October 31 - November 4, Swedish library expert Inga Lunden returned to Moldova to advise Moldovan public libraries and partners on further promotion of the new library law, passed by Moldovan Parliament in July 2017, and development of the regulatory framework.

Sharing the Swedish libraries’ experience in drafting the legislative framework at the Forum of National Library System Managers, that brought together more than 70 managers from public, academic and school libraries, Mrs. Lunden applauded the Moldovan library law, which builds on the core democratic values of accessibility, transparency, non-discrimination, and sustainability. The provision highlighting librarians’ continuous professional development was of particular interest to the expert, who qualified this new library law as one the most revolutionary laws on libraries in the world.

During discussions with the National Librarianship Council Working Group responsible for legislative framework development and promotion, the expert stressed the importance of drafting a regulatory framework that is applicable, visionary and efficient, and enables librarians to simplify their work. The members of the working group discussed the proposed list of regulations to be finalized by the end of 2018, and mechanisms to promote the new library law and raise awareness about the public libraries’ role in providing access to information, supporting cultural plurality, promoting digital literacy, and ensuring a forum for communication and debate regarding civic engagement.

The new library law will come into force as of February 2019, ensuring free public access to internet, training and other modern community-oriented library services that provide Moldovan citizens with access to information and educational opportunities.