The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has taken a significant step in the preservation and dissemination of sports knowledge by becoming the first international federation to join the Olympic World Library (OWL) Network. This addition expands global access to one of the most important basketball documentary collections and strengthens the shared commitment to the preservation of sport’s historical memory for future generations.
FIBA’s integration into the platform managed by the Olympic Studies Centre (OSC) also represents a new milestone in the evolution of the Olympic World Library, an initiative created to bring together specialized collections from around the world within a single digital space. Through this partnership, researchers, academics, historians and enthusiasts will gain easier access to resources that reflect decades of sporting, cultural and educational development linked to the Olympic Movement and international basketball.
The Pedro Ferrándiz Library opens its doors to the digital world
One of the main milestones of this collaboration will be the gradual incorporation of the FIBA Pedro Ferrándiz Library into the Olympic World Library catalogue. Recognized as one of the most comprehensive basketball collections in the world, the library houses more than 9,000 books, nearly 800 magazine titles and over 2,000 tournament and match programmes from more than 80 countries and in over 40 languages.
The digitalization and global access to documentary heritage will allow a much broader audience to consult materials that previously had more limited accessibility. For FIBA, the project represents an opportunity to extend the reach of its historical and academic legacy, bringing the international community closer to a documentary source that reflects the evolution of basketball across different eras, cultures and continents. In addition, the initiative coincides with the celebration of the 90th anniversary of basketball’s first Olympic jump ball, reinforcing the historical connection between the sport and the Olympic Movement.
A partnership that strengthens research and Olympic heritage
FIBA’s arrival in the OWL network also provides a boost to the growth of the Olympic World Library. The platform currently includes more than 42,000 publications and 17,500 digital documents, including official reports, academic studies, Olympic Games publications and specialized materials covering a wide range of Olympic-related topics. The addition of the Pedro Ferrándiz collection significantly expands the resources available to researchers and sports professionals.
Representatives of the Olympic Studies Centre have emphasized that this collaboration reflects a joint effort to preserve and share global sporting heritage. The acting director of the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage, Yasmin Meichtry, highlighted that FIBA’s inclusion demonstrates both institutions’ commitment to promoting knowledge and Olympic education. Likewise, FIBA representatives noted that the initiative aligns with its technology leadership and innovation strategy, while opening the door for other international federations to join this collaborative network dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of sport.
Last related articles
