University Library Basel

The University Library Basel with its five locations is one of the most important public information centres in the region. With holdings of around 7.5 million printed and electronic media and half a million visitors annually, it is one of the largest academic libraries in Switzerland. It is also the cantonal library of Basel-Stadt and is open to the public. The library fosters dialogue through its numerous temporary exhibitions, events and presentations.

First attested in 1471, the University Library is the oldest secular library in Switzerland. As a memory institution, it carefully preserves its important historical collections, which date back to the 8^th century, and thanks to a comprehensive digitisation programme, is making an increasing number of items available online. In its role as mediator between academia and society, the library offers various stakeholders an all-round learning and meeting environment.

As the central library of the university, the University Library collects academic literature in all subject areas. Non-academic literature is only included to the extent to which there is an academic interest in it.
In its function as a cantonal library, the University Library collects Basiliensia in the sense of a non-legal deposit, provided there is an academic or local historical interest in them.
In addition, the University Library, which was mentioned for the first time in 1471, holds an extensive historical collection of manuscripts, early prints, music, maps and portraits.

The University Library’s holdings are supplemented by the libraries of the university’s institutes, a number of special libraries (see List of libraries in the Basel Library Network) and the Allgemeinen Bibliotheken der GGG.

For the specific foci of the collection of individual subject areas, click here!