The Berlin State Library - Prussian Cultural Heritage is one of the most important libraries worldwide. It is a center of national and international literature supply. Its stock of printed matter alone, which has grown over 360 years, comprises more than 11 million volumes, plus over 2.2 million other printed works and often unique materials in the special collections. This includes occidental and oriental manuscripts, music autographs, autographs and estates, maps, historical newspapers; over 12.5 million photos, slides and other photographic material and over 5.4 million AV materials, microforms and other material. In total, the stock comprises around 32 million units. In addition, there is a constantly growing number of databases and other electronic resources. The quality of its collections and the wide range of services it provides are the hallmarks of the library's worldwide reputation.

The library's historical collections cover all subject areas and are continuously being added to. For the modern collections with a focus on the humanities and social sciences, scientifically relevant literature is procured in a deep gradation of content. In addition to the continuous acquisition and preservation of literature from all periods, all countries, all languages and in all forms, the library's central task is to make it accessible and usable.