“Today, the number of state libraries in our country that we can cite as exemplary is very small," Deputy Minister of Culture Farid Jafarov said during a meeting with publishers and writers, APA reports.
“If we look at the list approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 136, we can see that there are approximately 3,400 libraries in the country. The proposed library optimization model is aimed precisely at changing the current situation,” the deputy minister said.
It was noted that, according to the report presented, more than 90% of libraries do not meet international standards in terms of buildings, structure, service areas, and other indicators.
It was emphasized that the shortage of professional personnel is also cited as one of the main problems in the library system. It was reported that 7.7% of employees working in the system have specialized education.
According to the information, 57.6% of the library collection is in the Cyrillic script, while scientific literature accounts for 4% of the collection and children’s literature for 8%. Currently, only 20% of libraries have internet access. An automated library management system has not been implemented in 96% of libraries. The total library collection across the country comprises 18,894,915 copies. The number of readers registered with libraries is 954,260. During monitoring, cases were also identified where some libraries had not provided the actual size of their collections and the real number of readers in order to meet the requirements for the relevant remuneration groups.
A large proportion of books in the Azerbaijani language are still in the Cyrillic script. Thus, 9,202,186 copies, or 57.6%, of Azerbaijani-language books are in Cyrillic, while 6,777,138 copies, or 42.4%, are in the Latin script.
Under the new system, public libraries are expected to be organized in accordance with IFLA standards. It is planned to automate library services and provide electronic services, as well as introduce an electronic library service. This is intended to make the library accessible to everyone via mobile phone.
Under the new model, libraries are planned to be transformed into reading halls and cultural activity centers that meet modern standards, while library collections will be developed in accordance with IFLA standards.
In addition, it is envisaged that users will be able to access all libraries within the system using only an identity card, and that library services will be provided across all administrative-territorial units through a mobile library service.
The new system also envisages ensuring maximum accessibility and providing 24-hour access to library services.
It is planned to create dedicated library services for readers with special accessibility needs, including audiobooks, publications in Braille, and home delivery services.
At the same time, the introduction of an open-shelf system and electronic book ordering, as well as higher salaries and systematic work practices, are cited among the main directions of the new library model.
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