The SCSTI is a subsidiary organization (public body) of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. The institution was established in 1938 as the Slovak technical library and since its establishment has belonged to pioneers in new library and information services implementation.

The SCSTI is the national information centre for science, technology, innovation and education and specialized scientific library of the Slovak Republic. It coordinates activities and ensures the operation of interdisciplinary R&D centers and national infrastructures for research, development, innovation and education. Is the host institution of the National Contact Points for HORIZON 2020 and ensures operation of the Slovak Liaison Office for R&D in Brussels. SCSTI ́s mission is to promote the development of science, technology and education in Slovakia by building and operation of information systems for R&D; library and information funds; by the provision of library and information services for wide expert public; by methodological and analytical activities supporting the management and evaluation of research, development and higher education; preparation and implementation of projects supporting research, development and education; by popularization of science and technology in society.

The organization is also responsible for processing and provision of comprehensive information on behalf of the area of education (primary, secondary and higher education) and its financing, evaluation of activities of educational institutions, organizations working in the field of youth and sports, organizations dealing with the prevention of social-pathological phenomena and institutions active in the field of further training and their programs and activities.

The SCSTI also manages depository library for OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) and the Centre of Patent Information of the SR – PATLIB