Nikolaus Rappert is deputy director of the Library of the University of Vienna.

After studying theology in Vienna and Thessaloniki (doctoral degree), he completed postgradual courses in Art Management at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna and in Library and Information Studies at the University of Vienna, graduating with a MAS (Master in Advanced Studies) and a MSc (Master of Science) diploma.

In 2002, he began his professional career as a research assistant at the Faculty of Theology. In 2005, he joined the Vienna University Library, initially as head of the Catholic Theology Library and, from 2008, directing the Information Services of the Main Library. In 2010, he became Deputy Director of the Vienna University Library with two main areas of responsibility:

1. Heading the decentralised libraries, which he reduced from 43 to 35 since then by consolidation.

2. Managing major construction projects: By 2022, he had implemented eight major construction projects for decentralised libraries, involving the setup of a total of 55,000 running metres of bookshelves, the relocation of 1.4 million books and the creation of 770 new user spaces. Currently, he is in charge of the largest construction project in the Vienna University Library’s history to date, concerning the main library and involving the construction of a new offsite book-repository with 130,000 metres of shelf space and the relocation of almost 3 million books. The space that will be gained in the main library, which currently offers room for 500 users, will be converted into a modern library centre with zones for different needs and will provide space for over 1,000 people. Planned completion: spring 2027.