The Great Library and how it works

[WarKiwi]

It seems in the games I have played that I have only picked up one technology from the Great Library - my scientists discovered something I wasn't researching but there wasn't a "got this from the Great Library" type message as there was in Civ II.

I was wondering if you need to have embassies established with the other civilizations or just contact?

 

[Ironstone]

I think that it's just contact, but a lot will depend on the difficulty level you're playing on, and how many civs in the game. I think that the condition is that two other known civs must have the tech for you to get it via GL. Isn't it ??

If you're playing on Chieftain or Warlord there's a good chance that you will be ahead in the tech race anyway, so won't pick up many freebies. Ditto if you're only up against a few civs - it will reduce your chances of two others being ahead in the same tech.
Of course, getting GL maystill be handy as it can stop someone else getting your techs for free - you can sell them instead.

 

[muppet]

As above:
a) You only need contact with other civs.
b) Lower difficulty levels it's pretty much a wasted wonder.

To maximize Great Library's effectiveness:

Research a specific branch eg., Republic or Monarchy, or Construction etc. Most likely Republic since you're most of the way there anyways. If you spend your time researching all the lower level techs, the GL won't be too beneficial.

If you play an expansionist civ, the G/L sometime won't net you as much either. If you're really lucky popping those goody huts, the GL is an easy pass.

 

[Peteus]

Except of course that it's the best culture producer in the game, even if it doesn't ever get you any techs! There's nothing like that 12 culture per turn from a 1000-year-old GL...

 

[hamster]

well its still a good idea to always built the GL. even if you're far ahead of the other civs, you don't ever ever want to give the AI free techs

 

[Hurricane]

I thought three other civs had to know the tech before you learn it through the Great Library.