As the central academic library of the Republic of Austria, the Austrian National Library looks back to a history rich in tradition going as far as the 14th century. It is a living bridge between the rich heritage of the past and the future-oriented demands of a modern information society.

The Austrian National Library regards itself as a centre of information and research oriented toward serving the public, as an outstanding national memory institution and as a multi-faceted centre of education and culture.

With its eight collections from the most diverse time and language areas, the Austrian National Library is one of the most important libraries in the world.

It presents its valuable holdings to the public in the Baroque State Hall as well as in five other museums: the Literature, Papyrus, Globe and Esperanto Museums and the House of Austrian History.