The future always was there: continuity to the Portuguese National Library’s mission

Abstract

A brief overview of libraries in the Ancient World reveals some trends in libraries today. At the National Library of Portugal, which is over two hundred years old, an identical strategy was followed. Its institutional responsibility, uniqueness and irreplaceable nature, have guaranteed the library’s longevity, throughout auspicious and lucky, or depressing and dull times. Undertaking its mission together with its resilience and autonomy must have been decisive as well. To what extent can these characteristics coexist with technological needs and requirements? If technology is to become predominant and is to shape the initiative, what kind of library will be left? Aside from the various types of media, collections development is the main trend in libraries. The case of the National Library only underlines the idea that this core element is most likely the guarantee of its institutional continuity.