Cambodia
Directory Information
Formal Name: Bibliotheque nationale, (National
Library)
Address:
BP 4, Phnom-Penh
History
The National Library of Cambodia was opened to the public on 24 Dec
1924. It has survived for 70 years, enduring colonialism, Japanese occupation,
the struggle for independence, wars, and traumatic changes of government
and social structure. Although its splendid colonial edifice, like most
buildings in Phnom Penh, survived the 3 years, 8 months and 20 days of
government by the Khmer Rouge, the collection and catalogue suffered considerable
disarray and loss, and human resources were devastated, with only 2 of
the 40 staff members returning after 1979. (For more information, see
"The National Library of Cambodia: surviving for seventy years." H. Jarvis.
Libraries & Culture 30 (4) Fall 95, p.391-408.)