Right here stands the Centre technique de la Bibliothèque nationale de France / Centre technique du livre de l’enseignement supérieur. It is a place dedicated to preserving knowledge. Have you ever wondered where libraries store books that don’t get read often? The Centre technique de la Bibliothèque nationale de France / Centre technique du livre de l’enseignement supérieur or CTLes is the answer.
CTLes was created in 1994. It provides storage for university libraries in the Île-de-France region. This helps libraries manage their collections efficiently. The CTLes offers a vital service. It stores and provides access to less frequently used materials.
The CTLes acts as a regional deposit library. It features optimal conditions for surveillance and conservation. This ensures that books and documents are well preserved for future generations. The CTLes helps libraries deal with limited space. It also aids during renovations or after disasters.
In the 2000s, the limited space in Parisian university libraries became alarming. The CTLes was conceived as a solution. It was modeled after deposit libraries in the United States and Finland. The Centre technique de la Bibliothèque nationale de France also built a technical annex outside Paris. Both ministries agreed on a single site. This allowed them to share construction and management costs.
The CTLes opened in 1996. It is located in Bussy-Saint-Georges. This is about 25 km from Paris. The location is within the Gustave Eiffel industrial park.
The CTLes offers three types of storage. Libraries can cede ownership of their books. They can deposit books while retaining ownership. The CTLes also provides temporary storage for urgent situations.
The CTLes plays a key role. It supports cooperative management of printed periodicals. The CTLes supports thematic conservation plans. These plans are part of the CollEx-Persée program.
In 2011, the CTLes expanded by 10,000 square meters. This added 50 km of shelving. The expansion considered specific needs. As a paper deposit, the building meets strict environmental protection standards. The CTLes also uses geothermal heating.
The CTLes handles about 20,000 document requests each year. This ensures stored materials remain accessible. A vehicle delivers documents daily to partner libraries in Paris. Postal services handle deliveries elsewhere.
The CTLes coordinates 16 shared conservation plans. These involve about 200 libraries. These plans cover diverse subjects. These include philosophy, law, and Balkan studies. This collaboration helps avoid unnecessary duplicates. It also makes space for new acquisitions.
CTLes actively participates in the European Print Initiatives Collaboration. This group addresses challenges in book conservation. The group facilitates cross-border loans. They promote best practices in collection management.
So, the next time you visit a library, remember the Centre technique de la Bibliothèque nationale de France / Centre technique du livre de l’enseignement supérieur. It works quietly behind the scenes. The Centre technique de la Bibliothèque nationale de France / Centre technique du livre de l’enseignement supérieur helps preserve our shared literary heritage.