# Library Association of Austria

> Public Libraries in Austria

**Wikidata**: [Q1020349](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1020349)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/library-association-of-austria

## Summary
The Library Association of Austria (Büchereiverband Österreichs), also known as the BVÖ, is a library association and publishing house founded in 1948 and headquartered in Vienna. It represents public libraries in Austria and is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions. The organization operates the website bvoe.at and maintains significant bibliographic records under identifiers such as GND ID 2112387-1.

## Key Facts
- **Also Known As**: BVÖ, Büchereiverband Österreichs, bvoe.at
- **Founded**: 1948
- **Headquarters**: Vienna, Austria
- **Type**: Library association, publishing house
- **Membership**: International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
- **Website**: https://www.bvoe.at/
- **GND ID**: 2112387-1 (preferred, valid from 1988); 2148432-6 (former, valid through 1988, for "Verband Österreichischer Volksbüchereien und Volksbibliothekare")
- **ISNI**: 0000000106645254
- **VIAF ID**: 137684607
- **Ringgold ID**: 344628
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n91001654
- **Bibliothèque Nationale de France ID**: 124743053
- **National Library of the Czech Republic ID**: kn20060716002
- **Dewey Decimal Classification**: 021.69436
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/120n2m10
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Available in German (de) and Japanese (ja)
- **Logo**: Available via Wikimedia Commons

## FAQs
**What is the Library Association of Austria?**
The Library Association of Austria (BVÖ) is a Vienna-based organization that serves as both a library association and a publishing house, representing public libraries in Austria. Founded in 1948, it operates the website bvoe.at and participates in international library organizations.

**What is the history of the organization's name and identifiers?**
The organization currently operates under the name "Büchereiverband Österreichs" (BVÖ), a designation reflected in its preferred GND ID (2112387-1) since 1988. Previously, it was known as "Verband Österreichischer Volksbüchereien und Volksbibliothekare" (VÖVV), associated with GND ID 2148432-6 until 1988.

**What international affiliations does the Library Association of Austria have?**
The association is a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), connecting it to the global library community. It also maintains extensive bibliographic recognition through identifiers like ISNI, VIAF, Ringgold, and Library of Congress records.

**Where can information about the Library Association of Austria be found?**
Information is accessible via its official website (bvoe.at), its logo on Wikimedia Commons, and Wikipedia entries in German and Japanese. It is indexed in major library catalogs and authority files, including the German National Library, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and the National Library of the Czech Republic.

## Why It Matters
The Library Association of Austria plays a pivotal role in the Austrian library landscape by acting as a central organization for public libraries and serving as a publishing house for relevant literature. Its work supports the professional development of library services, the dissemination of information, and the cultural education of the public. Through its membership in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the BVÖ contributes to global standards and cooperation in the library sector. The organization's long history since 1948 and its evolution from the earlier Association of Austrian Popular Libraries and Librarians highlight its enduring significance in adapting to the changing needs of libraries and their patrons.

## Notable For
- **Dual Role**: Functioning as both a library association and a publishing house, a unique combination that allows it to produce and distribute professional literature for libraries.
- **International Integration**: Being an active member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, aligning Austrian public libraries with global best practices.
- **Historical Continuity**: Maintaining organizational continuity since 1948, with a name change in 1988 reflecting a modernized identity while retaining its core mission.
- **Extensive Bibliographic Recognition**: Holding identifiers across major global authority systems, including GND, ISNI, VIAF, Ringgold, Library of Congress, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and the National Library of the Czech Republic, demonstrating its established scholarly and professional presence.
- **Multilingual Wikipedia Presence**: Having Wikipedia articles in German and Japanese, indicating a reach beyond the German-speaking world.

## Body

### Organizational Profile
The Library Association of Austria (Büchereiverband Österreichs), widely referred to as BVÖ, is an organization headquartered in Vienna, Austria. It is classified as both a library association and a publishing house. The entity was founded in 1948 and operates the official website bvoe.at. Its primary scope involves public libraries in Austria.

### Names and Historical Identifiers
The organization has undergone a name change during its history. It was originally known as "Verband Österreichischer Volksbüchereien und Volksbibliothekare" (VÖVV). This former name is associated with the GND ID 2148432-6, which was valid until 1988. Since 1988, the organization has operated under its current name, "Büchereiverband Österreichs" (BVÖ), which corresponds to the preferred GND ID 2112387-1. This historical shift is documented in the German National Library authority files.

### International and Professional Membership
A key aspect of the BVÖ's profile is its membership in the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), an organization dedicated to the global library field. This membership connects the Library Association of Austria to an international network of library professionals and standards.

### Digital Presence and Media
The BVÖ maintains a digital footprint through its official website and social media or informational files. Its logo is hosted on Wikimedia Commons. Furthermore, the organization has a limited but multilingual presence on Wikipedia, with entries in the German (de) and Japanese (ja) languages.

### Authority Control and Library Classifications
The Library Association of Austria is extensively cataloged in major library systems and authority files worldwide.
- **German National Library (GND)**: Uses ID 2112387-1 (current, preferred) and 2148432-6 (historical).
- **International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI)**: Assigned ID 0000000106645254.
- **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF)**: Listed under ID 137684607.
- **Ringgold ID**: Assigned number 344628.
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n91001654.
- **Bibliothèque Nationale de France**: ID 124743053, with a start date of 1948.
- **National Library of the Czech Republic**: ID kn20060716002.
- **Dewey Decimal Classification**: 021.69436, placing it in the realm of library and information sciences.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/120n2m10.

These identifiers ensure the organization's unique disambiguation in scholarly, bibliographic, and informational contexts.

## References

1. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20230803111744/https://cdn.ifla.org/wp-content/uploads/ifla-members-and-association-affiliates_2023-07-21.pdf)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions