The University and library grew substantially. We needed to align our new vision with the latest technologies and international standards of academic libraries. In 1998, we became an OCLC member through cataloging, then later we also started interlibrary loan through the cooperative. In November of the same year we acquired through a grant, the library software, ALEPH. Also during this time, the library needed a new building, and architect Rafael Viñoly was selected to lead its design and construction. It was critical that the design was state-of-the-art, providing the best environment and amenities for our staff and users.
We moved into the new building in April 1999. We started using our new software, and we changed to the Library of Congress Classification system for the physical location of documents and Library of Congress Subject Headings for alphabetical subject access. We also adopted MARC21 for bibliographic records. Our Serials Collection was organized on open shelving and we also provide a Document Supply Service.
The new building officially opened on June 23, 1999. The name "Max von Buch Library" honors the family who donated the funds for its construction.
The collection was enhanced significantly due to increasing electronic resources, especially databases. We launched our Special Collections and Archives in 2000. Our strategic direction also shifted, making participation in several international cooperatives a top priority.
Today, our strategic initiatives focus on providing information literacy, improving access to online resources (on and off campus), and the dissemination of academic scientific production of the University through the Repositorio Digital San Andrés (online repository).
Cooperative work with other libraries is also a priority for us. We have recently signed a cooperative agreement with UNIO, a consortium that includes our library, plus three additional Argentinean university libraries, to broaden our users’ access to the collections of these participating libraries.
