National Library of Sweden (KB) Sound and Moving Images Collections (AVA)

Overview

The Sound and Moving Images collections of the National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket, KB) comprise the largest archive of Swedish audiovisual heritage, encompassing radio and television broadcasts, films, music recordings, and other sound and moving image materials. These collections were incorporated into KB in 2009 when the former Swedish National Archive of Recorded Sound and Moving Images (SLBA) merged with the National Library, ceasing to be an independent institution. They are preserved and made accessible under the KB's broader mission to collect, describe, and preserve all published material in Sweden.

History and Founding

The Swedish National Archive of Recorded Sound and Moving Images (SLBA) was established as an independent institution to collect and archive audiovisual material from Sweden. Until 2009, it operated separately; upon its integration into KB, its collections and mandate became part of the national library's holdings. KB had been collecting floppy disks, CD-ROMs, and other electronic storage media since the mid-1990s, alongside e-books, e-journals, and other digital materials. Under the Legal Deposit Act, publishers of music, film, radio, and television must submit copies to the library, and in some cases only a sample of broadcast material is required.

Collections and Holdings

The audiovisual collection at KB exceeds 10 million hours of recorded material, covering radio and television programmes, films, music recordings, and other audiovisual content. The collection spans the full breadth of Swedish broadcast and recorded media history. Under the Chancery Decree of 1661 and subsequent legal deposit legislation, a comprehensive record of Swedish published content has been maintained, including broadcast media deposited in accordance with the Broadcasting Act. The collections are stored and maintained with the goal of long-term preservation and accessibility for research, documentation, and cultural purposes.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism and Media

The Sound and Moving Images collections contain an extensive archive of Swedish radio and television news broadcasts, documentary programmes, current affairs programming, and other media of direct relevance to journalism history. These include broadcasts from Swedish public broadcasters such as Sveriges Radio and SVT (Sveriges Television), representing decades of Swedish broadcast journalism history.

Access and Usage

Sound and moving image materials are described and accessible through KB's online catalog. Public domain materials may be accessible online; copyright-restricted broadcast materials are typically available on KB premises or through specific access arrangements. Researchers can access materials in KB's reading rooms in Stockholm. Information about the Sound and Moving Images collections is available at kb.se.