University Library of Bern UB

Organization and Mission

Mission statement

The mission statement of the University Library Bern was published as a small flip-book. Order

Knowledge is the future

  • The University Library Bern makes a major contribution to the success of the university and the significance of Bern as a seat of learning and research.

It is our task to provide literature and information

  • With our collection of printed and electronic media and a wide range of services, we support university teaching and research as an academic library.
  • As a cantonal library, we are also open to a wide public and thus promote personal continuing education.
  • We preserve, extend and communicate our collections as an important part of the cultural assets of Bern.
  • With our expertise, we advise other libraries, information and service offices.

We render service of a very high quality

  • We ensure the fast and use-oriented provision of information and facilitate customer-friendly access.
  • We promote information expertise with a wide-ranging program of training sessions and specialist advice.
  • We create attractive places conducive to individual or shared learning, conversation and relaxing.
  • We enrich the cultural life in Bern with diverse exhibitions and events.

The customers are the focus of our work

  • We see our work as a service for an academically-oriented public.
  • The requirements of our customers determine the development of what we offer.
  • We maintain friendly relations to our customers.
  • We engage in fair dealings with our business partners and nurture long-term relationships with them.

We appreciate our employees

  • We treat each other with respect and support each other when carrying out our duties.
  • Open communication and clear processes are important to us. We see interdepartmental collaboration as a benefit.
  • We learn from our mistakes and see them as an opportunity to develop.
  • We use the diverse range of training and continuing education to constantly improve.
  • We are committed to training up-and-coming professionals.

We optimize our offer by engaging in cooperations

  • We are networked within the university to constantly improve our services.
  • Together with supraregional and national network partners, we ensure a powerful library network.
  • We extend our sphere of influence in the collaboration with other cultural institutes.
  • We attentively follow international research and developments in the information and documentation sector and introduce new measures quickly.


University Library Bern, December 2009