The Koninklijke Bibliotheek: National Library of the Netherlands

Abstract

The Koninklijke Bibliotheek (KB) had been functioning as the national library of the Netherlands for some time before it was designated as such in 1982. In 1987 the library was given more autonomy. The appointment of the present National Librarian in 1991 coincided with severe budget restrictions, which necessitated a drastic reorganization; this involved the establishment of new departments, for library automation and new technology, for library research and for policy development. Pica has developed new library automation products to meet KB's requirements, including interlibrary connections; in 1993 the transition to the new systems was completed. A strategic planning process has been initiated; difficult choices have to be made, but the main thrusts are likely to be the promotion of a single national infrastructure for access and delivery of information in printed and electronic form, maintaining a broad collection in the humanities and social sciences (cooperating especially with three other major Dutch libraries), setting up new facilities for the retrieval and desktop delivery of electronic documents, building and managing a repository for electronic material, and preserving the Dutch cultural heritage (including a coordinated microfilming programme). The KB is actively involved in several European projects.