Palace of Culture, Sheshi Skenderbej, Tiranë. Entrance from the south side.
Web site http://www.bksh.al/.
The library may be used by anyone who is a member. Non-Albanians are allowed to use books in the reading room on the first floor (Salla Shkencore), but not to borrow. Applications for membership should be made in person on weekdays between 8.00 and 16.00, at the desk just inside the reading room.
Take two passport-sized photographs and a letter from an institution or organisation indicating one's position or qualifications and reasons for using the library (which the library will retain for its files). The library also requires confirmation of one's address in Tiranë, such as a copy of a renting agreement or a letter from a landlord.
Monday - Friday: 08.00 to 20.00 (book ordering 08.00 to 16.00)
Saturday 08.00 to 14.00
The library catalogue is being progressively computerised, but it is not yet available on the internet. Particularly useful for researchers are the detailed bibliographies that have been compiled, for example of periodical articles, which are kept at the desk at the entrance to the catalogue hall, where photocopies may be obtained. There is a photocopying service at the rear of the first floor reading room.
Rruga "Jordan Misja", Tiranë
[About 200 meters west of the railway station, which is at the north end of Bulevardi Zogu i parë]
Telephone and fax: ++355-42-279 59
Web site http://www.albarchive.gov.al/.
Permission to consult documents must be sought in advance by written application to the Director:
Drejtorit,
Drejtorisë së Përgjithshmë të Arkivi Qendror i Shtetit
Tiranë
The letter should state who is making the application and the purpose for which documents are to be consulted. Permission must also be requested if a laptop is to be used in the reading room.
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 to 15.00
Friday: 9.00 to 13.00
The Reading Room is closed on public holidays. It may also close for one or more days, open late or close early without warning.
On arrival, bags must be left in the porter's office in the entrance lodge and visitors should sign the book provided for the purpose.
Documents may be consulted both in the original and on microfilm. It is possible to obtain photocopies. Directories of documents are accessible in the reading room and a comprehensive, and very useful, thematic card catalogue is kept in the basement. The archive is well ordered and the classification system of documents is detailed and precise. Documents may be ordered in advance by fax, using the appropriate order form, giving the exact reference, and including the applicant's name and the date of the order. Otherwise, forms should be submitted to the desk in the reading room. There are usually long (a week or longer) delays in obtaining material, which is kept in a number of external stores.