Inception to Integration: World Bank Library
The World Bank’s Board hired a librarian in 1947, less than a year after the institution opened for business. Over the decades the number of topical libraries grew. By the 1980s these smaller collections were gradually consolidated into 3, the Executive Director’s Library, the WB Legal Library, and the main World Bank Group Library.
Often working closely with the IMF, as part of the Joint Bank-Fund Library Network, WB librarians are dedicated to serving the informational needs of WBG staff.
In coordination with the WBG Archives and the 1818 Society, the library has a special collection of books on World Bank History. They also run the Development Reflections program, gathering short interviews from retiring/retiree staff.