Topic 8 – The Administrative Library becomes a Modern Information and Documentation Center
Library Cluster Minoritenplatz
Following the turn of the millennium, the Administrative Library was steadily developed into a modern information and library center. A major milestone came in July 2002 with the foundation of the "Minoritenplatz Library Cluster", beginning with the integration of the official library of the Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.
This was followed by the incorporation of the Austrian State Archives Library at the end of 2003, and the Ministerial Library of the Federal Ministry of the Interior in 2005. From 2008 to 2024, a joint system network was maintained with the libraries of the Federal Ministry of Justice. In January 2018, the library of the Federal Ministry of Civil Service and Sport joined the cluster, followed by the integration of the Federal Monuments Office library in spring 2021.
From 2006 to 2024, the Administrative Library also served as a depository library for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with direct access to the iLibrary. Its role was to collect, catalogue, and provide access to OECD publications and documents. As of mid-2024, these publications have become freely available online via www.oecd.org.
European Documentation Center (EDC)
Since March 2022, the Administrative Library has been one of 8 European Documentation Centers (EDCs) in Austria, providing access to documents, legal texts, and publications of the European Union. Its EDC-related activities include user training on EU-specific catalogues, databases, and search tools; support for research on European topics; assistance with literature procurement and reproduction requests to specialized libraries; and networking with experts within the EDC network. Joining the Austrian Library Network (OBV) in 2024.
Digital catalogues around the world now index not only print resources, but also multimedia content, electronic materials, and digital archives. To manage and provide access to such a broad range of media types, modern library systems must support interoperability, facilitate metadata management, and offer advanced user functionalities such as personalized recommendations and access to interactive resources.
Joining the Austrian Library Network in 2024
In response to these evolving requirements, the Administrative Library transitioned to the "Alma" system in 2024, replacing the legacy "Aleph" system. This migration also marked its official entry into the Austrian Library Network (Österreichischer Bibliothekenverbund, OBV), reinforcing a commitment to deeper library cooperation. Core tasks such as collecting, cataloguing, and access provision are now handled collaboratively to meet the demands of the 21st century.
As a result of this transition, the smaller library network maintained with the Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) since 2008 will be dissolved. Its database will also be integrated into the OBV infrastructure, ensuring long-term access and reusability of its holdings.
