The National Library of Israel Renewal: Opening Access, Democratizing Knowledge, Fostering Culture

Abstract

The National Library of Israel (NLI), marking its 120th year, has launched a comprehensive renewal programme entailing a new facility that enables broad access to all users and an open digital library. Led by a coalition of public and private stakeholders, the NLI renewal programme has broadened the mandate of the Library beyond its earlier role as the humanities library of Hebrew University to serve as the national institution of memory both for the State of Israel and for the Jewish people worldwide. The NLI has also joined global efforts to disseminate knowledge through numerous cooperative digitization projects. The new facility will be located in Jerusalem's National District and will serve all segments of the population. The building's design will reflect the NLI's key principles of an open, inviting space that encourages both quiet study and opportunities for collaborative work. Artworks, exhibitions, and cultural programme spaces will facilitate cultural exchange based on the NLI's collections and treasures. The building will integrate technology throughout and will maintain high standards of ecological sustainability. Beyond a new facility, the NLI renewal programme outlines a broad spectrum of institutional changes. Key elements include the definition of four main collection areas (Judaica; Islam and the Middle East; Israel; and the Humanities); the cultivation of the NLI as a cultural hub and educational centre; and an ambitious digital strategy, particularly in the areas of the Hebrew language, Jewish heritage, and documenting Israeli society and history. Since 2011, the NLI has begun to implement these changes in preparation for the anticipated move to the new facility in 2018.