National libraries of Russia agreed to join efforts to promote science and culture

The national libraries of Russia: the Presidential Library, the Russian State Library and the National Library of Russia have signed an agreement on cooperation. It aims to reveal the potential of the three largest institutions with a view to promoting the national and world culture, science and education.

According to the document signed by the heads of institutions, the Presidential Library, the Russian State Library and the National Library of Russia will consolidate cooperation in their efforts to build up, preserve and provide access to the national library holdings. The agreement involves promotion of the National Electronic Library. Cooperation is also expected in cultural and educational activities: holding joint projects, working out national and international programs, organizing and holding conferences, symposiums, seminars, exhibitions and other events.

The main working body set up to implement the agreement is the Cooperation Council, which meets once a year with its annual meetings being hosted alternately by each national library. The last time the 21st meeting of the Cooperation Council of National Libraries of Russia was held on December 19, 2017 at the Presidential Library.

The history of the Cooperation Council covers decades. In 1996, the Russian State Library and the National Library of Russia signed «The Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation of the National Libraries of Russia», and in 2011 the Presidential Library joined «The Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the National Libraries of the Russian Federation». The revised 2018 document implies more effective coordination and cooperation between the three largest national libraries of Russia.