Services

The library primarily serves WBG staff, but we’re happy to help with general inquiries about our services. The library does not grant visitor passes. However, if you have a valid WBG HQ visitor pass, you may access the physical library.

WBG Records and Archives

To access public WBG Records, please submit your request. WBG Records are governed by the Access to Information Policy. Visit the Archives.

Before Contacting the WBG Library:

If you have questions, please first consult these resources:

• Research Guides: Access curated content on various WBG topics.
• WBG Infoguide: Find trusted public sources about the WBG and economic development.
• Email Alert: Stay updated on the latest WB news, projects, documents, and research.
• Development Reflections: Explore personal experiences and stories from WBG staff through papers, briefs, and conversations.
• Library Catalog: Discover our collection.

For WBG Retirees, Spouses & Partners:

• Borrowing: 

WBG retirees, spouses, and partners of WBG Staff residing in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia may borrow from the WBG library physical collections.

• Visiting the Library:

The library does not grant visitor passes. However, if you have a valid WBG HQ visitor pass, you may access the physical library.

Access a variety of freely available repositories and information sources from the WBG.

Publications & Records

• Documents and Reports                            
  World Bank Group’s final and official documents and reports from 1946 to date.

• Open Knowledge Repository (OKR)
  Official open-access repository for World Bank research and knowledge. 

• Archives
  Preserves the institutional memory of the World Bank Group and provides public access to records of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

• Puchasing WBG Publications
  How to order publications produced by the World Bank Group.

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Data

• World Development Indicators
  World Bank’s premier compilation of cross-country comparable data on development.

• World Bank Open Data
  Open access to global development data.

• Databank
  Access to time series datasets, including WDI, Doing Business, sustainable development goals, debt, and many others.
• Data Catalog   
  15,000+ datasets with development relevance, including time series, microdata, and geospatial.

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Learning

• WBG Academy
  Acquire technical skills and expertise through e-learning and in-person courses.

Multimedia & Social Media

• World Bank photo collection on Flickr
  13,000+ photos on World Bank projects and events.

• Historic multimedia catalog
  100,000+ photographs and a small but growing number of audio and video recordings documenting the operations and history of the World Bank Group.

• The Development Podcast
  World Bank's flagship monthly podcast.

See more