Objective. The article deals with the functional organisation and design of the Free University Library in Berlin, which has become not only an information centre, but also a centre for supporting research, supporting and providing education and training with a green space. Methods. The article is the result of the thorough study of the Internet resources about “green” libraries and the Philological Library of the Free University of Berlin. Conclusion.The library is an example of how to implement the philosophy of sustainability in all processes of the organisation's life, without detracting from the importance of scientific and information support for the teaching and research process. Results. The article was an attempt to describe the ways in which modern technologies go hand in hand with resource-saving policy, which could be implemented in the university libraries ofUkraine.

Objective.The article informs about Göttingen State and University Library (Germany) as about a place, where specific features of public and scientific library are taken into account. Methods. The article is based on personal impressions of a visit to the library of one of the authors. Results. The library keeps its centuries-old traditions and is modern space for individual and group work. Conclusions. The article was an attempt to describe the library's digital and paper resources as an accumulation of experience that could be embodied in the university libraries of Ukraine.