German Digital Library

The aim of the German Digital Library (DDB) is to open free access to Germany’s cultural and scientific heritage via the Internet, i.e. to millions of books, archival material, images, sculptures, music pieces and other sound documents, films and notes. As a central national portal, the DDB aims to network the digital offerings of all German cultural and scientific institutions in perspective. The DDB aims to ensure Germany’s connectivity and competitiveness in science, research and education, but also to make its unique cultural heritage and knowledge easily accessible to everyone via a central point of contact. The central accessibility, i.e. by providing access to all necessary information at any computer workplace with internet access, regardless of location and time, will fundamentally improve research opportunities in research, teaching and business. Until this vision is fully realised, there is still a long way to go. The digitisation of German cultural and scientific heritage is a process that has been designed for years.