Deutscher Bibliotheksverband

The Deutscher Bibliotheksverband (dbv) is a comprehensive and influential organization dedicated to the promotion and support of libraries of all kinds in Germany. With nearly 2,100 members representing over 9,000 libraries with 25,000 employees and eleven million users, the dbv plays a central role in the social and cultural landscape of the country.

• Information and Media Competence: The dbv promotes information and media competence through diverse and multimedia offerings that ensure free access to knowledge, ideas, culture, and information[2][3].
• Reading Promotion: Supporting the basic competence "reading" is a central concern of the association to strengthen the entire educational process[1][3].
• Digital Transformation: The dbv accompanies libraries in the digital transformation by developing and disseminating methods for the production, evaluation, and long-term use of digital data[1][3].
• Cultural Heritage: The archiving and mediation of written cultural assets are essential components of the dbv's work to unlock the past and promote social development[1].

The mission of the dbv is deeply rooted in the values of democracy. Libraries are seen as anchor institutions of our democracy that promote information and freedom of opinion and strengthen central values such as tolerance, mutual understanding, and social participation. The association advocates for all citizens, regardless of their social background, to have access to education, culture, and information[1][2].

• Promotion of Democracy: The dbv actively works on shaping and defending an inclusive, democratic society. This is done by promoting tolerance and mutual understanding as well as by providing access to a diverse and balanced media inventory[2].
• International and National Cooperation: The association cooperates with national and international bodies and organizations to develop innovative library services and strengthen the social relevance of libraries[1][3].
• Campaigns and Statements: The dbv initiates campaigns such as "BuchistBuch" and "Weiter Wissen" to improve the legal and structural framework for libraries and highlight the importance of academic libraries[3].

The dbv continuously advocates for the adaptation of financial and legal frameworks to enable attractive and contemporary library offerings across the board. Additionally, the association works to find new ways to reach those who have not yet benefited from library offerings, particularly through the expansion of cooperation with schools, trade unions, and other civil society institutions[2].

The Deutscher Bibliotheksverband is thus an indispensable institution that advocates for the strengthening of democracy, the promotion of education, and the preservation of cultural heritage, playing a central role in German society.

• 1 - https://www.bibliotheksverband.de/sites/default/files/2020-12/2020_11_Strategie%202021-2025_mit%20Pr%C3%A4ambel%20und%20Mission_final.pdf
• 2 - https://bibliotheksportal.de/informationen/bibliotheken-und-demokratie/
• 3 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutscher_Bibliotheksverband
• 4 - https://www.bibliotheksverband.de/kommissionen
• 5 - https://www.oebib.de/bibliotheken/statistik/dbs-deutsche-bibliotheksstatistik