The Subdirectorate-General for Library Coordination carries out its activities along four main strategic lines: cooperation; information and communication technologies (ICT); the improvement of library infrastructure and resources; and the preservation of bibliographic heritage. A key priority in recent years has been to improve public access to cultural works via the Internet. To this end, the Ministry has implemented several initiatives, including:
- the Portal of Spanish ArchiveS (PARES), a web-based database providing access to the national historical documentary heritage;
- the Virtual Library of Bibliographical Heritage, which enables users to consult a wide range of digitised documents from Spain’s bibliographical collections;
- the Virtual Library of Historical Newspapers, which contributes to the Europeana and Europeana Local projects;
- the Museum Libraries Network (BIMUS), offering access to the catalogues of libraries from 18 state-owned museums; and
- Hispana, the national aggregator of digital collections from archives, libraries and museums, with functions analogous to Europeana.
The Cultural Rights Plan 2025-2030, adopted in July 2025, introduces measures aimed at reinforcing the social role of archives and libraries. In the field of archives, the Plan promotes a more plural understanding of collective memory through the creation of a Social Movements Archive and the development of initiatives to incorporate the experiences of historically marginalised groups into national archival collections. Additional actions include the establishment of research teams to reassess existing holdings, support for training in the creation and maintenance of citizen archives, and increased visibility of collections related to colonial history, slavery and cultural diversity. The digitisation of and public access to these materials are also key priorities.
Regarding libraries, the Plan supports the development of a Network of Citizen Laboratories in Libraries, aimed at strengthening their role as civic spaces for participation and social innovation beyond traditional lending functions. It also promotes the contribution of libraries to broader sustainability and wellbeing objectives, including their potential role as climate shelters in the context of climate adaptation policies. Furthermore, financial support is provided for the modernisation and environmental sustainability of libraries in municipalities with fewer than 50,000 inhabitants.
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