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During the Middle Ages the ecclesiastical libraries were the most important centres of culture ( 1) then in existence. Due to the pressure of a miscellany of circumstances and events, this status was by degrees subsequently lost, only later to be reinstated by the demands of those working within the narrow circle interested in theological research. In the presence of these libraries it must be confessed that feelings differ greatly, for either one is left to conjecture whether such libraries are in possession of a rich and valuable collection of documents, or, we have the position arising where one wonders if &dquo;we shall be able to find that here&dquo;.Due to the influence of the theological school, the question at issue, and the denomination of the community life for which the library was erected, the ecclesiastical libraries in Belgium display a great diversity both in their material expansion as well as in the collections of books themselves. In most cases, these diversities are the results of the historical development, and the participation of the corporate bodies to whom the library is subject. In the present state of affairs, the ecclesiastical libraries are no longer isolated cultural establishments, but rather form an essential part of the whole intellectual development, with their own pedagogical principles and their own creativity in the progress of learning. Under the influence of the mass production of literature, and with the compelling demands of specialisation, no State or Town Library can possibly collect all literature within the different fields of operation. The capability concerning quality and quantity, the judging of purchases and the working through of Church literature, demands the formation of specialised ecclesiastical libraries together with the fully qualified personnel necessary to the work involved.