The latest procedures for establishing a library in Vietnam

The latest procedures for establishing a library in Vietnam (Internet image)

Regarding this matter, LawNet would like to answer as follows:

The latest procedures for establishing a library are regulated in Decision 997/QD-BVHTTDL in 2024 as follows:

1. Procedures for establishing a provincial library in Vietnam

* Procedures:

- Within 30 days from the date of issuing the Decision to establish the library, the organization or institution establishing the library must send a notification of establishment to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

- Within 15 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid notification dossier, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism must respond in writing; in case of disagreement, the reasons must be clearly stated. Within 10 days from the date of receiving the notification, if the notification dossier does not meet the required documents as prescribed, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is responsible for sending a written request for amendments to the dossier.

* Submission methods: directly, online, or via postal service to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (via the Department of Library).

* Components and quantity of dossier:

- Components of the dossier: A copy of the Decision of the competent authority or the Notification of library establishment (for libraries of organizations, institutions, educational facilities) (according to Form 03 specified in Appendix VIII issued together with Circular No. 13/2023/TT-BVHTTDL dated October 30, 2023, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending regulations related to citizen documents in some Circulars issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

- Quantity of dossier: 01 set.

2. Procedures for establishing a district library in Vietnam

* Procedures:

- Within 30 days from the date of issuing the Decision to establish the library, the organization or institution establishing the library must send a notification to the provincial People's Committee where the library is located.

- Within 15 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid notification dossier, the provincial People's Committee must respond in writing; in case of disagreement, the reasons must be clearly stated. Within 10 days from the date of receiving the notification, if the notification dossier does not meet the required documents as prescribed, the provincial People's Committee is responsible for sending a written request for amendments to the dossier.

* Submission methods: directly, online, or via postal service to the provincial People's Committee where the library is located.

* Components and quantity of dossier:

- Components of the dossier: A copy of the Decision of the competent authority or the Notification of library establishment (for libraries of organizations, institutions, educational facilities) (according to Form 03 specified in Appendix VIII issued together with Circular No. 13/2023/TT-BVHTTDL dated October 30, 2023, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism amending regulations related to citizen documents in some Circulars issued by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism).

- Quantity of dossier: 01 set.

3. Functions and duties of libraries in Vietnam

- Develop, process, store, preserve, connect and enrich information resources as appropriate to the needs of library users.

- Organize shared use of information resources, information products and library services; promote knowledge and cultural values of the country and humankind; support research, learning and recreation; and contribute to the formation and development of knowledge, skills, virtues and capacity of library users.

- Apply scientific and technological advancements, and modernize libraries.

- Promote reading culture and provide an environment for life-long learning, build a learning society, heighten people’s intellectual standards, and shape comprehensively capable Vietnamese citizens.

(Article 4 of Law on Library 2019)

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