661 the Royal Library became the first deposit library in Sweden — the basis for its role as national library. Its function as national library was strengthened when, on the dissolution of the DFI (Delegation for Scientific & Technical Information), it took over a majority of its tasks, including full responsibility for the computerized library information system LIBRIS. To cope with these new responsibilities the library has established a National Office for Library Planning & Coordination (BIBSAM), which communicates directly with the National Librarian. A proposal for a coordinated effort to convert the Swedish National Bibliography and the Swedish Union Catalogue has received the backing of research libraries; and a joint project has been set up with a variety of institutions to deal with conservation problems. Plans for the reconstruction and extension of the old 1878 building situated in Humlegården in central Stockholm have been approved, and a grant of 225 million SEK awarded.