Dag Hammarskjold Library

Dag Hammarskjold Library is a major research library located within the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, serving as a central hub for United Nations research and information. The library is named after the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dag Hammarskjold, who played a crucial role in shaping the organization's mission and values, as seen in his involvement in the Suez Crisis and the Congo Crisis. The library's establishment was made possible through the efforts of Trygve Halvdan Lie, the first Secretary-General of the United Nations, and John D. Rockefeller Jr., a prominent philanthropist and supporter of the United Nations. The library's collection and services are utilized by United Nations Member States, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Health Organization.

● History

The library's history dates back to 1946, when the United Nations Preparatory Commission established a small library to support the work of the United Nations Conference on International Organization in San Francisco. The library grew rapidly, and by the 1950s, it had become a major research center, providing access to United Nations documents, international law materials, and other resources related to global governance and international relations, including the Treaty of Versailles and the Hague Conventions. The library was officially dedicated in 1961, in honor of Dag Hammarskjold, who had served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1953 until his death in 1961, and had played a key role in shaping the organization's response to the Cold War and the Decolonization of Africa. The library has since become a vital resource for researchers and diplomats, including those involved in the Camp David Accords and the Oslo Accords.

● Collections

The library's collections include over 400,000 volumes, as well as a vast array of United Nations documents, international law materials, and other resources related to global governance and international relations, including the Geneva Conventions and the Paris Peace Accords. The library's collections are particularly strong in areas such as human rights, sustainable development, and peacekeeping, with materials from organizations such as the International Court of Justice and the World Trade Organization. The library also provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, including United Nations databases and academic journals such as the American Journal of International Law and the European Journal of International Law. Researchers can also access materials from other libraries and institutions, including the Library of Congress and the British Library, through the library's interlibrary loan program.

● Architecture

The library is located within the United Nations Headquarters complex, which was designed by the architectural firm Harrison & Abramovitz in collaboration with Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer. The library's building is a striking example of International Style architecture, with a sleek and modern design that reflects the United Nations' commitment to international cooperation and global citizenship. The library's interior features a spacious reading room, as well as a range of study areas and meeting rooms, including the Economic and Social Council chamber and the Security Council chamber. The library's design has been influenced by other notable buildings, such as the Palace of Nations in Geneva and the Peace Palace in The Hague.

● Services

The library provides a range of services to support the research and information needs of United Nations staff, delegates, and other authorized users, including research assistance and document delivery services. The library's staff are experts in United Nations documentation and international law, and are available to provide guidance and support to researchers, including those from non-governmental organizations such as the International Rescue Committee and the World Wildlife Fund. The library also offers a range of training and outreach programs, including orientation sessions and research workshops, to help users make the most of its collections and services. Additionally, the library collaborates with other libraries and institutions, such as the New York Public Library and the Columbia University Libraries, to provide access to a wide range of resources and expertise.

● Namesake

The library is named after Dag Hammarskjold, the second Secretary-General of the United Nations, who served from 1953 until his death in 1961. Dag Hammarskjold was a Swedish diplomat and economist who played a crucial role in shaping the United Nations' response to the Cold War and the Decolonization of Africa. He was a strong advocate for international cooperation and global citizenship, and worked tirelessly to promote the United Nations' values of peace, justice, and human rights, as seen in his involvement in the Suez Crisis and the Congo Crisis. Dag Hammarskjold was posthumously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1961, in recognition of his contributions to international peace and security, and his legacy continues to inspire United Nations staff and delegates, including those involved in the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Children's Fund.