Library Services Virtual Josemaria Escriva and Opus Dei
On International Libraries Day we highlight the Library Services Virtual Josemaría Escrivá and Opus Dei, a unique resource that houses a vast digital treasure on the history of Opus Dei.
24 | 10 | 2023
On October 24, International Libraries Day is celebrated in several countries, a day to highlight the importance of these establishments in the preservation of culture and the knowledge of Humanity.
In this context, we would like to highlight the Library Services Virtual Josemaría Escrivá and Opus Dei, which contains a large bibliographic collection related to Opus Dei, its founder, members and apostolic initiatives.
It is an invaluable source of data, which has evolved and grown over time to become an essential resource for academics, researchers and those interested in delving into historical aspects of the institution.
Its first steps
The history of this Virtual Library Services dates back to 1995, when the Center of programs of study Josemaría Escrivá (CEJE) took on the responsibility of compiling bibliography on the history of Opus Dei and its founder. To this end, a system of documentary typologies and words core topic was created to catalog the publications. Over time, this database became a treasure trove of bibliographic information.
In its early years, this fund was not available for the general public and its scope was limited to CEJE researchers and academics.
In 2006, the CEJE started a project to offer to the public this bibliographic collection compiled over more than a decade. Thus, anyone interested could consult this collection virtually.
At that time, the bibliographic collection consisted of more than 2,000 articles published in approximately 250 scientific journals, as well as more than 1,000 chapters of collective works. It also included the publications of Josemaría Escrivá in various languages.
The richness and contribution of Library Services Virtual
The Library Services Virtual Josemaría Escrivá is the only Library Services specialized in topics related to the history of Opus Dei. This makes it a unique and valuable source of knowledge .
It currently has nearly 15,000 bibliographic records and just over 8,000 PDFs for open access. Researchers, scholars and anyone interested have access to a wide range of valuable material at this digital archive .
One of the most prominent features of the Library Services Virtual is its advanced search capability. Users can perform specific searches to find relevant information, saving time and effort in specialized research. In addition, they can export the results, which further facilitates the task of compiling data for research and academic papers.
The Virtual Library Services has evolved in tune with the passage of time. Its accessibility and its rich collection of documents position it as a solid bastion for the research and the knowledge of the history of Opus Dei. On International Library Day, we celebrate the existence of this unique Library Services that contributes to the research and expansion of knowledge.