The library’s primary thematic focus is the application of the Global Ethic to the economy. It includes the complete works of Hans Küng (23 volumes), his key publications on business ethics—ranging from *The Global Ethic for World Politics and the World Economy* (1997) and the *Manifesto for a Global Business Ethic* (2009) to *Doing Business Decently* (2010)—as well as key works on business, regulatory, and corporate ethics, economic philosophy, and related fields. The library is continuously expanded with new publications from the Institute’s sphere of activity and the field of business ethics research. It is conceived as a growing study and working library and is open to interested students, doctoral candidates, postdocs, as well as researchers and practitioners who wish to engage in-depth with the fundamentals of responsible business.

The library honors three individuals who helped establish the Institute with two portraits. The first portrait depicts Hans Küng, whose Global Ethic project has formed the basis of the Institute’s work since 1990, alongside Founding Director Claus Dierksmeier, to whom the Global Ethic project owes its philosophical foundation and its first application in business ethics. The picture shows both of them in Hans Küng’s library. A second picture shows Karl Schlecht delivering a passionate speech at the Global Ethic Institute. His initiative and support made the institute possible, and his insistence on practical effectiveness continues to shape the institute to this day.