Books
Denmark has collected printed material through legal deposit since 1697. Books are deposited in two copies to Royal Danish Library as part of the our preservation of Danish cultural heritage.
Photo: Thomas Søndergaard
Royal Danish Library preserves all Danish printed materials from 1697 until today in the national collection of Danish books. Following the recent revision of the Legal Deposit Act, we even collect and preserve in duplicates. One copy can be borrowed at home or used at the library, while the other is for preservation and can be borrowed for use in our reading room. This way, the preservation of the printed cultural heritage in Denmark is ensured.
Legal deposit of books
The person who produces the finished copy for publication is responsible for the material being handed over to Royal Danish Library. Most often, it is the printing company that takes care of the deposit.
If there is any doubt as to who the producer is, the publishers must ensure that the legal deposit takes place.
If the books are printed abroad, it is the publisher's duty to hand them in.
Deposits
A deposit includes two copies and can take place continuously or no later than six months after publication. Contact us if a different agreement is needed.
The individual producer / publisher has a responsibility and duty to collect and send the material to us. We pay the shipping costs.
The material is sent to:
Royal Danish Library
Pligtaflevering
Chr. Brygge 8
1219 København K
Suppliers receive confirmation of receipt via email
You also have the opportunity to deposit small deliveries to us personally. Remember to write "Legal deposit" on the package to ensure that the material ends up in the right place in the library.
Return labels and delivery lists
We cover the costs of sending legal deposit materials. You print the package labels yourself, which are used for shipping.
Along with the submitted materials, a list of what is submitted must be attached. If you need a template, you can download it here.
