About United Nations iLibrary

The United Nations iLibrary is the first comprehensive global search, discovery, and viewing source for digital content created by the United Nations.

It provides librarians, information specialists, scholars, students, policy makers, influencers and the general public with a single digital destination for seamlessly accessing publications, journals, data, and series published by the United Nations Secretariat, and its funds and programs. 

United Nations iLibrary offers an extensive list of features that deliver flexibility, speed, and efficiency such as intuitive navigation, integrated search results, granular content, citation tool, DOI identification, and multilingual content. 

Every year around 500 new titles are planned to be added to United Nations iLibrary. Approximately 70% of which are in English and cover the following topics:

These publications are now available online in the single research repository. Content is organised by series title, publication year and alphabetically; and search and discovery of complete publications or even their components – chapters and articles – is a click away. The content is accessible in different formats – PDF and READ – to meet users’ needs, whether for reading on a mobile device, sharing with peers via social networks or integrating content in a report. See a overview of content by title and agency (as of June 2017 - PDF) currently available online.

UN iLibrary News & Updates - July 2017 (PDF) 

Content and Access for all

United Nations iLibrary offers wide ranging research and knowledge to a variety of audiences:

All content is available to access in PDF format for subscribers and full read access for all users by clicking the READ icon. Read editions are optimised for browser-enabled mobile devices and can be read online wherever there is an internet connection - desktop computer, tablets or smart phones. They are also shareable and embeddable.

Content items (January 2018)

More Information about United Nations iLibrary

Subscription Information

Full access to the United Nations iLibrary is offered as an annual subscription covering all content in all formats available on the site. Only one subscription product is offered. 

Buy a subscription to the United Nations iLibrary!

Any institution interested in subscribing should consult the nearest OECD sales contact for further information:

Subscription benefits:

United Nations iLibrary has been developed in partnership with OECD Publishing and the OECD iLibrary. In case of questions about the service please email us at [email protected]. All questions about content should be addressed to [email protected].

About United Nations Publications

United Nations Publications promotes the work and knowledge of the United Nations through marketing, sales and distribution of publications, data and merchandise.

One of the purposes of the United Nations as reflected in the Charter of the United Nations is to "achieve international co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural, or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion."

The United Nations employs a variety of subject matter experts who create knowledge products to advance these goals. These products include books, statistical databases, and other digital resources comprising facts and expertise on international peace and security, human rights, gender issues, economic and social development, international trade, climate change, international law, governance, public health, transportation, and statistics.  Publications include time sensitive reports that capture the state of the global economy and welfare of people and the planet. Scholars, information specialists, policymakers and influencers are primary audiences for the United Nations publications.

In the 70 years since the founding of the United Nations, the scope of the United Nations has greatly expanded and its knowledge products have diversified beyond books on paper. 

All proceeds from United Nations publications and related products support the work of the United Nations. 

For more information about the United Nations Publications please visit https://shop.un.org/.