A short chronicle of Freie Universität Berlin University Library
The Central Library shortly after it opened 1954
Image Credit: Reinhard Friedrich / FU Berlin, UA, Foto-S, Sig. RF/0029-02
Since 1948, what is now the University Library of Freie Universität Berlin has developed from a small central library office into a large, modern university library.
In addition to technical innovations and digital infrastructure, its history has been shaped by a process of gradual consolidation – in 1970, there were still around 190 separate libraries at Freie Universität.
Today, the University Library comprises the central library, which acts as a coordinating body, twelve subject libraries of national and, in some cases, international significance in their respective disciplines, and the University Archives. Across 14 locations, it offers a wide range of study and work areas as well as a broad range of training courses. It supports the members of the Freie Universität by providing information, literature and services for research, teaching and study.
In brief
- 1952 – Founding of the University Library
- 1954 – Move to its own building at Garystr. 39
- 1963 – 2020 – The University Library serves as a documentation centre for UN/EU documents
- 1965 – 1994 – The University Library is the legal deposit library for the State of Berlin
- 2005 – Opening of the Philological Library
- 2008 – Launch of the institutional repository Refubium (in German)
- 2010 – Introduction of the Primo library portal
- 2015 – Opening of the Campus Library
- 2023 – Launch of the Oral-History.Digital platform and the online exhibition ‘Erlebte Geschichte’ (in German)
- 2024 – Launch of the FU Lexicon (in German)