Conter explained that the tasks and services of the National Library extend far beyond those of a regular library. Not only is it about giving people access to books and documents, but also about establishing a link between international editors and the scientific community here in the Grand Duchy, he continued and referred to their vast offer of international technical literature.
“I think we have survived the Covid crisis rather well,” said Conter during the interview. “92,000 people passed through our reading rooms last year, 68,000 documents were loaned, and the Library has no fewer than 36,000 registered members.”
He also described the impressive digital offer of the Kirchberg-based institution, which probably contributed to the smooth running of the Library during the health crisis: “We offer more than 115,000 e-books in the field of recreational literature, but also more than 68,000 specialised magazines and more than 20,000 films.”
Conter argued that Luxembourg’s internet landscape with artist and business websites is also part of the country’s heritage, which is why the Library tries to store as much information as possible. This further includes social media posts and an estimated 1,200 archived Twitter accounts, as this will be of use to future historians.
The digitisation of so-called ‘Luxemburgensia’, which includes all documents published and printed in Luxembourg as well as those published abroad by Luxembourg nationals or related to Luxembourg, is continuing, “even if we could move forward a little faster”, stressed Conter.
He further stated that a decade ago, several cultural institutions urged the government to recognise the importance of digitalisation: “We missed an opportunity a few years ago, most notably in terms of the budget, but we are catching up.” By 2030, those in charge of the National Library want to have digitalised all Luxembourgish newspapers, magazines, and books to make them universally accessible.
