On 7 October 2026, the Austrian Cultural Forum Sarajevo, in cooperation with the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina (NUBBiH), organised a lecture by Mag. Annette Höslinger-Finck of the Austrian National Library entitled “National Libraries – Places of Democracy, Places for Democracy.” The lecture explored the role of national libraries and addressed the question: Why do we need a national library?

The event opened with introductory remarks by Adisa Žero, MA, Acting Director of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. His Excellency Georg Diwald, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to Bosnia and Herzegovina, also addressed the audience with opening remarks.

The event was attended by His Excellency Mr. Louis J. Crishock, Acting High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and His Excellency Adebajo Babajide, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside other guests interested in the subject.

Using the Austrian National Library as an example, Höslinger-Finck discussed the meaning and scope of a national library’s mandate for collection development and how this mandate has evolved over time. Reflecting on the shared history of Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, she also explored what historical book collections can reveal about the political, cultural, and social development of an entire region.

In a conversation with Aiša Telalović of NUBBiH, followed by a discussion with the audience, Höslinger-Finck addressed the democratisation and development of libraries and the ways in which they contribute to building a safe, free, and democratic society.

The lecture was recorded by NUBBiH for subsequent sharing.