The Técnico Library (BIST) has been in existence since 1911, the year which also saw the creation of Instituto Superior Técnico. It is a partial sucessor to the library at Lisbon’s Instituto Industrial e Comercial, which originated in the second half of the 19th century.

BIST is an academic library specialized in engineering, science and technology, possessing a vast documentary heritage enriched over the years. It now stands as one of the most important collections at a nacional level.

Goals

The Library must be a reference framework for students, professors and researchers and an information hub of open and accessible scientific knowledge. Its main expertise lies in the preservation, enrichment and management of  Técnico’s bibliographical and documentary heritage, education and research support, as well as the pursuit of its own cultural initiative.  All of this within Técnico’s organizational structure.

Mission

Our mission is to provide the academic community with access to services and quality information resources, support learning, education and research, cooperate in the processes of knowledge creation and transmission within Técnico, and contribute to information literacy

Vision

To stand apart as a quality service, supporting and assisting Técnico’s academic community, being an essential partner to education and learning, research and scientific outreach.

Values

• To provide a quality service
• To serve the community
• Institutional cooperation
• Academic community outreach
• Creativity and Innovation
• To keep up with general academic libraries’ tendencies
• Responsibility and professionalism
• To respect the code of ethics concerning Information Professionals