Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics

From a modest 820 volumes in 1906, the Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics has grown into a treasure trove of economic knowledge. It stands as a testament to the enduring importance of education and the power of knowledge. The Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics was founded alongside the Warsaw School of Economics (then known as Private Economics Courses for Men). The school’s founder, August Zieliński, recognized the essential role a library would play in fostering economic understanding. In the early years, the library faced challenges, including a lack of dedicated space. Its growing collection was moved repeatedly to larger rented facilities. After Poland regained independence in 1918, the school’s rector commissioned a new building for the Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics. The building, designed by Jan Witkiewicz-Koszczyc, opened in 1931 on Rakowiecka Street. It was a landmark achievement, one of the first library buildings constructed in newly independent Poland. Professor Konstanty Krzeczkowski, the library’s director from 1918, played a pivotal role in shaping its future. He transformed it into a leading resource for economic literature in Central Europe, expanding the collection to an impressive 150,000 volumes by 1939. The Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics endured through the tumultuous years of World War II. Professor Krzeczkowski was tragically arrested and imprisoned, passing away soon after his release. His successor, Andrzej Grodek, protected the library’s holdings throughout the occupation, even during the Warsaw Uprising. Remarkably, the Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics became the first library to reopen in Warsaw after the war, its doors welcoming patrons once again on February 25, 1945. Today, the Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics boasts over one million volumes. It serves not only the students and researchers of the Warsaw School of Economics, but also the general public. The library’s collection covers a wide range of economic disciplines, from econometrics and economic policy to marketing and management. It also houses valuable first editions and manuscripts, preserving the history of economic thought. The library has embraced modern technology. Its computerized catalog, powered by the ALEPH system, and online databases provide easy access to its vast collection. The Library of SGH Warsaw School of Economics has faced numerous challenges, from wartime occupation to the rapid advancements of technology. Yet it has consistently adapted and evolved, remaining a vital center for economic learning in Poland. Its story is a reflection of the resilience and dedication of those who understand the transformative power of knowledge.