A major step has been taken toward the development of NUK 2 – the University Library of Ljubljana, as the University of Ljubljana, the National and University Library (NUK), and the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana (CTK UL) have joined forces to shape its future development and operations.

At a joint press conference held at NUK in September, the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič; the Director of the National and University Library, Dr. Jana Kolar; and the Acting Director of the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana, Tilen Mandelj, signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in the NUK 2 project.

The three institutions share a vision of NUK 2 as an open, connected and modern centre of knowledge that will serve students, researchers, the professional community and wider society.

Addressing the Need for Modern Academic Space

The development of NUK 2 is one of the key infrastructure projects for Slovenia’s higher-education, research and library sectors. In addition to providing NUK with much-needed modern storage facilities for its collections, the project responds to the growing shortage of appropriate spaces for students, researchers and other library users.

NUK 2 is envisioned as an open and inclusive public space for study, education, research, creativity and innovation. It will create new opportunities for students and researchers to acquire and exchange knowledge, skills and experience, while providing an environment that brings together different user groups.

A Shared Vision for Integrated Library Services

Through their cooperation, the University of Ljubljana, NUK and CTK UL aim to develop a model that will provide users with high-quality, accessible and interconnected library and information services, while making effective use of space, infrastructure and public resources.

An inter-institutional operational group, with equal representation from all three institutions, has already begun its work. It will prepare coordinated proposals for legal, organisational, content-related, spatial and management arrangements, as well as a draft partnership agreement and operating model.

Partnership, Not Merger

The three institutions emphasise that the initiative is based on partnership and coexistence rather than organisational integration. The University of Ljubljana, NUK and CTK UL will each retain their institutional autonomy.

The aim is instead to strengthen cooperation in areas where joint action can improve the user experience, make the management of resources and infrastructure more efficient, and support the continued development of modern library services.

The Letter of Intent confirms the partners’ shared commitment to developing NUK 2 as a modern, connected centre of knowledge and to jointly preparing the practical solutions needed for its future operation.