Mission statement

Vision

The University Library Bern shares the University’s vision of a knowledge society in which information is publicly available and presented in a comprehensible manner. As a knowledge service provider, it makes a material contribution to this within and outside the University.

Our mission is to provide literature and information

• We support University teaching and research with our printed and electronic media collection.
• As a cantonal library, we are open to a wide public and promote lifelong learning.
• We preserve, extend and communicate our collections as an important part of Bern’s cultural heritage.
• We promote data and information literacy with a wide-ranging program of training courses and expert advice.

Our mission is to support research

• We support researchers with services along all stages of the research cycle.
• In cooperation with other University units, we provide relevant technical infrastructures.
• In accordance with national and international standards, we create the conditions for the transparent and reliable management of research data.
• We advise and support researchers on topics relating to open science.

Our mission is to create places of work, learning and social interaction

• We design attractive spaces for research, for individual or group learning, for discussion or for relaxation.
• We enrich Bern’s cultural life with exhibitions and courses.
• With research-related lectures and events, we build a bridge between the University and society.

We render service of a very high quality

• We make use of the wide range of training and development opportunities to continuously improve our skills.
• We work with best-practice models in the library sector and comply with national and international standards to ensure a high level of service.
• We provide our services cooperatively, i.e., in dialog with users, to accurately identify their needs and technical differences in requirements.
• We review the level of our performance based on usage measurements and promptly implement any necessary improvements.
• We ensure the continuous development of locations and services.

Our actions are based on values

• At the University and in society, we raise awareness of the relevance of high-quality information-related course offerings.
• Through our commitment to education, we are contributing to the future of the library and information system.
• We create a framework in which employees, teams and supervisors treat each other and users with respect and appreciation.
• We use public funds carefully by ensuring that our processes are efficient and our organizational structures are designed to be operationally effective.
• Wherever possible, we take into account the principles of environmental sustainability by using resources such as space and energy sparingly.

Bern, January 2026