Libraries and archives in Malta are supported through a mix of government funding, EU initiatives, and independent organisations. Regarding national support, the National Library of Malta (Bibliotheca) in Valletta is the central repository of Malta’s historical and legal documents. It is managed by Heritage Malta and supported by the government. It holds a vast collection of manuscripts, rare books, and legal deposits.
The Malta Libraries are a government entity overseeing public libraries and archives. They manage the National Library and the Public Library Network, including regional and local libraries. They provide digital services, including e-books and online catalogues.
During 2022, the Digitisation Studio continued to scan newspapers and books from the National Library collection. In 2023, 26,921 new images were captured as per readers’ demands. The digital images of the requested material were sent via WeTransfer. Apart from the work carried out for researchers, the Studio scanned 277 volumes from the library’s collections, totalling 89,242 images.
In 2023, another library was inaugurated at Casa San Paolo Elderly Home in Buġibba which forms part of the Care Malta elderly homes complement. The aim is for the elderly to find it easier to borrow books from the comfort of their residence rather than venture outside. New book purchases were catalogued and added to the collection so that the elderly residents and staff could make use of this library.
The National Archives of Malta preserve historical and administrative records of the country, offer research services, digital archives, and public access to official records, and are supported by government funding and international collaborations.
Public and Academic Libraries consist of the University of Malta Library which consists of the main academic library in the country, supporting students and researchers, provides access to digital resources and international research networks and receives funding from the university and government.
The Public Library Network includes regional and local libraries across Malta and Gozo, offers lending services, community events, and literacy programmes, funded by local councils and the government. EU and international support consist of cultural & heritage grants whereby Malta benefits from EU funding for digitisation projects, conservation, and educational programs, while libraries and archives participate in EU-wide initiatives for heritage preservation. Malta is involved in international library and archive preservation programmes that include UNESCO. The Notarial Archives Foundation is a non-governmental organisation working to restore and preserve historical notarial documents which relies on donations and EU grants. Some private institutions and religious organisations maintain important historical collections: these may collaborate with national institutions for research and preservation.
The Registry and Archives at the SCH houses data collected from the early 1900s to the present day covering the workings of the then Museums Department. They include correspondence regarding planning application files, as well as research, drawings, plans, and photographs documenting archaeological and historical sites. They are used for investigative research by staff and open to those who obtain permission to access files for the purpose of higher studies. Thousands of photographs, slides and videos of all excavations are being reviewed, categorised, and digitised to ensure they are preserved for future access by internal staff and public researchers. While upgrading the Registry and Archives, additional archaeological and historical site locations were plotted, and relevant details were added on the SCH GIS portal to enhance the level of information made available to staff and the public.
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