A PRIVATE LIBRARY PROVIDING PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES MUST HAVE AT LEAST 2,000 BOOKS
On August 18, 2020, the Government issues the Decree No. 93/2020/ND-CP detailing a number of articles of the Law on Libraries.
Specifically, a private library providing public library services must have at least 2,000 books (including digital documents); have area and infrastructure facilitate preservation of information resources, and library facilities with reading spaces of at least 25 m2 for library users; librarians must possess an upper secondary or higher degree; at least 1 librarian possesses librarianship qualifications, etc.
Additionally, criteria for determination of an important state-funded library prioritized for investment by the State include: At least 6,000 people register to use the library, borrow information resources, or use electronic and digital documents at the library, outside the library and online; at least 1,000,000 turns of people visit the library and access its website;
At least 80% of library professional activities and library services have applied science and technology; the library has established its portal or website; and organized its online public access catalog (OPAC); at least 30% of library services are provided online, etc.
Besides, a private library showing a sign of violation shall be suspended operation for a definite term based on the severity of the violation. At least 15 working days before the expiration of the operation suspension period, the library subject to operation suspension shall report on remediation of its violation to the issuer of the suspension decision. Upon the expiration of the operation suspension period, if the library subject to operation suspension fails to report on the remediation of its violations, the suspension decision issuer shall issue a decision on termination of operation of the library.
This Decree takes effect on October 05, 2020.
