Storting Library

Storting Library. It is the parliamentary library of Norway, serving the members and administration of the Storting. Founded concurrently with the modern Norwegian constitution, the library supports the legislative process through specialized collections and research services. Its holdings encompass law, political science, history, and economics, with a particular focus on Norwegian parliamentary documents and international affairs.

History

The library's origins are intrinsically linked to the establishment of the modern Norwegian state following the Treaty of Kiel and the adoption of the Norwegian Constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. Initially, its collection was modest, primarily comprising legal texts and historical works essential for the nascent parliament. Throughout the 19th century, under directors like Johan Storm Munch, it systematically expanded its acquisitions, mirroring the political developments of the Union between Sweden and Norway. A significant milestone was its move into the newly completed Storting building designed by Emil Victor Langlet in 1866. The 20th century saw further professionalization, with the library actively collecting documents from international bodies like the United Nations and the European Union after World War II, solidifying its role as a premier research institution for Norwegian politics.

Collections

The library's core collection exceeds 500,000 items, with a paramount emphasis on Norwegian official publications, including every edition of the *Stortingsforhandlinger* (parliamentary proceedings) and reports from entities like the Office of the Auditor General of Norway. It maintains comprehensive holdings in Norwegian law, including legislation, preparatory works, and rulings from the Supreme Court of Norway. The international collection is robust, featuring treaties, documents from the Nordic Council, and publications from major organizations such as the OECD and the World Bank. Special collections include historical political pamphlets, an archive of Norwegian election posters, and a significant depository of materials related to the European Economic Area agreement, crucial for understanding Norway's relationship with the European Union.

Services and access

The library provides extensive, confidential research and reference services exclusively for members of the Storting, their political advisors, and the parliamentary administration. These services include in-depth literature searches, compilation of briefing materials on current issues, and analysis of legislative history. While the primary reading room is within the Storting building and access to the stacks is restricted, the library's digital catalog, **StortingBib**, is publicly accessible online. Through this portal, citizens can search a vast database of parliamentary documents and official publications. The library also engages in public outreach through exhibitions and lectures, often in collaboration with institutions like the National Library of Norway and the University of Oslo.

Role in parliamentary work

The library is a fundamental non-partisan resource in the Norwegian legislative process. It provides critical support to parliamentary committees—such as the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs or the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence—by supplying comparative studies, international legal analyses, and historical background for proposed laws like those concerning the Government Pension Fund of Norway. During question times and debates, it furnishes members with rapid factual checks and statistical data from sources like Statistics Norway. Its work ensures that deliberations on significant matters, from amendments to the Constitution of Norway to international treaties, are informed by comprehensive and authoritative documentation.

Building and location

The library is centrally located within the historic Storting building on Karl Johans gate in downtown Oslo. While its main reading rooms and offices are integrated into this complex, a significant portion of its collections is housed in a modern, closed-stacks storage facility. The architectural heart of its public-facing service is the ornate main reading room, which reflects the 19th-century design of the original building. Its position at the political epicenter of Norway, adjacent to key government institutions like the Royal Palace, Oslo and near major cultural hubs such as the National Theatre (Oslo), underscores its institutional importance. The library's physical and digital presence facilitates a direct connection between the parliamentary process and the public sphere.

Category:Libraries in Norway Category:Storting Category:Government of Norway