On April 5, employees of the National Library of Armenia, Nerses Hayrapetyan and Anitsa Genjyan, conducted a one-day seminar at Library No. 6 in the Jrarrat district of Hrazdan, designed for about 30 library staff members from the Hrazdan community.

Anitsa Genjyan delivered a seminar on “Electronic Cataloguing and Inventory of Community Library Collections,” presenting the innovative tools available in the field as well as the experience of the National Library of Armenia. Nerses Hayrapetyan discussed with the seminar participants the challenges of reorganizing library services in a rapidly changing world, placing special emphasis on the role of modern libraries in providing access to information and public services. He also familiarized the librarians with the structure and content of the National Library of Armenia’s official website and introduced the NLA’s “Hay Girq” and “Hay Mampul” electronic databases as effective tools for utilizing digitized information.

It was a pleasure to get acquainted with the work of the community libraries and to learn that all the libraries in the community are equipped with computers and wireless internet access, providing a favorable foundation for further development. After the seminar, the National Library staff also visited Hrazdan Community Libraries No. 5 and No. 7, where they familiarized themselves on-site with the libraries’ activities and existing challenges.

Library Director Karine Asatryan reported that the main issue faced by the libraries is the lack of their own dedicated space. Currently, discussions are underway with the community leader regarding the prospective development of the libraries, including the construction of new modern library facilities. During the meeting, participants had the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on the digitization of library work, management of library collections, and contemporary approaches. The seminar aimed to promote the development of professional skills and to support community libraries in improving their services in line with modern requirements.