Specialised Information

The Saxon State Office offers public libraries the service of entering data for the statistics. For this purpose, we take over the online entry of data for the approximately 212 part-time managed public libraries (ÖB/N) and for full-time managed public libraries (ÖB/H) that cannot do this themselves. A plausibility check is carried out on the data recorded for the public libraries and, if necessary, the data is completed and corrected. The data entry period for the DBS always begins on 2 January of each year. For public libraries, the entry period ends on 15 February at midnight. After this time, it is no longer possible to enter data via the library's DBS access. Later entries can still be made by the State Library Office for a limited period.

The Libraries subpage on the ESD Saxony portal was created following the update of the state strategy initiated in 2024 and is being set up in collegial cooperation as a collection point on the topic of ESD in libraries.

The site offers information from and for libraries that deal with the 17 sustainability goals in different ways. You will find ideas for sustainable library work, events, support for public relations work and information opportunities.

Library staff are expressly invited to contribute to this page. (Contact: landesfachstelle@slub-dresden.de).

As part of the ESD pilot program, communication tools with ESD and SDG reference were created that can be used by all libraries in Saxony.

ESD in libraries

On 24.11.2025, a workshop on the topic of sustainability in FaMI training took place in the 2nd FaMI apprenticeship year at the Gutenbergschule Leipzig.
Janet Wagner, trainer and contact person at the FU Berlin University Library and active member of the "Green Library Network", gave an introduction to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and suggestions on how a green library or more sustainable work in archives can succeed.
In the workshop, the future media and information services specialists (FaMIs specializing in libraries and archives) developed ideas on how work processes or services can be made more sustainable in their training institution. After an initial trial phase, the three best ideas will be jointly awarded prizes by the Saxon State Office for Libraries and the network.

Instagram post from the LFS about the event
Blog post by Janet Wagner (biblioblog of the FU Berlin University Library)

In December 2026, the Saxon state government decided to update the 2018 state strategy on education for sustainable development (ESD). In doing so, the Saxon state government is also implementing a measure from the 2024 coalition agreement.

The current version of the Saxon State Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) published by the State Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is available as a PDF. It can be downloaded from the publications database of the Free State of Saxony.

Building issues are often a major challenge, especially for smaller public libraries. The State Library Office will advise you on the construction and expansion as well as on furnishing, library organization and administration.

The German handout on building and equipping public libraries offers you initial guidance.

Requirements and recommendations for planning can also be found in DIN 67700 Bau von Bibliotheken und Archiven (Construction of libraries and archives) - you can access this via our specialist library or digitally in the Nautos database.

Please feel free to contact us!

Contact building consultancy
Dr. Robert Langer
Phone: +49 351 4677-591
E-mail: robert.langer@slub-dresden.de