40 years of Almaty Libraries: automation, inclusion and creative projects

20 more new libraries will be opened in Almaty by 2030. At the same time, the focus will be on remote areas of the city where there is a shortage. In addition, library pavilions and machines will appear in parks, squares and shopping centers, which give out not only coffee, but also books with them. Thus, Almaty will become the first city that proposes, plans and is ready to implement this project in our country. This and other creative solutions in the field of librarianship were told in the Department of culture of the megapolis. A press tour of the libraries was organized for media representatives. By the way, this year the libraries of Almaty celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Now there are 28 city libraries in the cultural capital. Of these, three branches are open around the clock. Comfortable conditions have been created for readers: the book collection is constantly being updated, high-speed free Internet is available, computers, new work desks, sofas and ottomans are available. In addition, visually impaired and blind readers can use the services of libraries. To do this, there are keyboards with Braille, special screen magnifiers and scanners for translating the contents of books into Braille in real time.

“We are working closely with the blind society of our city, as well as various inclusive organizations. In addition, work is underway to increase the motivation of children to read books, for this we organize free language clubs, various events with elements of gamification, invite stars and writers. We have about 140 clubs in total. In general, 95% of the city’s libraries have been modernized. Each of our libraries is a center of diverse development, both for children and adults. Thanks to this, the number of visitors to city libraries reaches over 3 million annually,” said Meiram Bektembayev, Director of the Centralized Library System of Almaty.

The book collection of the Centralized Library System of the city is more than 1,300,000 copies, 18% of which have already been fully digitized. In addition, the book catalog is posted on the CBS website and is available to everyone. Also, the home delivery service for people with limited mobility is currently being tested.

During the press tour, journalists were able to communicate with library staff, visit various branches and get acquainted with publications stored in the fund. Nadezhda Ten, Head of Library No. 10, spoke about international cooperation. By the way, librarians of Almaty have been trained in leading libraries in Switzerland, Germany, Japan, South Korea and Georgia this year.

“The head of the city and the Department of Culture of Almaty pays special attention to the development of our industry, especially the issues of professional development of employees. For the first time, we had the opportunity to study at the world’s leading educational centers and libraries. Personally, I was on an internship in South Korea. We visited such famous libraries as Starfield, Namsan, as well as university and children’s libraries. Upon arrival, we compared all our acquired knowledge and told about our impressions. The akimat began to implement our ideas and knowledge gained abroad in city libraries. It’s wonderful,” she shared.

Now an automated information and library system has been launched in city libraries, with the introduction of which the following features have appeared: issuing an electronic library card, processing reader requests, selecting, ordering and reserving necessary literature, issuing and returning books in automated mode, complex automation of library and information technologies.