The Bilbao Diocesan Library: From an Academic Support Centre to a Heritage Reference Point

Abstract

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Bilbao (Roman Catholic Diocese of Bilbao n.d.), this article aims to show the history and transformation of the library from its foundation as a study centre, through critical periods of hardship, and recent ventures into AI (artificial Intelligence), with an ultimately hopeful outlook towards a future in which it seeks to serve both the diocesan community and wider society.

My library reflects a situation that occurs in many Church libraries in Spain associated with ABIE (Asociación de Bibliotecarios de la Iglesia en España (ABIE) n.d.), which are generally libraries with large collections of historical and cultural significance, yet possess very limited financial and human resources. Even so, these libraries are joining forces, seeking synergies, and training themselves professionally and technically with simple projects that utilise AI.