About the library
Photo: Stanislava Kyselová,
license CC-BY-SA-3.0.
Library of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Research Library
The Library of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a specialized scientific library primarily dedicated to supporting scientists and researchers. Its collections encompass a broad array of specialized books across various scientific disciplines and rare prints.
While the library primarily serves the professional community, its services are also accessible to the general public.
Additionally, the library is recognized for its emphasis on the digitization and archiving of scientific and scholarly documents, ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of scientific information. Since 2007, the institution has been officially recognized as a public research institution.
The library is shaped by
People
Caring for readers and supporting science
Currently, the Library of the CAS is managed by Ing. Magdaléna Vecková.
Dozens of employees are involved in the operation of the workplace, whose main task is to take care of the readers and visitors of the reading room so that they receive quality services and have access to all the necessary information.
In 2023, more than 45,000 visits were recorded, indicating the great popularity of the library.
In addition to taking care of visitors, the staff is also involved in other important tasks, such as ensuring the smooth operation of the scientific research institution.
This includes not only research and development in the field of library science and software development, but also digitization, administrative support and creating optimal conditions for the work of colleagues from the Czech Academy of Sciences.
Photo: Jana Plavec,
Division of External Relations of the CAS
70
+
years
history
More than seventy years ago, the activity of the Basic Library of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (CSAS) started, namely on 1 January 1953.
Construction of the headquarters of the Czech Savings Bank.
Completion of the second phase of the building of the then Savings Bank. The picture shows the lobby for clients.
Founding of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences.
Start of the Basic Library of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences.
The merger of the Basic Library of the Academy of Sciences and the Scientific Information Department created a new department, the Basic Library - Scientific Information Department of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences (ZK-ÚVI).
Establishment of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and creation of the Library of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.
Reconstruction of the former bank hall and library premises.
Opening of the reconstructed study room of the Library of the CAS.
Establishment of the Digitization Centre in Jenštejn.
The library is classified as a public research institution.
Gas explosion in Divadelní Street damaged the study room and the library premises.
The library caters to thousands of readers and professional staff annually.
Library collection
Library collection
The profile of the library collection focuses on documents containing scientific and professional information and on the publishing activities of the staff of Czech Academy of Sciences.
The collection is regularly updated with the latest Czech and international literature across all scientific disciplines to maintain its high quality, timeliness, and relevance.
In alignment with the library’s core mission, the composition of the collection is also focused on research in the field of library science. Additionally, it features a valuable selection of archival materials, manuscripts, early prints, and rare books.
Library users have the opportunity to actively participate in the expansion of the collection by submitting suggestions for the purchase of new books via a web form.