Since 1947, the Dag Hammarskjöld Library has arranged for the distribution and access of United Nations documents and publications to users around the world through a network of depository libraries.
At present, there are 348 depository libraries, located in 135 countries and 1 territory; They include national, parliamentary, public, and university libraries, as well as libraries at research institutes and think tanks.
In order to be designated a UN depository, libraries must commit to:
Collections of print material at depository libraries vary depending on the date they joined the network and the type of deposit they chose (Print Plus or partial).
Depository libraries provide expert reference and research assistance and can facilitate the discovery of UN information via traditional and electronic research tools.