The U. N. Library at Geneva: historical collections and international information centre

Abstract

The library of the Geneva headquarters of the United Nations (formerly the library of the League of Nations) plays a particular role in the library network of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. Its particular position among the other U.N. libraries is well explained by the richness, many-sidednees and continuity of its collections, as well as by its various services.

The U.N. and each of its specialized agencies are working separate and under the supervision of independent governing bodies, and their staffs, the respective secretariats work independently both administratively and financially. Co-ordination and co-operation – both as regards major programs and current affairs – are provided for by corporate and administrative agencies, organs, committees under the supervision of one of the deputy secretaries-general of the U.N.

The special position of the United Nations Library at Geneva, as it is officially called, is motivated by its historical character (it was founded in 1919), the richness and many-sidedness of its collections (it functions as library, museum and archives simultaneously), the variety of organizations and agencies to be serviced, its nature of being a study-centre (open for the public), as well as by its significance in the library system of Switzerland.

The library is divided into the following units:
1. Processing department (including acquisitions)
2. General reference department (including book bindery and stacks)
3. Department of documentation and special reading rooms
4. Department of historical collections (archives of the League of Nations, manuscripts, museum).

The number of the library staff is 43, but certain tasks are performed centrally. The composition of the library staff shows the principle of geographical distribution, representing 19 countries and 28 languages.