Scientific Library of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv is the main scientific library of the University, one of the largest and most ancient scientific libraries of Ukraine with a collection of more than 3 million volumes. Founded in 1608 as a book collection of the Jesuit College in Lviv. Director – Vasily Khmet.
The library’s holdings today comprise more than three million books, 120,000 of which are unique old printed books and manuscripts, the oldest of which dates from the 13th century. The funds are divided into seven structural groups:
- A collection of handwritten, printed and rare publications
- Foundation of periodicals
- Foundation of the Scientific and Bibliographic Department
- Book storage fund
- Educational Literature Foundation
- Reserve and exchange fund
The library saved many unique books and manuscripts. In particular, the holdings of the library include books from the personal library of the French Cardinal Mazarini, the French King Louis XV, the Polish King Sigismund II, Hetman Ivan Mazepa.
At the end of the eighteenth century, the university’s scientific library was the only state depository of the documents of the Commonwealth, and with the liquidation of state and church institutions, documents and books were transmitted here. At that time, books from the 147 abolished monasteries, including those from Skit Maniavsky, were included in the book collection.
Since 1807, the library has received a compulsory copy of periodicals and scholarly publications appearing in the territory of the state. This rule was in force until 1939. That is why the periodical fund in this library is the largest in Ukraine.
During the Austrian period, in the history of Lviv, the library was staffed with receipts from all over Austria-Hungary.