Topic 2 – The Administrative Library during the First Republic

The Press Law Reform of 1922 granted the Administrative Library the official right to receive legal deposit copies, marking a significant step in the library's institutional recognition. In the same year, the library relocated from Hoher Markt to its new premises at Herrengasse 23. This period also saw the launch of an initial collaborative initiative aimed at simplifying and standardizing library procedures.

Reorganization of the Administrative Apparatus

Following the dissolution of the Habsburg Monarchy, the structure of Austria's administrative system underwent significant reform. In 1919, the Administrative Library was initially placed under the authority of the State Office for Home Affairs and Education, which was later restructured as the Federal Ministry of Home Affairs and Education.

By 1923, the responsibilities of this ministry were divided, leading to the establishment of a separate Federal Ministry of Education. As part of this reorganization, the functions of the Ministry of the Interior – along with oversight of the Administrative Library – were transferred to the Federal Chancellery.

Although the library remained at its original location at Hoher Markt during this transition, it was relocated in 1925 to its current home at Palais Porcia, Herrengasse 23.

Library Operations during the Interwar Period

In 1924, the Working Group of Official Libraries in Vienna was established, inspired by the model of the Association of Prussian Official Libraries. Camillo Susan, then head of the Administrative Library, served as the group's chairman.

The statutes of the working group outlined ambitious goals: to enhance the efficiency of library administration and to make official library collections accessible to the widest possible audience.

Despite its promising objectives, the envisioned reorganization of the public library system was ultimately not realized. The working group was dissolved in 1928.

100 Years of the Administrative Library at Palais Porcia (1925–2025)

Since 1925, the Administrative Library has been located at Herrengasse 23, in the historic Palais Porcia. Prior to this, the library was housed within the Ministry of the Interior on Wipplingerstraße, then relocated to Marc-Aurel-Straße in 1897, and subsequently to Hoher Markt No. 5 in 1921.

History of Palais Porcia 

Palais Porcia has served administrative functions since the mid-18th century. In 1753, it was adapted to house the provincial government of Lower Austria, serving as both an administrative and judicial building. As part of Emperor Joseph II's sweeping reforms, the separation of judicial and administrative powers was implemented in 1784. Following this reform, the building became home to several judicial institutions, including the K.K. Appellations- und Kriminal-Ober-Gericht in Niederösterreich ob und unter der Enns, the K.K. N.Ö. Landrecht, and the K.K. N.Ö. Mercantile und Wechselgericht.

In 1882, the Higher Administrative Court (Verwaltungsgerichtshof) was relocated from Weihburggasse to Palais Porcia, with architectural modifications made to accommodate its needs. In 1902, the Court of Audit (Rechnungshof) moved into the building, following the Administrative Court's relocation to Palais Epstein. With the passage of the Federal Constitutional Law in 1920, the Court of Audit was placed under the authority of the National Assembly and moved to a new address on Annagasse 5. Over the following years, Palais Porcia was used by various ministerial departments.

From an art historical perspective, Palais Porcia is one of Vienna's most significant Renaissance buildings. In 1535, Count Gabriel de Salamanca-Ortenburg – Treasurer General and Court Chancellor under Archduke Ferdinand of Austria – acquired the property, the oldest sections of which date back to around 1300. He commissioned the construction of the prestigious street-facing wing and connected it to the transverse wing by means of an elegant arcade structure.

At the end of the 16th century, the palace came into the possession of the noble Hofkirchen and Losenstein families. In addition to constructing the left wing of the courtyard, they undertook extensive architectural modifications. Their coats of arms remain prominently displayed in the center of the arcades, serving as lasting reminders of their patronage and the building's Renaissance heritage.

After several changes of ownership in the 17th century, the palace became the property of Johann Karl, Prince of Porcia, in 1667 – the namesake from whom the building derives its current name. The high Baroque extensions designed by architect Domenico Martinelli, including the continuation of the arcades and the creation of a second courtyard, also date from this period. The building was acquired by the state under Empress Maria Theresa around 1750. During its conversion into an administrative and judicial facility, the arcades were walled up. A fully sculpted, gilded double-headed eagle bearing a crown, along with the coats of arms of the Austrian provinces, was added above the main entrance – symbolizing its official function as a state building.

Renovation and Preservation (1992–1997)

The most recent comprehensive renovation of Palais Porcia took place between 1992 and 1997 as part of the Staatlicher Hochbau (State-Supported Construction) investment program.

Designed to stimulate the national economy through targeted investment in public infrastructure, the program included schools, universities, government buildings, and defense facilities.

The renovation project, titled Herrengasse 23 – Administrative Library (Palais Porcia), was budgeted in 1989 at 106.6 million Austrian schillings (approximately 18.4 million Euro). During the restoration, the historic arcades were reopened and enclosed with glass. A notable feature preserved during this renovation is the 16-meter-deep well shaft with ashlar masonry, located in the Sala Terrena. The groin-vaulted ceiling in the portico also stands out as an important example of period craftsmanship and design.