Chelyabinsk Regional Academic Library opened in 1898 as a public library. At present Chelyabinsk Regional Academic Library focuses on two primary areas: 1) fostering research and education, and 2) fostering industry, economy, culture, healthy lifestyle and intellectual recreation, thus serving both as an academic and a public library. More than 80,000 people a year make use of the library’s services, including 15,000 rural residents; it is visited by 1,300,000 users annually and loans more than 1,500,000 volumes.

Chelyabinsk Regional Academic Library is one of the largest book repositories of the Ural region and a modern computerized information and library center, seeking to provide local residents with free and efficient access to any information. To ensure efficient discharge of its main functions (memorial, communicative and recreational), the library has identified several priority programs in its work. These programs are aimed at supporting local social reforms and promoting cultural development of local residents through books and reading.

In 2005, under the program of automatizing library and information processes, the library modernized its local computer network (130 computer stations) and renovated some of its equipment. Telematic connection is provided through three allocated channels to thirty-eight automatized reader stations. Books acquisition and registration, updating the electronic catalog, maintaining the database of the library’s members, filling out information queries – all these processes in the library are fully automatized. For distance users the library provides services (including electronic document delivery) through its website. In 2006, the library also launched an electronic reference service.
Social, cultural and educational activities of the library include projects and events aimed at promoting books and reading among local residents and providing opportunities for educational recreation and personal creativity. The outcomes of the library’s work show that it remains a dynamically developing information center and enjoys wide popularity in the local community.

In 2003, the library opened an Internet Access and Training Center equipped with fourteen computer stations, an Internet connection, a scanner, three printers, a digital camera and a multi-media projector. The Center provides users with a wide range of information services including filling out information queries, consultations in using Internet search engines, full-text and reference databases and catalogs, seminars and training courses, and free computer and Internet access.