As the largest library in Angola and the national library of the country, the Angola National Library serves as a repository for knowledge, information, and cultural heritage. It houses an extensive collection of materials that span across different genres, disciplines, and languages, making it a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, students, and the general public. In this article, we will explore the history, mission, services, and collections of the Angola National Library, as well as its significance in the country and beyond.
The Angola National Library, also known as the Biblioteca Nacional de Angola, is a public institution that was founded in 1963, during the Portuguese colonial period. It is located in the capital city of Luanda and operates under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Angola. The library’s mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate the intellectual and cultural heritage of Angola and to promote reading, research, and education throughout the country. With its rich and diverse collections, the Angola National Library is a vital institution for the advancement of knowledge and the preservation of cultural heritage in Angola.
History of the Angola National Library
The history of the Angola National Library can be traced back to the colonial period when the Portuguese government established several libraries and archives in Angola. However, these institutions were primarily focused on serving the needs of the colonial administration and were not accessible to the general public. In 1963, the Angola National Library was created as a public library with the aim of promoting literacy, education, and cultural development in Angola. The library initially operated from a small building in the center of Luanda but was later relocated to a larger facility in the outskirts of the city in 1983. In 2014, the library underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which increased its capacity and improved its infrastructure.
Mission and Vision of the Angola National Library
The Angola National Library’s mission is to collect, preserve, and disseminate the intellectual and cultural heritage of Angola and to promote reading, research, and education throughout the country. The library’s vision is to become a leading institution for the advancement of knowledge, culture, and development in Angola and beyond. To achieve its mission and vision, the Angola National Library has set several goals, including:
- To acquire, organize, and provide access to materials that reflect the intellectual and cultural diversity of Angola and its people.
- To develop and implement programs and services that promote reading, research, and education among the general public, students, and scholars.
- To collaborate with other libraries, archives, and cultural institutions in Angola and abroad to enhance the quality and scope of its collections and services.
- To preserve and conserve the library’s collections for future generations and to ensure their accessibility and usability.
Services and Resources by Angola National Library
The Angola National Library offers a range of services and resources to its users, including:
Online Catalog
The library’s online catalog, available on its website, allows users to search for materials in the library’s collections, including books, journals, newspapers, manuscripts, maps, and audiovisual materials. The catalog provides information on the availability, location, and circulation status of materials, as well as bibliographic data and subject headings. Users can also request materials through the online catalog and renew their loans.
Reading Rooms
The Angola National Library has several reading rooms that are open to the public and provide access to the library’s collections. The reading rooms are organized according to subject areas and include the following:
General Collection: This reading room houses materials in various disciplines, including history, literature, social sciences, and sciences.
Angola and African Studies Collection: This reading room is dedicated to materials on Angola and Africa, including books, journals, newspapers, and manuscripts.
Portuguese Language and Literature Collection: This reading room features materials in Portuguese, including literature, linguistics, and cultural studies.
Rare Books and Manuscripts Collection: This reading room houses rare and valuable materials, including manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books.
Music and Sound Recordings Collection: This reading room features recordings of music, speeches, and oral traditions from Angola and other countries.
Maps and Cartography Collection: This reading room houses maps, atlases, and globes, including historical and contemporary materials.
Visual Arts and Photography Collection: This reading room features materials on visual arts, including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic arts.
Government Publications and Legal Deposits Collection: This reading room houses official documents and publications issued by the government of Angola, as well as legal deposits of books and other materials.
Preservation and Conservation by Angola National Library
The Angola National Library has a dedicated team of professionals who are responsible for the preservation and conservation of the library’s collections. The team uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the long-term preservation of materials, including digitization, deacidification, and encapsulation. The library also has a climate-controlled storage facility that meets international standards for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Digital Library
The Angola National Library has a digital library that provides access to a growing collection of digitized materials, including books, manuscripts, photographs, and audiovisual materials. The digital library is accessible via the library’s website and provides users with remote access to materials that are not available in print.
Cultural and Educational Programs
The Angola National Library organizes and hosts a variety of cultural and educational programs, including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and book clubs. These programs are designed to promote reading, research, and cultural exchange among the general public, students, and scholars.
Conclusion
The Angola National Library is a vital institution in the cultural and educational landscape of Angola. With its vast and diverse collections, state-of-the-art facilities, and dedicated team of professionals, the library is a hub of research, learning, and cultural exchange. Its online catalog, reading rooms, interlibrary loan and document delivery services, preservation and conservation efforts, digital library, and cultural and educational programs make it a valuable resource for students, scholars, and the general public alike.
FAQs
- Who can use the Angola National Library?
The Angola National Library is open to the public and can be used by anyone interested in its collections and services.
- How do I access the Angola National Library’s online catalog?
The library’s online catalog can be accessed on its website.
- Can I request materials from other libraries through the Angola National Library?
Yes, the library offers interlibrary loan and document delivery services to its users.
- Does the Angola National Library have a digital library?
Yes, the library has a digital library that provides access to a growing collection of digitized materials.
- What kind of cultural and educational programs does the Angola National Library offer?
The library offers a variety of programs, including lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and book clubs, that promote reading, research, and cultural exchange.
References:
- Angola National Library. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bnangola.org/
- Angola National Library. (2018). In UNESCO-IFLA Library Map of the World. Retrieved from https://librarymap.ifla.org/library/bnangola
- Angola National Library. (n.d.). In World Digital Library. Retrieved from https://www.wdl.org/en/partner/1093/