The National and University Library of Iceland has published a brochure explaining the Library’s policy for 2013–2017.
At the beginning of 2013, work on a new policy began at the Library. The purpose was to create a road map that staff can use in developing the Library’s work in the coming years. The Library’s executive board, together with the human resources manager, has been the steering group for this work and has borne the brunt of shaping the policy. Sigurjón Þórðarson of the consultancy Gekon led the project at the start, took part in planning it and chaired meetings.
In shaping the policy there was wide consultation, with meetings with staff and the main partners and stakeholders, and a special meeting with a group of students from the University of Iceland. The Library’s board also took an active part in the work, attending meetings and reviewing policy documents at different stages; the board advises the National Librarian on the Library’s policy. Various documents also served as a basis, such as the Library’s act of 2011, the Libraries Act passed at the end of 2012, Alþingi’s resolution on cultural policy of 2013, the government’s policy on the information society of 2013, and material from Landskerfi bókasafna (the Consortium of Icelandic Libraries) and the Iceland Consortium for Electronic Subscriptions, and account was taken of developments in the field around the world.
The new policy builds on the earlier policy for 2009–2013, which focused on services, electronic solutions, the collection and organisation of digital material, and cooperation. That work will continue, but there will also be an emphasis on research, innovation and changes in the environment in which the Library works.
This time 61 goals are set out for the coming years, divided into eight areas. To work towards them, 213 projects, large and small, have been defined. Many of the projects cut across disciplines and call for cooperation between different units within the Library, while others are a natural continuation of earlier projects. The next step is to link them to the annual work plans and put them into practice.