The Scientific Library of Odessa I. I. Mechnikov National University, founded in 1817, is one of the oldest and most significant academic libraries in Ukraine. Since 1933, it has been an integral part of Odessa National University.

Today, the library’s collections comprise approximately 4–4.5 million items, including books, pamphlets, periodicals, electronic resources, and other materials. Historically, the collection has grown from 314,133 items in 1915 to 1.5 million in 1959, reflecting its long-standing academic development and cultural importance.

A particularly valuable part of the library is the Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts, which preserves ancient and especially valuable printed works selected from the main collection. Together with named scholarly collections, this department holds over 100,000 rare and unique items, representing exceptional scientific and cultural significance.

Within this heritage, the collection of 16th-century printed works includes approximately 500 volumes in Latin, French, German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Greek, English, Spanish, Catalan, Danish, and Church Slavonic. This collection also includes around 100 paleotypes (early 16th-century printed editions) covering disciplines such as history, geography, linguistics, mathematics, natural sciences, political sciences, and other fields.

Exceptional value is also carried by 17 registered collections donated by prominent scientists, statesmen, rectors, and professors of the university. The department of periodicals further represents an important academic resource.

As a major scientific and cultural institution in the region, the library serves approximately 55,000 readers annually through 12 specialized reading rooms and 13 service points. It is actively developing modern information systems, including digital catalogues, internet access, and automated self-service tools.

Digital Transformation and Urgent Needs
In today’s reality, the preservation of the library’s unique book collections is of critical importance. Any loss or destruction would have serious negative consequences for science, education, and society. Digitization and open access to collections are key tools to ensure their protection and long-term preservation.
To guarantee information accessibility and improve the quality of services, the library requires modern technical equipment, including:
Workstations for users and staff (Intel Core i3 or higher, 16 GB RAM, SSD storage, 23–24” monitors), enabling efficient work with digital catalogues, PDF archives, electronic libraries, office applications, and video conferencing.(20 pieces)
Web cameras (e.g., Logitech C920) for online lectures, virtual meetings, and international academic cooperation.(3 pieces)
Impact
This project aims to support the transformation of one of Ukraine’s most important academic libraries into a modern digital knowledge hub. It will ensure safer preservation of cultural heritage, expand access to scientific information, and strengthen international academic collaboration.
Through this initiative, Rotary contributes to education, culture, resilience, and equal access to knowledge, reinforcing the shared values of service and global cooperation.
Members responsible for the project: Ugo Poletti, Antonina Poletti

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