UN Library & Archives Geneva
- League of Nations Archives
- Library of the League of Nations
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History
The United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), housed at the historic Palais des Nations, is the second largest United Nations centre after the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The facility, an outstanding testimony to twentieth century architecture, is situated in the beautiful Ariana park in Geneva, Switzerland.
This historic institution has pioneered research and international understanding since its founding in 1919 as the Library of the League of Nations.
Geographical and Cultural Context
UN Geneva is an active knowledge hub for the international community and researchers on multilateralism and international cooperation. Consequently, its library and archives open their doors not only to UN staff and members of the diplomatic corps but to researchers, students and practitioners from all walks of life.
The Organization offers opportunities to exchange knowledge, encourages cooperation, innovation and inspires new ideas through the Library and Archives collections, events, cultural activities, and the Museum.
The League of Nations Archives have been registered on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register since 2009. This collection, preserved in its entirety by UN Geneva, was recognized as having unique global importance and meets the criteria established by UNESCO for the Memory of the World Programme to facilitate preservation, assist with universal access, and increase awareness worldwide for documentary heritage of international, regional, and national significance.
Building(s)
The League of Nations, known as the predecessor of the United Nations, initially established its Secretariat in the Hôtel National building, today known as Palais Wilson, along the shores of Lake Geneva. During the extraordinary session held in 1926 to discuss Germany's admission to the League, the Assembly approved an international architectural competition for the construction of the Palais des Nations, the future home of the League of Nations.
In 1927, 377 architectural projects were submitted to the League of Nations. As it was impossible to reach a unanimous agreement on a single submission, five architects were appointed to work on a common project: Julien Flegenheimer of Switzerland, Camille Lefèvre and Henri-Paul Nénot of France, Carlo Broggi of Italy and József Vágó of Hungary. Though not included in the original design, a library was incorporated into the architectural project, thanks to a US $2 million donation from John D. Rockefeller Jr.
With the inclusion of a library, the League of Nations needed to find a larger parcel of land than originally planned along the shores of Lake Geneva. Ultimately, through an exchange with the City of Geneva, the Palais found its home in the 46-hectare Ariana Park. The Park had been bequeathed to the City of Geneva by Gustave Revilliod upon his death in 1890, as the last descendent of the Revilliod de la Rive family.
Built in the art deco style of the times, the foundation stone of the Palais was ceremoniously laid in Ariana Park on 7 September 1929. Beneath the stone is a casket containing a list of the League of Nations Member States, a copy of the Covenant of the League and coins of all the countries represented at its Tenth Assembly. The League of Nations moved its headquarters to the Palais des Nations in 1936.
Though dissolved at a final Assembly held in Geneva in April 1946, the League of Nations handed over its properties and assets to the United Nations Organization, the Palais des Nations being its crown jewel. While the headquarters of the new Organization was established in New York, the European Office of the United Nations was created in the Palais des Nations.
Archival and Other Holdings
The archives of the League of Nations are a unique source of information not only about the League (1919-1946), but also about peace movements and international relations in general from the end of the nineteenth century. The collections represent 3,000 linear metres of textual records and documents, as well as brochures and pamphlets, visual documents and museum items.
Archival Fonds and Collections include those from UN Geneva Archives, League of Nations, International Peace Movements, and private papers.
Finding Aids, Guides, and Publication
Research Guides: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/?b=s
Databases: https://libraryresources.unog.ch/eres
Opening Times
Monday – Friday: 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.
Conditions of Access
To reserve a seat in one of the reading rooms for conducting research, please make an appointment by contacting our virtual service desk at https://ask.unog.chOpens in new window.
The Archives of the League of Nations are entirely accessible. United Nations records over 20 years old are generally open for public research, unless the classification level “Strictly Confidential” (or related) applies. Records under 20 years old which are not classified may occasionally be accessed on a case-by-case basis, subject to the written consent of the originating office.
For restricted records, the public can submit an Application for Clearance to Access Restricted Records. This application will be forwarded to the record originating office for approval. The applicant will be informed of the decision. Archives staff can provide additional information about these requests. Researchers are advised to begin this process well in advance of their expected visit. Users should use information gained from their research only to analyse the general development.
Accessibility
As the Palais des Nations undergoes a complete renovation, areas of the tour will be difficult to access for those who need assistance.
Up-to-date info can be found here.
Research Services
We provide online consultation and reference services similar to those provided on-site. Subject to researchers’ needs, we can provide consultation via e-mail or live online conferencing.
Reproduction Services
Access to the scanned materials and scanning services where possible.
United Nations Library & Archives Geneva can provide some reproduction, subject to the workload constraints of the archivists. The United Nations shall not be obliged to carry out the work of reproduction, even against payment. Any requests and subsequent agreement for bulk reproduction of materials, however, shall be subject to a Memorandum of Understanding established between the researcher/institution and the UN Library & Archives Geneva.