The Law on Libraries (1998) aims to improve the organisation of libraries, make libraries more effective and valuable, and extend library and information services to people living in rural areas. It provides the legal basis that libraries require to do their job effectively, improve, and update their working methods. The Act formulates the principles of state policy on libraries, provides an everyday basis for the library system, regulates the founding and running of libraries, and covers funding, the public’s rights regarding the use of libraries, and the principles of international cooperation in this area.
The Law on Publishing (2000) is designed to remedy shortcomings in the publishing and printing industry and supply the lack of comprehensive legislation in this sector. The Act lays down the main principles of state policy, specifies the state’s duties, defines optimum approaches to the organisation and running of publishing and printing activities, and formulates principles to govern relations between operatives in this area.
Publishers, printing companies, distributors are entirely free in preparing thematic plans and programmes, selecting topics and authors, determining the circulation, price and trade supplements (discounts) of publications (except for publications financed based on state programmes), forms of communication with each other and other legal entities and individuals.
The Law on Mass Media (1999) regulates the general rules of search, acquisition, preparation, transmission, production and dissemination of mass information. It determines the basis of organisational, legal and economic activities of the press, news agencies, and television and radio organisations.
Article 29 (“Mandatory copies”) of the Law on Mass Media, Article 15 of the Law on Libraries (‘Provision of libraries with free compulsory copies”) and article 22 of the Law on Publishing (“Mandatory copies”) regulate legal deposit (compulsory library copies) matters. Obligatory copies of printed materials issued by state and non-state publishing houses, polygraphic enterprises engaged in publishing activities and other legal entities must be sent to the library designated by the Ministry for Culture (3 free obligatory copies) and to the libraries determined by the Milli Majlis (2 free mandatory copies). In addition, all newspapers and magazines published in the Republic of Azerbaijan must send two free copies of their newspapers and magazines to the libraries specified above. Electronic versions of the obligatory copies shall also be submitted to libraries if stipulated in the contract concluded between the customer and the publishing house (publisher). The use of objects included in the Library Fund is carried out following the Law on Copyright and Related Rights requirements.
There is no special translation legislation. However, the Azerbaijan State Translation Centre (AzSTC) under the Cabinet of Ministers was founded in 2012 to oversee the accuracy of the language and translation in the country; and promote Azerbaijani literature worldwide at the international level and world literature in the country through translations into Azerbaijani.
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