Libraries in Armenia
Armenia’s library system is currently undergoing modernisation and reorganisation. The country has several types of libraries, including:
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of the Republic of Armenia is responsible for developing laws and policies relating to libraries. Through its programmes – designed to ensure that all readers have access to both modern digital databases and electronic repositories, alongside traditional library services – the Ministry plays a key role in modernising and strengthening the library sector. These activities are intended to ensure the long-term relevance and sustainability of libraries in an era of rapidly evolving digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
The Ministry carries out the accreditation of community libraries in accordance with the procedure established by the RA Law On Libraries and Librarianship and the RA Government Resolution No. 187-N On Establishing the Procedure for Accreditation of Public Libraries and the Form of the Certificate. Between 2013 and 2022, 55 community and state libraries were accredited and received the status of public libraries.
The programme Development of the Material and Technical Base of Public Libraries has facilitated the creation of contemporary information centres within community libraries across Armenia.
Key development priorities for the library field in Armenia include:
The Armenian Library Association (ALA) is the only professional association representing the interests of librarians in the country. It contributes to the advancement of librarianship by fostering partnerships with foreign libraries and library organisations, participating in projects related to library legislation and standards in Armenia, and implementing initiatives aimed at raising the status and public perception of libraries. The ALA is also actively involved in the professional development of librarians and in improving policies and norms governing the library sector.
Library data
Contextual data
Population
Population Growth
Proportion of Population Younger than 15
Proportion of Population Older than 64
Population Density
people per sq km
Population Growth
Access to Electricity
Internet Users
Female Internet Users
Male Internet Users
GDP per capita
Poverty Rate
2011 PPP
Inequality
2011 PPP
Unemployment
Inactive Youth
2011 PPP
Education Spending
% of GDP
Adult Literacy Rate
% of people age 15+
Female Adult Literacy
% of GDP
Male Adult Literacy
% of people age 15+
Female Youth Literacy
% of GDP
Male Youth Literacy
% of people age 15+
Research Spending
% of GDP
Researchers
% of GDP
Research Spending
% of GDP
Library data
|
Library type |
Total |
National |
Academic |
Public |
Community |
School |
Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Libraries (Service Points)
1,775
Library service point is a fixed or mobile facility through which library provides a service to its users. Central libraries, branch libraries, mobile libraries, and external service points located in different geographical locations and managed by one administrative unit are all each individual service points. Number of libraries is the total number of central/main libraries, branch libraries, external service points and mobile libraries. |
1,775 2025 |
3 2025 |
48 2025 |
124 2025 |
282 2025 |
1,317 2024 |
1 2025 |
|
Main Libraries
108
Central/main library is usually part or those parts of an administrative unit where the main administrative functions and the important parts of the library collection and services are located. An administrative unit comprising several branch libraries does not necessarily include a central library. |
108 2025 |
2 2025 |
18 2025 |
55 2025 |
32 2025 |
— |
1 2025 |
|
Branch Libraries
334
Branch library is a part of a larger administrative unit providing, in separate quarters, a service for a particular user group (e.g. children, faculties) or for a locally defined clientele. Institute, departmental and other affiliated libraries are included. Mobile libraries and external service points are excluded. |
334 2025 |
0 2025 |
30 2025 |
66 2025 |
238 2025 |
— |
0 2025 |
|
External Service Points
15
External service point is a point away from library premises at which a certain service is regularly offered to users. This includes places within a locality at which library material is deposited for informal circulation to a restricted group of users but without other library services, for example, old people’s homes, community centres, collections for hospital patients. Mobile libraries and their stops are not counted as external service points. |
15 2025 |
0 2025 |
— |
3 2025 |
12 2025 |
— |
0 2025 |
|
Mobile Libraries
1
Mobile library is a library, sometimes a division of a public library, using transport means to provide documents and services directly to users as an alternative to access on library premises. |
1 2025 |
1 2025 |
— |
0 2025 |
0 2025 |
— |
0 2025 |
|
Libraries (Administrative Units)
1,631
Administrative unit is any independent library, or group of libraries, under a single directorate or a single administration. The term “independent” does not imply legal or financial independence but only that the library is a recognisably separate unit, typically within a larger organisation. The administrative unit can be a single library or a larger organisation, typically containing a central/main library, branch libraries and administrative functions. |
1,631 2025 |
2 2025 |
21 2025 |
40 2023 |
250 2025 |
1,317 2024 |
1 2025 |
|
Libraries with Internet Access
811
Libraries (Service Points) that provides internet access from at least one workstation available to the public regardless of whether access is free, and/or provides a wireless network allowing users to connect to the Internet. |
811 2025 |
2 2025 |
21 2025 |
67 2025 |
36 2025 |
684 2016 |
1 2025 |
|
Full-Time Staff
2,682
Full-time equivalent (FTE) staff are all library employees who work for the library in return for payment. It includes professional staff, qualified staff, project staff and assistants. Other staff (library employees who work in security and on domestic duties, for example, cleaners, porters, caretakers and catering staff) and volunteers are excluded. |
2,682 2025 |
335 2025 |
250 2025 |
256 2025 |
422 2025 |
1,407 2024 |
12 2025 |
|
Volunteers
1,476
Volunteer is a person working on library tasks without payment. In counting volunteers, the concept of headcount is used. |
1,476 2025 |
1 2025 |
23 2025 |
36 2025 |
133 2025 |
1,283 2016 |
0 2025 |
|
Registered Users
558,968
Registered user is a person or organisation registered with a library in order to use its collection and/or services within or away from the library. Users may be registered upon their request or automatically when enrolling in the institutions. |
558,968 2025 |
41,356 2025 |
97,557 2025 |
75,786 2025 |
139,332 2025 |
196,399 2016 |
8,538 2025 |
|
Physical Visits
3.5 M
Physical visit is a person (individual) entering the library premises. |
3,502,668 2025 |
490,520 2025 |
1,024,051 2025 |
523,515 2025 |
1,221,986 2025 |
233,439 2016 |
9,157 2025 |
|
Physical Loans
6.7 M
Physical loan is a direct lending or delivery transaction of an item in physical form. Physical loans include loans of items in non-electronic form (e.g. books) and loans electronic documents on a physical carrier (e.g. CD-ROM). |
6,651,674 2025 |
1,739,296 2025 |
1,285,066 2025 |
843,888 2025 |
1,716,638 2025 |
1,052,909 2016 |
13,877 2025 |
|
eBook Loans
483,242
eBook is a non-serial digital document, licenced or not, where searchable text is prevalent, and similar to a print book (monograph). eBooks can be lent to users either on portable devices (eBook readers) or by transmitting the contents to the user’s PC or other device for a limited time period. |
483,242 2025 |
470,662 2025 |
11,948 2025 |
29 2025 |
N/A 2023 |
170 2016 |
433 2025 |
|
Audio Book Loans
915
Audio book (or talking book) is a sound recording of readings of a book, magazine, or newspaper, usually designed for use by visually impaired people. Audio books can be lent to users either on a physical carrier or other device, or by transmitting the content to the user’s PC or other device for a limited time period. |
915 2025 |
15 2025 |
42 2025 |
9 2025 |
N/A 2023 |
849 2016 |
0 2025 |
|
Downloads
70,739
Download is a content unit that is successfully requested from a library-provided online service or other internet service (e.g. database, electronic serial or digital document). |
70,739 2025 |
40,209 2025 |
17,329 2025 |
50 2025 |
N/A 2023 |
7,751 2016 |
5,400 2025 |
Contextual data
|
Population |
Armenia |
Region |
World |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Population Total population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. The values shown are midyear estimates. |
3,033,500 2024 |
928,263,208 2024 |
8,141,808,945 2024 |
|
Proportion of Population Younger than 15 Age dependency ratio, young, is the ratio of younger dependents--people younger than 15--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population. |
28.7% 2024 |
27.0% 2024 |
38.0% 2024 |
|
Proportion of Population Older than 64 Age dependency ratio, old, is the ratio of older dependents--people older than 64--to the working-age population--those ages 15-64. Data are shown as the proportion of dependents per 100 working-age population. |
20.4% 2024 |
28.1% 2024 |
15.7% 2024 |
|
Population Growth Annual population growth rate for year t is the exponential rate of growth of midyear population from year t-1 to t, expressed as a percentage. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship. |
2.3% 2024 |
0 2024 |
1.0% 2024 |
|
Population Density Population density is midyear population divided by land area in square kilometers. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship--except for refugees not permanently settled in the country of asylum, who are generally considered part of the population of their country of origin. Land area is a country's total area, excluding area under inland water bodies, national claims to continental shelf, and exclusive economic zones. In most cases the definition of inland water bodies includes major rivers and lakes. |
105.1% 2023 |
33.7% 2022 |
61.6% 2022 |
|
Urban Population Urban population refers to people living in urban areas as defined by national statistical offices. The data are collected and smoothed by United Nations Population Division. |
65.8% 2024 |
74.0% 2024 |
57.6% 2024 |
|
Information Infrastructure |
Armenia |
Region |
World |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Internet Users Internet users are individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. |
80.0% 2023 |
92.4% 2025 |
73.6% 2025 |
|
Female Internet Users This indicator refers to female individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. |
79.3% 2022 |
90.0% 2024 |
68.2% 2024 |
|
Male Internet Users This indicator refers to male individuals who have used the Internet (from any location) in the last 3 months. The Internet can be used via a computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant, games machine, digital TV etc. |
- |
90.0% |
- |
|
Access to Electricity Access to electricity is the percentage of population with access to electricity. Electrification data are collected from industry, national surveys and international sources. |
100.0% 2023 |
100.0% 2023 |
91.6% 2023 |
|
Economy, Poverty, and Employment |
Armenia |
Region |
World |
|---|---|---|---|
|
GDP per Capita This indicator provides values for gross domestic product (GDP) expressed in current international dollars, converted by purchasing power parities (PPPs). PPPs account for the different price levels across countries and thus PPP-based comparisons of economic output are more appropriate for comparing the output of economies and the average material well-being of their inhabitants than exchange-rate based comparisons. Gross domestic product is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period. It can be measured in three different ways: using either the expenditure approach, the income approach, or the production approach. This series has been linked to produce a consistent time series to counteract breaks in series over time due to changes in base years, source data and methodologies. Thus, it may not be comparable with other national accounts series in the database for historical years. The core indicator has been divided by the general population to achieve a per capita estimate. This indicator is expressed in current prices, meaning no adjustment has been made to account for price changes over time. The PPP conversion factor is a currency conversion factor and a spatial price deflator. PPPs convert different currencies to a common currency and, in the process of conversion, equalize their purchasing power by eliminating the differences in price levels between countries, thereby allowing volume or output comparisons of GDP and its expenditure components. |
22,823 2024 |
52,463.1 2024 |
24,526 2024 |
|
Poverty Rate Poverty headcount ratio at $3.00 a day is the percentage of the population living on less than $3.00 a day at 2021 purchasing power adjusted prices. As a result of revisions in PPP exchange rates, poverty rates for individual countries cannot be compared with poverty rates reported in earlier editions. |
1.9% 2023 |
0.5% 2024 |
10.3% 2024 |
|
Inequality Gini index measures the extent to which the distribution of income (or, in some cases, consumption expenditure) among individuals or households within an economy deviates from a perfectly equal distribution. A Lorenz curve plots the cumulative percentages of total income received against the cumulative number of recipients, starting with the poorest individual or household. The Gini index measures the area between the Lorenz curve and a hypothetical line of absolute equality, expressed as a percentage of the maximum area under the line. Thus a Gini index of 0 represents perfect equality, while an index of 100 implies perfect inequality. |
27.2% 2023 |
0.0% |
- |
|
Unemployment Unemployment refers to the share of the labor force that is without work but available for and seeking employment. Definitions of labor force and unemployment differ by country. |
8.3% 2023 |
5.3% 2024 |
6.2% 2021 |
|
Inactive Youth The share of youth not in education, employment or training (also known as “the NEET rate”) conveys the number of young persons not in education, employment or training as a percentage of the total youth population. Youth not in education are those who were neither enrolled in school nor in a formal training program (e.g. vocational training). For the purposes of this indicator, youth is defined as all persons between the ages of 15 and 24 (inclusive). percentage of youth population |
20.2% 2023 |
12.5% 2024 |
- |
|
Education and Literacy |
Armenia |
Region |
World |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Education Spending General government expenditure on education (current, capital, and transfers) is expressed as a percentage of GDP. It includes expenditure funded by transfers from international sources to government. General government usually refers to local, regional and central governments. percentage of GDP |
2.4% 2023 |
4.6% 2022 |
3.5% 2023 |
|
Adult Literacy Rate Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. percentage of people ages 15 and above |
99.8% 2023 |
4.6% 2022 |
87.7% 2024 |
|
Female Adult Literacy Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. percentage of females ages 15 and above |
99.9% 2023 |
98.5% 2024 |
84.6% 2024 |
|
Male Adult Literacy Adult literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15 and above who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. percentage of males ages 15 and above |
99.9% 2023 |
99.1% 2023 |
90.9% 2024 |
|
Female Youth Literacy Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. percentage of females ages 15-24 |
99.9% 2023 |
99.8% 2023 |
92.0% 2024 |
|
Male Youth Literacy Youth literacy rate is the percentage of people ages 15-24 who can both read and write with understanding a short simple statement about their everyday life. percentage of males ages 15-24 |
99.9% 2023 |
99.8% 2023 |
94.1% 2024 |
|
Research and Innovation |
Armenia |
Region |
World |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Research Spending Gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D), expressed as a percent of GDP. They include both capital and current expenditures in the four main sectors: Business enterprise, Government, Higher education and Private non-profit. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development. percentage of GDP |
0.2% 2023 |
2.0% 2022 |
2.7% 2022 |
|
Researchers The number of researchers engaged in Research &Development (R&D), expressed as per million. Researchers are professionals who conduct research and improve or develop concepts, theories, models techniques instrumentation, software of operational methods. R&D covers basic research, applied research, and experimental development. per million people |
1,040 2023 |
3,466.1 2022 |
1,516 2018 |
|
Scientific Articles Article counts refer to publications from a selection of conference proceedings and peer-reviewed journals from Scopus in science and engineering fields, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics Taxonomy of Disciplines. fractional count |
655 2022 |
913,901.4 2022 |
3,338,192 2022 |
National Library Associations
The goal of the Armenian Library Association (ALA) is to contribute to the development and improvement of librarianship. It establishes and maintains partnerships with foreign libraries and library organisations and participates in projects related to the development of principles, programmes, and normative documents governing librarianship in the Republic of Armenia. The Association supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the authority and public reputation of libraries.
ALA’s main activities include the professional development of librarians; the creation and evaluation of standards related to various types of library activity; the organisation of events (such as National Library Week, Librarians’ Day, and book fairs); raising awareness of libraries and the library profession; and the organisation and delivery of professional, local, and international library seminars and conferences. The Association currently has 200 members.
National Library
The National Library of Armenia (NLA) is the centre of the country’s bibliography and the largest repository of Armenian printed materials in the world. Since 1925, the NLA has received legal deposit copies of all Armenian print publications. The Library serves as a national hub for information and book exchange, bibliography, interlibrary lending, librarianship, and the digitisation of printed materials.
In 1947, the Library began publishing the Calendar of Memorable Dates. Since 2015, the Bulletin of Armenian Libraries has been published in electronic form.
The mission of the Library is to:
The National Children’s Library, named after Khnko Aper, promotes reading among children and young adults through library research, cultural events, and educational programmes. As a national hub for children’s literature, it collects, preserves, and provides access to a comprehensive collection of printed works written in Armenian.
The Library is a member of several international organisations, including the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), the International Association of Music Libraries (IAML), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).
Policy Making Institutions
Description: The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia is the principal state executive body responsible for the development and implementation of national policy in the cultural sector. It oversees cultural preservation, legislation, heritage sites, and cultural promotion.
The Ministry manages national museums, theatres, and libraries, and supports cultural education initiatives aimed at increasing cultural participation among young people. It directly funds and supervises the National Library of Armenia, the National Children’s Library named after Khnko Aper, and ten provincial libraries.
Library Support Organisations
Since 2013, the Government has implemented a grant programme entitled Development of the Material and Technical Base of Public Libraries. The programme aims to equip accredited community libraries with modern facilities, including professional furniture and free internet access, as well as to support the renewal and expansion of library book collections.
The Writers’ Union of Armenia is a public non-profit organisation that brings writers together. Established in 1932, it collaborates with government bodies, publishers, libraries, museums, and academic and scientific institutions. The Union organises literary anniversaries, awards, exhibitions, discussions of newly published works by its members, presentations, and other cultural activities. Since 2008, it has also organised Book Giving Day, which is celebrated annually in Armenia on 19 February.
Established in 1998, the National Publishers’ Association is a non-governmental organisation that brings together publishing houses in Armenia. Its activities include organising book fairs, participating in international events, delivering presentations, and donating books to major libraries.
National Policy for Libraries
The Law of the Republic of Armenia on the Foundations of Cultural Legislation was adopted on 20 November 2002. The objectives of state cultural policy are as follows:
Library Law
The Library Law, adopted in 2012, defines the types and functions of libraries, the procedures for the registration, acquisition, preservation, and accreditation of public libraries, as well as the rights and obligations of libraries and their users. It also establishes the legal framework for the development of library services and regulates relationships relating to the establishment, organisation, and funding of libraries.
Legal Deposit Law
On 5 October 2005, the Republic of Armenia adopted the Law on Mandatory Copy of Documents (Law No. ZR-186). In Armenia, the legal framework governing the submission, archiving, and certification of document copies is largely regulated by legislation relating to archives, notarial services, and electronic documents.
The certification of document copies for official use and the obligation to submit mandatory copies to the national archives are key legal requirements. Under this legislation, the National Library of Armenia is legally required to receive two copies of all printed books and other materials published in Armenia. The original law adopted in 2005 has been amended numerous times, with significant revisions introduced as recently as 2020.
Copyright Law & Library Exceptions and Limitations
Original literary, creative, and scientific works are automatically protected upon creation under Armenia’s Law on Copyright and Related Rights (adopted in 2006, as amended), without the need for registration. The law grants authors economic rights for the duration of their lifetime plus a further 70 years, as well as exclusive and inalienable moral rights, which are perpetual.
The legislation permits core library activities such as lending, copying, and preservation, and allows copying for educational and research purposes. However, it does not adequately address digital uses, as its definition of reproduction explicitly excludes digital copying.
Professional Qualification Requirements
The criteria for the professional qualifications of library staff are established by Order No. 506-Ն of the Minister of Culture, dated 5 August 2013.
Requirements for the position of Head of Department:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Analysis of Documentary Information Resources or Management of Library and Information Services (Bibliographer, Documentary Information Specialist), or an academic degree, and have at least one year of experience as a Chief Librarian or Chief Bibliographer. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in higher education or an academic degree combined with a minimum of three years of experience as a Chief Librarian or Chief Bibliographer is required.
Requirements for the position of Leading Librarian:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Sciences or Librarian-Bibliographer, Educator, with at least one year of experience as a First-Class Librarian. Alternatively, a higher education degree combined with a minimum of three years of experience as a First-Class Librarian is required.
Education
There is no information available.
Professional Publications
A scientific and methodological online journal for professionals in library studies, bibliography, and automated systems. Published biannually since 2015.
Professional Events
The Armenian Library Association began celebrating National Library Week (NLW) in Armenia in 2002. This major annual event is held in mid-April and aims to highlight the importance of books and libraries in the advancement of civilisation. It also draws the attention of the state and society to the challenges facing modern libraries.
All libraries across the Republic participate in NLW through specially designed programmes that include public lectures, book presentations and discussions, meetings, literary exhibitions, book donations, and other cultural events.
Since 2004, 7 October has been officially recognised as Librarians’ Day by the Armenian Government. The occasion aims to highlight the importance of libraries and librarians in the contemporary technological era. On this day, a wide range of events is held, including round-table discussions, literary matinées, debates on issues facing libraries, meetings with prominent figures from the academic, cultural, and literary communities, and ceremonies honouring outstanding librarians.
The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia also announces five nominees for the Best Library awards, recognising excellence in public, academic, community, educational, and innovative library services.
On 4 July 1919, the Republic of Armenia adopted the National Public Book Depository statute, which established the National Library of Armenia. Since 1999, the National Library has organised annual events to mark the Day of the National Library of Armenia, honouring both veterans of library service and friends and supporters of the NLA.
Library Location Resources
No information available
Contributors