SAAO Library

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) Library is the National Library for Astronomy and Space Science based in Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa. The research library at the SAAO dates its existence to the arrival of the first Royal Astronomer in the 1820s. Its primary function is to conduct fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics. The SAAO library can be seen as the integral part of the facility as it provides the research staff with access to essential information and tools that allow them to function as informed professionals within their community.

The SAAO library is part of the larger National Research Foundation (NRF) therefor the library has to align its strategic actions with those of the NRF. Any strategic actions adopted by the library have to contribute also the NRF's strategic directions and should assist in achieving the NRF's coporate goals.

Library Holdings

The libraries online catalogue was started in 1993 ans since 2004 the library personnel have been engaged in retrospective cataloguing. The online catalogue currently gives access to over 9000 records and approximately 3100 staff publications. The libraries holdings consists of journals (electronic and print), books (electronic and print), databases, atlases and catalogues, brochures, maps photographs, plates, posters, staff publications, slides, media collections, CD's / DVD's and many historic documents.