Slovenská národná knižnica

Slovak National Library is the national library of Slovakia. It is responsible for collecting, preserving, and providing access to the country's published documentary heritage. This heritage includes books, periodicals, manuscripts, and other cultural materials. The library operates a digital library that offers online access to digitized collections. It provides bibliographic and reference services to researchers, educators, and the general public. As a cultural institution under the Ministry of Culture, it coordinates national library policy. It also participates in international library networks and collaborative projects.

As the national library, it serves as the central repository for Slovakia's published documentary heritage. This role distinguishes it within the country's cultural and information infrastructure. The institution has developed notable competencies in digitization, digital preservation, and long‑term access strategies. Structurally, it is a state‑funded organization directly accountable to the Ministry of Culture, with no parent or subsidiary relationships disclosed. On March 1, 2024, the library experienced a ransomware attack that disrupted its Digital Library services and employee email systems. The attack rendered certain information and data inaccessible, prompting a public apology and ongoing restoration efforts. The Ministry of Culture confirmed the incident, filed a criminal complaint, and is evaluating possible personnel changes. Cybersecurity experts noted that while backups and mitigations reduce risk, no protection is entirely foolproof.