The Library was created in 1972 as a physical library to serve the information and knowledge needs of the UNEP personnel in support of UNEP’s work. In 2013, the transition of the UNEP Library to a digital library is a paradigm shift in the way the library conducts business. The UNEP Library is no longer an information gatekeeper exercising ownership of its collections. It is an information and knowledge enabler that not only serves the information needs of UNEP personnel, but also facilitates access to information in developing countries through the Online Access to Research in the Environment (OARE) partnership.