Library Map of the World

ALA's goal is to contribute to the improvement of librarianship. It develops ties with foreign libraries and librarian organizations, takes part in projects regarding  the principles, programmatic and normative documents on librarianship in Republic of Armenia. It stimulates all initiatives, which aim at raising authority and reputation of libraries.  ALA's main activities include professional development of librarians, formation and evaluation of norms involving the work of different types of library activities, organisations of events (e.g. National Library Week, Librarian Day, fairs etc.), raising awareness of libraries and librarianship, and organisation and delivery of professional, local and international library seminars and conferences. Current number of members is 200.

The Armenian National Library is a methodic and informational all-republican academic research centre for library studies and bibliography. It is the biggest vault of Armenian printed products in the world.

By conducting library studies, cultural and educational activities, the National Children's Library after Khnko Aper promotes reading among children an young adults. As a National vault for children's books, it collects, preserves and provides an even more consummate collection of Amenian-written printed products to readers.

The Ministry supports the creation, preservation, defense, research use, promotion and service delivery of cultural heritage, development of culture, introduction of new values and ideas, creating conditions for reproduction and development of the society's creative potential, for intercommunication to cultural values, for free and affordable service delivery, preservation of the national cultural values on the territory of other states in the scope of international norms. The Ministry carries out the oversight of  activities of the cultural sector (libraries, museums, theaters) of the Republic. The Department of Cultural Heritage and Folk Art controls the work of the library sector.

Publishing of  Armenian and foreign languages literature oriented for different layer of the society, expansion of the information field, organization of exhibition fairs, participation to international events.
Since 2013 the Government provides a grant program “Material-technical base development program for public libraries”. The aim of the program is filling accredited community libraries with equipment, providing professional furniture and free internet, as well as replenishment with book collections.

Publishing of  Armenian and foreign languages literature oriented for different layer of the society, expansion of the information field, organization of exhibition fairs, participation to international events. Non-governmental organization, which unites writers and it cooperates and supports large libraries. It does presentation of newly-published books and other events, books’ donations.

Publishing of  Armenian and foreign languages literature oriented for different layer of the society, expansion of the information field, organization of exhibition fairs, participation to international events. Publishers' association is a non-governmental organization, which unites publishing houses. It implements the expansion of information sphere, organization of book fairs, participation in international events, doing presentations and book donations to big libraries.

The goals of the state cultural policy are: 1) acknowledgement of culture as means for development by the society, 2) search for new values and new ideas, 3) creation of conditions for reproduction and development of the society's creative potential, 4) formation of the civil society  The law, among other branches, includes libraries, archives and publishing industries.

The library law, issued in 2012, covers goals, supervision and management of libraries as well as management and responsibilities of local authorities, and funding.

The materials covered by law, issued in 2005, include printed, unpublished (such as research reports and archival material), audiovisual, and electronic documents on physical media. Numbers of copies to share run from six (for books) to fewer (for example for film or audio material). It lays out responsibilities regards preservation, description and use. The National library provides access to deposited material onsite and online, under the provisions of the national copyright law, which allows for educational and research access.

The law allows for basic library activities including lending, copying and preservation, as well as education and research copying, but does not take account of digital uses, specifically arguing that its definition of reproduction does not include digital copying. The law allows libraries to make a share accessible format copies of works for people with print disabilities. The copyright law is in the process of change. There are no provisions allowing for Armenian libraries to get around technological protection measures that prevent them from using exceptions.

The criteria for professional qualities of a library worker are confirmed by an order N 506-Ն by the Minister of Culture, August 5, 2013.
Requirements for a position of a head of department are:

• Master degree of "Analyst of Documentary Information Resources" or "Manager of library-information work, bibliographer, specialist of documentary"  or academic degree and at least 1 year work experience of chief librarian or chief bibliographer, or
• Master's degree in higher education or academic degree and at least 3 year work experience of chief librarian or chief bibliographer.

Requirements for a position of a leading librarian are:

• Bachelor's degree with professions of "Library information and bibliography" or "Librarian-bibliographer, pedagogue" and at least 1 year work experience of a first-class librarian, or
• Higher education and at least 3 year work experience of first-class librarian.

The Khachatour Abovyan National Pedagogical University Department of Museum Studies, Library Studies and a Bibliography provide possibility to get Bachelor and Masters degrees in full time and distance learning studies.  National Academy of Sciences provides Masters and PhD degrees.

Scientific-methodic online journal for professionals of Library Studies, Bibliography and Automation systems. Published twice a year since 2015.

The National Library Week is organized and held by Armenian Library Association since 2002. This extensive annual event is held between 10th and 20th of April. The purpose is to once again underline the role importance of the books and libraries for the sake of societal development. At the same time it draws the attention of the state to solving the modern library problems. All libraries of the republic participate in the Library Week, by holding different events like celebrations, book presentations and discussions, meetings, literary and theatrical matinees, exhibitions, book donations etc – according to a specially conducted program.

Since 2004, upon decision by the Armenian government, the October 7 is officially celebrated as the Librarian's Day. The purpose of the event is to underline the role of the book, the knowledge, the libraries and the librarians in the era of modern technologies. On this day different very different event take place: round tables, literary matinees, library issues discussions, meeting of the notorious representatives of the academic, cultural, literary occupation, as well as encouragement ceremonies of the best librarians.  Meanwhile, during the year seminars, professional trainings, academic conferences and lectures (2-4 times per year) for the librarians of the Republic are organized and implemented highlighting the role of the librarians in our society the whole year.