NTNU University Library

NTNU University Library is the central academic library system serving the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and its community. Its origins trace back to the library of the Norwegian Institute of Technology, founded in the early 20th century. The library supports research, education, and innovation across fields like engineering, natural sciences, medicine, and the humanities. With multiple branches and extensive digital services, it is a key partner in the scholarly work of NTNU.

History

The library's foundation is linked to the establishment of the Norwegian Institute of Technology in 1910, with its first collections supporting the institute's programs. A significant early development was the construction of the main library building at Gløshaugen in 1912, designed by the architect Bredo Greve. Throughout the 20th century, it expanded through mergers, notably with the library of the Norwegian College of General Sciences in the 1990s. The formation of the modern Norwegian University of Science and Technology in 1996 through the merger of several institutions led to the consolidation of their respective libraries into the present unified system, further integrating collections from the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art and the Museum of Natural History and Archaeology.

Collections and services

The library's physical and digital collections are vast, encompassing millions of books, journals, theses, and specialized materials. It holds significant archival collections, including the papers of notable scientists like Kristian Birkeland and the archives of the Norwegian Institute of Technology. Special collections feature rare books, historical maps, and technical drawings. Key services include academic support, information literacy instruction, research data management guidance, and systematic review assistance. The library also provides access to major databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Oria, and offers interlibrary loan services through partnerships with institutions like the National Library of Norway and the Royal Library, Copenhagen.

Branch libraries

The library operates a decentralized network of branch libraries aligned with NTNU's academic structure. The largest is the Dragvoll branch, serving the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences. The Gløshaugen branch supports the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering. The Tyholt branch caters to the Faculty of Architecture and Design, while the Øya branch serves the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Additional specialized branches include the Gunnerus Library, which houses historical and special collections, and the Music Library at the Department of Music.

Architecture and facilities

The historic main building at Gløshaugen, an example of Jugendstil architecture, remains a central landmark. Modern expansions and renovations have integrated contemporary design, such as the award-winning Dragvoll library building designed by the architectural firm Snohetta. Facilities across branches include numerous reading rooms, group study areas, silent zones, and multimedia labs. The library provides advanced technological infrastructure, including 3D printers, virtual reality equipment, and high-performance computing workstations. Exhibition spaces regularly host displays from the Gunnerus Library's collections or collaborations with the Trondheim Art Museum.

Digital initiatives and open access

The library is a national leader in digital scholarship and open science. It manages the institutional repository NTNU Open, which provides free access to the university's research outputs, including articles, theses, and datasets. The library actively supports compliance with funder mandates from the Research Council of Norway and the European Commission's Horizon Europe program. It runs the publishing platform NTNU Journals and participates in national agreements with major publishers like Elsevier and Springer Nature to advance open access. Digital preservation is ensured through partnerships with the National Library of Norway and the CLARIN research infrastructure.

Governance and organization

The library operates as an administrative unit under the Rectorate of NTNU, with its director reporting to the University Director. Strategic direction is aligned with the university's overall plans and national higher education policies set by the Ministry of Education and Research. An advisory board with representatives from various faculties and the Student Society in Trondheim provides input on services and development. The library collaborates closely with other major Norwegian research libraries through the BIBSYS consortium and is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. Category:Academic libraries in Norway Category:Norwegian University of Science and Technology Category:Libraries in Trondheim Category:1910 establishments in Norway