Basel University Library
Library of the University of Basel, Switzerland
Basel University Library, officially the Public Library of the University of Basel (German: Öffentliche Bibliothek der Universität Basel, abbreviated UB), is the central library of the University of Basel. It also serves as the Cantonal Public Library (German: Kantonsbibliothek) for the city of Basel. With over 3 million items in its collections, the library is one of the largest in Switzerland. Founded in 1471, it is also one of the oldest in Europe.
The local name for the library is Universitätsbibliothek (literally translated: University Library). It contains more than 3,000,000 documents, including 1,750 medieval manuscripts and numerous incunabula dating from the time of the Council of Basel (1431–87). The majority of library resources are freely available to the public and most of its books can be electronically accessed and ordered.
Historical background
The first written evidence of the library's existence dates from the year 1471; its early date makes it one of the most important libraries of the country. The library began compiling its catalogue in volumes from 1559 to 1889, when began organizing its material by a so-called „Zettelform“ (or, roughly, list form, where the items of the catalogue can be found by author name). This was later changed to a subject heading catalogue in 1939.
The public source identifies “Basel University Library” as library of the University of Basel, Switzerland. This brief keeps that definition visible, then builds a research path around Basel, University and Library.
Why this record matters
A short description can identify a subject without explaining its stakes. For “Basel University Library”, the useful work is to connect “library of the University of Basel, Switzerland” to the records capable of establishing context and consequence.
The strongest evidence will usually combine a dated visual record with documents produced by the authority responsible for the place. The source revision retrieved here is dated Oct 28, 2024. The linked authority identifier is Q683842. VIAF identifies the subject as 146140663. The Library of Congress control number is n50079679. Authority coordinates are 47.559, 7.581. 5 of 5 selected statements include explicit references; 1 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank. The first chronological checks are 1471, 1431, 1559 and 1889.
Modern boundaries and familiar names can conceal earlier jurisdictions or structures that do not align with the present site. The lead is largely declarative, so disagreement and counter-evidence require a deliberate search beyond the opening account. Authority statements aid reconciliation but still require their own references, qualifiers and ranks to be checked.
How to read it
Treat names, boundaries and functions as historically changeable. Maps, plans, inventories and administrative records can clarify what the place meant at different dates.
- Historic place names
- Jurisdictional context
- Routes into maps and plans
Contemporary maps, plans, listed-building records, estate papers and the responsible local or national archive.
Three-step research path
- Establish the record: confirm the title “Basel University Library”, its source revision and the description used here.
- Expand the search: follow Basel University Library primary sources, Basel University Library archive and Basel research across catalogues and specialist indexes.
- Test the account: compare the strongest cited source with the responsible institution’s current record and note any disagreement.
Questions for further research
- Which source most directly establishes the central claim about “Basel University Library”?
- What physical evidence or contemporary plan supports the description?
- Which earlier names or jurisdictions may reveal additional records?
Search terms from this dossier
This entry incorporates text from “Basel University Library” on English Wikipedia. Contributors are listed in the page history. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Selected authority identifiers and statements are retrieved from Wikidata under CC0; their references and qualifiers remain part of the verification path.