A tender has been announced for the purchase of publications for libraries

Baku/24.07.23/Turan:  The Ministry of Culture has announced a "competition for the procurement of publications" aimed at enhancing the collection of libraries under its purview with new literary works. As per the information released by the Ministry, interested participants must submit their publications by August 24, 2023. The competition will be overseen by the Commission on the preparation of the publication plan, a body established by the Ministry for purchasing publishing products.

Currently, Azerbaijan operates 32 public libraries with a total of 29.22 million books, according to the State Statistics Committee's report for 2022. However, there is a noticeable decline in library visitors, attributed to various factors. One of the primary issues highlighted in media reports regarding libraries is the lack of adequate facilities, modern technology, and a sufficient supply of books to these institutions.

A critical article titled "Why are libraries not provided with books?" published by Kulis.az delves into the challenges faced by libraries in obtaining books. The piece discusses how excessive distribution of free copies to libraries can pose financial difficulties for publishers. Some publishing houses raised concerns about the National Library of Azerbaijan primarily purchasing books from Russia, while neglecting local Azerbaijani publishing houses. This lack of support for local authors and translations has been a point of contention.

"I know that the National Library of Azerbaijan buys books from Russia for money. But he does not buy a single copy from Azerbaijani publishers.Why? The law requires that copies of each edition of the book published by us be handed over to bible libraries, because at the same time, according to the law, these libraries have their own budgets for the purchase of books,” said Shahbaz Khuduoglu, director of the Ganun publishing house

The article also emphasizes the importance of funding libraries for local publications and authors, especially young writers, as there is a significant gap in the book supply of state libraries, with publishing houses often functioning more like printing houses.

The primary goal of the competition is to address the book shortage in libraries. Often organizing such contests, the Ministry of Culture hopes to replenish the book fund of these institutions. However, it is not anticipated that this effort alone will substantially resolve the complex dynamics between libraries and publishers. Further efforts may be required to establish a more systematic and effective library and publishing system that supports local authors and fosters a sustainable relationship between libraries and publishers.