FAQs
Usage, Citation and Liability
How can content of ALEX be used properly?
ALEX can be used free of charge and without registration.
The Austrian National Library (ÖNB) does not have copyright claims on any of the content it makes available on the web. The ÖNB therefore expressly agrees to the reuse of content which can be accessed through the ÖNB website. In accordance with §7 (1) des UrhG "official works produced for official use" do not enjoy copyright protection and can therefore be freely used as works in the public domain. It should be noted, however, that the rights of third parties (e.g. advertisements) are to be individually clarified in the case of the reuse of any content.
You can also order a high-quality scan (subject to a fee), which can be used commercially in accordance with the tariff regulations of the ÖNB (usage fees). All information about the costs and ordering can be found here.
How to properly cite content from ALEX?
If you wish to use written content from material found in ALEX, citation should include [title], [law gazette number], and [year], as well as "ALEX/Austrian National Library" or the direct link to the material from the ALEX website.
Example: Verordnung des Bundesministeriums für Land- und Forstwirtschaft im Einvernehmen mit den beteiligten Bundesministerien vom 26. Jänner 1924, betreffend die Marktordnung für den Wiener Zentralviehmarkt in St. Marx, BGBl 44/1924. Courtesy of ALEX/Austrian National Library
A reference to legislative materials should include the [type of supplement] [number] "BlgNR" [legislative period] [, page]. As mentioned above, the source can be either cited with the direct link from ALEX or the phrase "ALEX/Austrian National Library".
Example for Explanations of the government bill: ErlRV 101 BlgNR XIV. GP, 3.
Scans from ALEX, whether used partially or in their entirety, for example in a publication, exhibition, or in a documentary film, provide the current source reference and "Image courtesy of ALEX/Austrian National Library" under the image.
Release of liability on behalf of the Austrian National Library for the content of its collections
"As a memory institution and archive library, the Austrian National Library is responsible for archiving and ensuring public access to all types of publications, sources, and contemporary and historical background material. The holdings are not evaluated by the library and are primarily destined for use in scientific research. The Austrian National Library expressly distances itself from any content that is discriminatory, national socialist in nature or glorifies violence." (= §11 of the Library Regulations of the Austrian National Library)
Digitisation
What will be digitised?
The scope of materials we are digitising is limited to newspapers and periodicals published within the historical borders of Austria. The criteria used to prioritise the titles are:
- historic relevance of the title
- objects in a poor physical condition
- demand frequency
- projects with particular themes
- projects with our cooperation partners
How do we digitise?
The scans are produced, depending on the conservation status of the resource, in the Digital Services Department of the Austrian National Library, or by an external service provider.
Altough the through-feed method of scanning is faster, it requires the removal of the book covers. Therefore, we only choose this technique when there are multiple copies of a title. In all other cases, the reflected-light method is used.
When the ANNO project began, images were only produced in black and white. Since then, digitisation methods have greatly improved and now digitisation is in color.
After the initial scanning process is complete, we conduct an internal quality control of the images with the aim of reducing, to the greatest extent possible, any missing elements or errors. However, due to the high volume (approximately one million scans per year) it is impossible to control every single image.
What do I do if I find an error?
Due to the historic nature of these resources, it is possible that some elements may be missing from the original document. However, it may also be the result of a scanning error, and can be found elsewhere in our holdings. If you discover an irregularity, please contact us at alex@onb.ac.at.
Research in ALEX
Is there a full-text search option?
We do not provide a full-text search option at the moment. However, it is possible to search in the tables of contents of the national legislation as well as the state legislation of today's federal states and the former crown lands. We are in the process of making the entirety of ALEX full-text searchable in the future.
Where can I find more recent legal and legislative texts?
Recent and current legal information can be found in the Legal Information System of the Republic of Austria.
Can I get help with my research?
If you need support with your research, please contact the Information Services department (information@onb.ac.at). Assistance may involve costs. You can find more information about the research services offered by the Austrian National Library here.
Saving and Printing
How can I save contents of ALEX?
A particular page of an issue can be saved as a PDF in the single page view.
In order to maintain the best possible quality while downloading a free copy, please use the "orig"-button. Alternatively a high-quality scan can be ordered via our reproduction site. Please note that this service involves costs.
How can I print contents from ALEX?
In order to print contents from ALEX, please download them as a PDF or image file beforehand.
Cooperations
Are cooperations with the Austrian National Library possible?
The Austrian National Library welcomes requests for cooperation. Should you be interested in establishing a cooperation with us, please contact alex@onb.ac.at for detailed information.