The Dag Hammarskjöld Library 1965–2005: Modernization and Outreach

Abstract

Abstract This article, by a long-time staff member and former Head Librarian, details the process of modernization of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library at United Nations Headquarters, New York, 1965–2005. It covers the Library's outreach efforts both to its primary clientele and worldwide, development of its databases, adoption of standard software packages to manage operations, the Library's website, online searching and contracting for electronic services, digitization of hard-copy materials, collaboration with other United Nations libraries, knowledge management, multilingualism. Analyses why various approaches were adopted, particularly with respect to the Library's databases, why they succeeded or did not succeed, and the extent to which the Library's efforts live up to the vision of the late Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld.