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IG Metall Central Library The World of Work and Trade Unions in Words and Pictures

The IG Metall Central Library is one of the largest libraries in Germany specializing in labor-related literature.

Die Zentralbibliothek der IG Metall


Our Central Library in Frankfurt am Main is a reference library—books and journals can only be borrowed by our employees. The library is also open to the interested public. Visitors can access our digital resources, make copies, and compile a reference collection in the reading room.


Collection Focus

The collection focuses on publications dealing with historical and current labor union topics. Users will find books and journals on IG Metall and our predecessor organizations, as well as on

  • Unions and Labor Union Policy
  • Collective Bargaining Policy
  • Company and Co-determination Policy
  • Economic Policy
  • Social Policy
  • Social and Economic History
  • History of the Labor Movement
  • Labor and Social Law
  • Occupational Safety and Health
  • Work and Technology Design
  • Trade Union Education Policy
  • European Integration and Migration
  • International Labor Union Policy

Click here for our library’s online catalog


History of the Library

Founded in 1949, the IG Metall library has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the largest libraries specializing in labor-related literature. The library of the German Metalworkers’ Union (DMV) was forcibly dissolved during the crackdown on unions in 1933. Thanks to systematic efforts, the library succeeded in building a large collection on the history of the DMV, other unions, and the political organizations of the labor movement prior to 1933. Further holdings were added through the merger with the Wood and Plastics Workers’ Union. Among the historically valuable holdings of the IG Metall Central Library is the complete collection of the “Deutsche Metallarbeiter-Zeitung” from 1883 to 1933.

 

Hours and Contact Information

Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
and by appointment

zentralbibliothek@igmetall.de

Wilhelm-Leuschner-Str. 79,

60329 Frankfurt am Main 

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