Dépôt Légal

Dépôt Légal is a French legal deposit system

Dépôt Légal, established in 1793, is France's legal deposit system. It mandates that all published works be conserved in specific libraries across France, ensuring the preservation of the nation's cultural heritage. The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (National Library of France) serves as the central depository. Publishers are required to deposit six copies of each publication: three for the BNF, one for the Bibliothèque de l'Assemblée Nationale (Parliamentary Library), one for the Institut de France, and one for a departmental library. This system ensures that a wide range of publications, including books, periodicals, maps, and digital works, are available for research and study. Dépôt Légal plays a crucial role in France's intellectual and cultural life, providing access to France's rich literary and scientific heritage.