The Archive of a Nation
Exploring the National Library of Albania, the institution tasked with preserving the written cultural heritage of the Albanian people.
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Institutional Overview
A National Cultural Pillar
The National Library of Albania (NLA), known in Albanian as Biblioteka Kombëtare e Shqipërisë, stands as the nation's primary cultural institution and the oldest within the Albanian State. Headquartered in the capital city of Tirana, it was officially founded in 1920 and inaugurated on December 10, 1922, marking a significant milestone in the country's intellectual and cultural development.[2][3]
Structure and Governance
Today, the NLA operates from two buildings under the authority of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Sports. It serves as a multifaceted institution, functioning not only as a library but also as a national center for librarianship education, a research hub for the field, the national ISBN Agency, and the sole center for the preservation and restoration of special collections.[4]
Access and Services
The library is accessible to the public, open 72 hours a week for individuals over the age of 16. Patrons can borrow materials or utilize them within the dedicated reading rooms. In its embrace of modernity, the NLA's website provides crucial services, including an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), digitized catalogues, and access to growing digital collections, alongside information about exhibitions and conferences.[4]
A Century of History
Foundational Years
The concept for a national library began with the Library Commission of Albania, which initiated planning as early as 1917. This vision culminated in the library's formal creation on July 10, 1920.[4] In its early years and through the turmoil of World War II, the library's collections were housed in various locations. It wasn't until 1966 that the institution was relocated to its current, permanent home in Tirana.[5]
Growth and Transformation
The library's collection experienced monumental growth, expanding from an initial 3,000 items in its earliest days to nearly one million by 1995.[5] The fall of communism in the 1990s marked a pivotal turning point. The NLA implemented new policies to dismantle the previous era's restrictions on information access. This period also saw the introduction of automated library systems to Albania, a significant technological leap for an institution that had previously lacked such resources.[6]
The Legal Deposit Law
A cornerstone of the library's function is its role as the national archival repository. This responsibility was first established by the Legal Deposit Law in 1922 and was later revised and reinforced in 1992. This law mandates that the NLA receive a copy of every publication produced in Albania, ensuring a comprehensive collection of the nation's printed heritage. As a result, the NLA is responsible for publishing the National Bibliography.[6]
Core Mission & National Role
Guardian of Written Heritage
The fundamental mission of the National Library of Albania is explicitly defined: "to collect, process, restore, preserve and to make available to the public the written cultural heritage of the Albanian people."[4] This mandate positions the NLA as the principal steward of the nation's collective memory and intellectual output, safeguarding it for future generations of scholars and citizens.
National and International Hub
Beyond its archival duties, the NLA serves several critical national functions. It is the designated National ISBN Agency, assigning unique identifiers to Albanian publications. It is also the country's only center for the specialized work of preserving and restoring rare and valuable library materials. At a national level, it organizes library education and continuing professional development for information professionals across Albania.[4]
The Collections
Scope and Scale
The archive of the National Library of Albania is vast and diverse, comprising a total of 1,169,767 items. This extensive collection includes not only books but also a wide array of other materials that document the cultural, political, and social history of the nation. The holdings are a testament to the library's century-long effort to gather and preserve Albanian publications.
Education & Librarianship
The National School of Librarianship
Since 1969, the National Library of Albania has been the home of the National School of Librarianship.[4] For four decades, this school was the sole institution in Albania dedicated to providing formal education and professional training for librarians and information specialists. It played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining professional standards within the country's library network.
University-Level Programs
The landscape of library science education in Albania evolved in 2009 when the University of Tirana established a master's program in Library and Information Science.[4] While this introduced a new academic pathway, the National School of Librarianship at the NLA continues its legacy of providing continuing professional education and practical training, complementing the university's academic focus.
International Partnerships
Global Affiliations
The National Library of Albania is an active participant in the global library community. It holds memberships in numerous prestigious international organizations, facilitating collaboration, knowledge exchange, and adherence to international standards. These affiliations underscore its role as a modern, outward-looking institution.
- International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)
- Ligue des Bibliothèques Européennes de Recherche (LIBER)
- Conference of European National Librarians (CENL)
- Conference of Directors of National Libraries (CDNL)
- The European Library
Furthermore, the NLA has received an official invitation to become a partner in the World Digital Library, recognizing its valuable collections.[4]
Promoting Development
In its ongoing effort to foster library and technological advancement within Albania, the nation has undertaken key strategic partnerships. In 1992, the Library of the Albanian Assembly was established to support legislative research.[7] More recently, in 2020, a partnership was formed with Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL), an organization that works with libraries to enable access to digital information and knowledge for sustainable development.[7]
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References
References
- DOMI, E. (2011). The National Library of Albania: Tradition and Modern Vision. Alexandria, 21(3), 15-24.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional academic, historical, or library science consultation. Always refer to official institutional sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific research needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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