Legal Deposits

Books, magazines, newspapers, music, posters, brochures and other materials published in Iceland are materials that the National Library of Iceland – University Library is responsible for collecting and preserving. This is one of the main functions of the library and is called compulsory collection. Compulsory collection ensures that contemporary culture is preserved as a cultural heritage for the future and is accessible to all for knowledge and research for generations to come.

In support of this role , the Act on Mandatory Deposits to Museums, No. 20/2002 , is in force. It obliges publishers, printers and other producers to deposit a certain number of copies of all published material with the museum for preservation, regardless of the publication format. The number of copies that must be deposited depends on the circulation at any given time.

All published material in print as well as in digital/electronic form, such as audio and e-books, music, films and websites, is considered copyrightable material. The Copyright Act also covers material produced abroad for Icelandic publishers or authors.

In this way, the works live on as part of the cultural heritage of the Icelandic nation and reflect the diverse cultural flora that prevails at any given time.

Would you like to check whether your material has been received by the museum in mandatory collection? Look up the title on lbs.leitir.is or send us an inquiry at skylduskil@landsbokasafn.is .