Liechtenstein State Library Liechtensteinische Landesbibliothek

History and Founding

The Liechtenstein State Library (German: Liechtensteinische Landesbibliothek) was established in 1961 by law as an independent public-law foundation, following discussions that began in the 1950s during the 150th anniversary celebrations of Liechtenstein's sovereignty. Prior to its founding, reading societies dating to the 1860s and the Historical Society for the Principality of Liechtenstein (founded 1901) had served as informal precursors. The National Teachers' Library, founded in 1906, was subsequently absorbed by the new institution. The State Library occupies premises at Gerberweg 5 in Vaduz, the principality's capital.

Collections and Holdings

The Liechtensteinische Landesbibliothek administers more than 285,000 items and records approximately 50,000 visitors and 180,000 loans annually. The library's core legislative mandate is to collect all publications originating in Liechtenstein, authored by Liechtenstein citizens, or dealing with the country as a subject—a collection known as Liechtensteiniana, which currently encompasses about 88,000 volumes. The institution also functions as a research library, a patent library providing access to comprehensive international patent information, and the largest public lending library in Liechtenstein and the surrounding Rhine Valley region. It is part of the Liechtenstein Library Network, established in 2000 with a common library card.

Digital Initiatives

In 2010, the State Library launched Project eLiechtensteinesia, which provides online access to scans of the Yearbook of the Historical Society for the Principality of Liechtenstein, old national newspapers, and other historical Liechtenstein publications. A Liechtenstein Literary Archives section has also been established at the institution.

Access and Usage

The library is open to the public and serves students, researchers, and the general public of Liechtenstein and the surrounding region. It participates in international interlibrary loan networks. The library is a member of the Conference of European National Librarians (CENL) and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).