On July 20th the Moldovan Parliament passed a new Law on Libraries that will shape the way people across the country access information, marking an important milestone for the Moldovan library community and the Novateca program. The new law adopts the key concepts of the modern public library, codifying its role in the development of a democratic society. The law contains provisions for free public access to internet, training and other modern community-oriented library services, and the establishment of professional development centers for librarians - all of which are components of the innovative library model which Novateca project has been developing with its local partners in Moldova since 2012.
“The draft law looks very good and it could turn out to be one of the most modern Library Laws in Europe. The draft even contains elements that I wish we had in the Swedish Law,” mentioned Inga Lunden, a library expert from Sweden whom Novateca engaged to advise Moldovan partners on the law’s development.
The new library law was developed by a group of Moldovan library leaders through the National Council of Library Science (under the Ministry of Culture), supported by technical assistance from the Novateca program. It was advocated by the Ministry of Culture, the Librarian’s Association of Moldova, and the National Library of Moldova.
Novateca is delighted by this achievement, which is an essential step to sustain the process of library modernization in Moldova, inspiring librarians to share new approaches with their colleagues and users into the future.
“This law is a truly historic achievement for the Moldovan library community,” said Evan Tracz, Novateca Program Director. “Honestly, when we launched the Novateca program in 2012, we never even hoped that a law with such a modern vision and scope would be passed.”
According to the new law, Moldova libraries will address social inclusion by developing services for people with disabilities and ensuring ethnic minorities and all citizens have access to book collections in their native language.
The document also presents more precise and detailed regulations on the central and local public authorities’ participation in ensuring further library development. The Minister of Culture will be responsible for creating and sustaining the Moldovan Libraries State Register and ensuring, together with local public authorities, a thorough planning and distribution of library budgets in order to cover all necessary expenses.
The implementation of the new law will increase the role of library within the community and will provide Moldovan citizens with access to relevant information and educational opportunities.