Diese Festschrift, publiziert aus Anlass des 65. Geburtstages von Dr. Rolf Griebel, ehrt diesen fur seine Leistungen als Generaldirektor der Bayerischen Staatsbibliothek, eine der weltweit bedeutendsten Universal- und Forschungsbibliotheken. Das Autorenverzeichnis umfasst bedeutende Beitrager aus dem deutschen und internationalen Informations- und Bibliothekswesen, aus Kultur, Wissenschaft und Politik. Die Beitrage thematisieren die moderne Bibliothek als Wissenszentrum und Wissensspeicher, als Dienstleister fur Forscher, Lehrende und Studierende sowie als Gedachtnisinstitution und damit als Trager unseres kulturellen Selbstverstandnisses. Ein dezidierter Schwerpunkt liegt auf der zukunftigen Rolle der Bibliothek in der digitalen Informationsgesellschaft. Ein Schriftenverzeichnis Rolf Griebels beschliesst das Werk.

The Bavarian State Library is one of Europe's largest and most important universal libraries, with unique stocks and collections. In this publication celebrating the library's 450th anniversary, the authors present a view behind the scenes of this "Treasury of Knovwledge". Besides historical topics and descriptions of the most important collections, the articles describe current issues and future challenges - for example the whole issue of mass digitalisation, the roles of net-based user services or library marketing. There is also a detailed account of the Library's role as the central archive and state library of the Free State of Bavaria. As one of the most important collections of source materials in the world, the Bavarian State Library is guardian of a centuries-old cultural heritage and at the same time positions itself as a modern, innovative service centre for the knowledge society. A selected bibliography completes this anniversary volume.

This Festschrift, prepared and presented to Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Elmar Mittler on the occasion of his 65th birthday, honours his achievements and his influence in Germany and internationally, as a librarian in Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Heidelberg and GAttingen, as an honorary professor, honorary doctor and ordinary, as an author and editor, as an "inspirer, creative thinker and initiator." The list of authors reads like a who's who of both the German and international library worlds, with contributions from culture and academia. The contributions themselves are dedicated to current questions and focal points concerning books, libraries and universities. A list of Elmar Mittler's writings rounds the work off.