The Serbian parliament adopted Thursday a set of laws on libraries, which the authorities believe will complete the reforms in that area.

The laws refer to the library and information science and related practices, old and rare library material and mandatory samples of publications.

The new laws will allow the creation of complete records of everything in Serbian libraries and provide access to it for all citizens, Culture Minister Predrag Markovic stated addressing the parliament.

One of the reasons for the laws was to stimulate the use of new technologies and digitalize libraries.

The new legislation enables the creation of a national catalogue centre, which should unite the library system into one whole.

The law on old and rare library material will ensure its protection and include everyone who possesses such items, and not just libraries.

The law on mandatory samples aims to improve accessibility for all publications in Serbia.