A number of concepts of the law are supplemented by the draft: The concepts of electronic library and cultural, educational, information center (loft) will be defined, the requirement for replenishing the Armenian studies fund of important libraries abroad will be defined, which will enable the foreign libraries to be replenished with Armenian books: The RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Alfred Kocharyan noted, presenting to the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport the draft law providing for addenda and amendments to the Law on Libraries and Library Work.
The bill envisages using the library space for economic purposes as well. It will be possible to prepare and sell souvenirs, implement educational programmes, publishing and cafe activities, film and video films, television programmes, time-share services. Alfred Kocharyan mentioned that today, in addition to the actual library service, there is a global tendency to provide additional services, which can generate additional income: They will be used to improve the libraries.
The draft law also defines the model description of the positions of the library workers, and confirms the certification procedure of the state library workers.
According to the rapporteur, if the law is passed, libraries can become socio-educational institutes for all levels of society, providing informal education and entertainment environment.
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Alfred Kocharyan informed that while elaborating the draft, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), as well as the relevant legislation of Latvia, Estonia, and Russia, were studied.
The Deputy Chair of the Committee Taguhi Ghazaryan informed that the representatives of various libraries submitted proposals regarding the draft law. In order to discuss them, she suggested holding a debate.
The Committee endorsed the draft law debated in the first reading.
National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia
