University of Zaragoza Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids University of Zaragoza Library |
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| Paraninfo Building. Main Library | |
| Country |  Spain |
| Type | Academic library |
| Established | 1796 |
| Location | Management: Pza. Basilio Paraíso, 4. 50005 Zaragoza Libraries in  Zaragoza Huesca Teruel |
| Coordinates | 41°38′51.5″N 0°53′11.1″W / 41.647639°N 0.886417°W |
| Other information | |
| Director | Cristina Seguí Santonja |
The University of Zaragoza Library (BUZ) is the main library system for the University of Zaragoza in Spain. It helps manage all the books, journals, and digital information the university has. The library supports learning, teaching, and research for students and teachers. Its main goal is to help information grow, keep it safe, share it, and make it easy for everyone to use. The library is an important part of how new knowledge is created.
The way the library works, its goals, and its values are all written down. These details are found in its Policies and Services Manual and its Strategic Plan. The most recent plan covers the years 2021 to 2024.
The BUZ has 19 main libraries located across different campuses. It also has its main office and other smaller libraries. These smaller libraries are part of agreements with other organizations.
Contents
History of the Library
The University of Zaragoza Library officially opened on November 17, 1796. But the idea for it started much earlier. King Carlos III wanted all universities to have libraries. He gave a special order for this on March 14, 1759. This was part of a time of new ideas called the Enlightenment.
Sadly, the library's early progress stopped because of the Spanish War of Independence. On August 4, 1809, French troops attacked Zaragoza. The library building was destroyed during this second attack.
After the war, rebuilding the library began. But it needed a lot of money, so it took a long time. Because of this, the library often had to move. It did not have a permanent home for most of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The library officially reopened in 1849. By the late 1800s, it was split into three parts. These were the Main University Library, the Medicine and Science Library, and the Historical Archive. In the early 1900s, these collections were divided even more.
During the Spanish Civil War, the library's normal work changed. It focused on supporting the side of General Franco. For example, it provided books to soldiers. It also removed books that the government did not approve of.
During Franco's time, a new "University City" was built. Many university departments and their libraries moved there. This included the Colleges of Letters and Philosophy, Sciences, Law, and Medicine. Most old books and historical items went to the Letters and Philosophy building. But some books were still in the old Cerbuna Chapel. This chapel collapsed on May 6, 1973. The collapse happened because the building was old and not well cared for.
In 1984, a new law for universities was passed. The library began to rebuild itself after this. More staff were hired, and new library buildings were constructed. These included buildings for Economics and Business (1996) and Arts and Letters (2003).
The BUZ started to organize its collections better. It moved away from being so spread out, but still kept libraries in different colleges. From 1995 to the early 2000s, the library started using computers for its catalog. It also began to create a digital library.
In 1984, the university celebrated its 400th anniversary. The Main Library moved into a newly fixed building. This building was designed by Ricardo Magdalena, a famous architect from Zaragoza. It used to house the Colleges of Medicine and Science. In 2011, the Main Library and its services moved back to the main hall. The old reading room is now used to show off the library's special collections. This move happened after the space was fully restored, starting in 2006.
How the Library is Organized
The University of Zaragoza Library (BUZ) works as one big system. It has many different locations and is managed by a special library committee.
What the Library Holds
Collections of the University of Zaragoza Library
The University of Zaragoza Library has the most important collection of books and documents in the Aragon region. It holds over 1 million items. These items come in many forms, like books and digital files. The library also gives access to over 20,000 online journals and databases. These cover all the subjects taught at the university. You can access these online resources from 24 different spots on campus.
You can use "Roble," the online catalog, to find out what the library has. You can also sign up to get updates on new books. Since 2013, a search tool called "Alcorze" lets you search everything at once. This includes the library's catalog, digital collection, and online databases.
Keeping Old Books Safe
The university works hard to keep important knowledge safe. It has special collections of very old or valuable materials. Most of these are kept in the Main Library. Because these items are so unique, they are stored in a special area. There are extra rules for using them. Many of these items can be seen online through the University of Zaragoza Digital Archives.
Some of the most special items include 416 handwritten books from the 15th to 19th centuries. There are also 406 incunables. These are books printed before 1501. The library also has many printed works from the 16th to 18th centuries. Plus, there are many publications from research groups and cultural places in Aragon.
The BIVIDA project helps make old books on Aragonian law available online. It creates digital copies of these works from the library's collection.
Services the Library Offers
The library offers many services to help students and researchers. These include using its collections, providing study spaces, and offering help and teaching.
Accessing Collections
- Browsing and using materials inside the library.
- Borrowing: You can check out books in person. You can also renew books, place holds, and see your borrowing history online.
- Access to online books, journals, and other digital services.
Spaces and Tools for Learning
- Access to different areas and equipment. This includes classrooms, Wi-Fi, study rooms, and copy machines. There are also computers for public use.
The BUZ uses different ways to share news with users. This includes information about the library, its services, and events. It also helps users share their ideas and suggestions.
- News: The library's website shares the latest updates. This includes schedules, talks, and seminars. It also provides information for librarians. The library's blog, "Tirabuzón," helps connect with the university community. It also shares interesting news from the library world.
- Exhibitions: The library shows its historical collections through special displays. These are held in the main library's old reading room and other branch libraries.
- Web 2.0: The University of Zaragoza Library uses social media to connect with its users. It has pages on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Slideshare, Flickr, and Instagram. It also has a YouTube channel.
Managing Collections
- Course reserves: Special books are set aside for different classes.
- Research guides: These guides help you find books and get research support.
Getting Materials from Other Libraries
- Interlibrary loan: You can ask to borrow books from other libraries.
- Photocopying requests: You can ask for copies of articles or parts of books.
Learning About the Library
- General instruction: The library offers basic classes on how to use its resources.
- Specialized instruction: You can ask for special classes on specific topics.
- Information literacy: This teaches you how to find, use, and understand information well.
Open Access at the University of Zaragoza
Since 2008, the University of Zaragoza Library has strongly supported "open access." This means making research and information freely available online. The "Zaguán" digital collection helps with this. Zaguán lets you access many digital documents from the library's archives. These include articles, books, student papers, and reports. It also has personal collections given to the library, like those from the poet Miguel Labordeta.
Awards and Special Recognitions
In 2011, the library received the EFQM Excellence Award 400+ rating. This award is for good management systems. The library earned this rating again in 2013, 2015, and 2018.
Also, the Development Institute of Aragon recognized the library. It gave the library the Club Empresa 400 rating in 2012. In 2013, it gave the library the Award for Excellence in Business.
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca de la Universidad de Zaragoza para niños
