The collections of the National Library (NL) are kept in two underground stacks, which have sufficient space to meet physical archiving needs until 2032.
© NB, Simon Schmid
The closed stacks are not accessible to users. They currently hold more than 6.5 million units on 90,000 linear metres of shelving. This figure grows by 1,300 linear metres each year, corresponding to around 70,000 documents.
Modern technology
The stacks are fully air-conditioned and ventilated with filtered air. On each floor the climate is computer-controlled, with the temperature maintained at 18°C and humidity at 45%. One floor is dedicated to photographic materials with a temperature of 13°C and a humidity level of 35%. Works are moved around by staff members from the stacks and logistics department and by the Swisslog transport system: 34 trolleys with a carrying capacity of 15kg transport the works to our circulation desk in around three minutes. Each week, some 2,000–3,000 different items enter and leave the stacks.
Custom-made equipment
The stacks are equipped with 14-metre-long mobile shelving (a world first) and drawers. To save space and maximise the available area, 98% of the installation is mobile and was custom-made to accommodate the dimensions of the various collections.
Arrangement by format
The stacks hold a wide range of collections comprising multiple formats, forms and materials: books, periodicals, maps, posters, music scores, audiovisual media, prints, sculptures, 3D objects and furniture. Works are arranged by format on shelves or in drawers. They can be collected from the circulation desk 30 minutes after they are ordered. Their condition is checked after use and then they are returned to the stacks.
Facts and figures
East stack
- Year of opening: 1997
- Underground levels: 7
- Depth: 27 metres
- Available surface area: 5,600 m2
- Used for: mainly monograph documents
West stack
- Year of opening: 2009
- Underground levels: 4
- Depth: 18 metres
- Available surface area: 6,300 m2
- Used for: mainly periodicals
Last modification 03.12.2025
