Moldova's Parliament approves new library regulations
The Parliament of Moldova on Thursday approved new regulations aimed at modernising the country's libraries and adjusting the existing legal framework for librarianship and information science.
The bill was adopted in the first reading by a vote of 59 deputies.
The purpose of the legislative initiative is to make libraries more accessible and responsive to the needs of local communities, while strengthening the role of the library as a public service. The bill provides a clear definition of the terms "library," "library center," and "library document."
It also proposes a number of changes to diversify the activities of libraries in line with modern trends and international practices in the field.
Under the new version of the law, the National Library of the Republic of Moldova will serve as the National Digitization Center and will ensure the operation of the National Publications Reserve. Other provisions of the bill target measures to expand access to library resources, including by increasing book collections, to provide more opportunities for learning and research.
The update to the Law on Libraries is also taking place in the context of international commitments undertaken by the Republic of Moldova to gradually bring national standards in line with those of the European Union and related policies for libraries in all member states of the Council of Europe.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
