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Memorandum of Understanding between the Azerbaijan National Library (ANL) and the UCLA Library was signed at the University California Los Angeles (UCLA) Library, one of the prestigious universities of the USA and the world, on January 9, 2018. Up to 9 million books are stored in the UCLA Library, one of the top ten public academic libraries in North America.

Sharing his impressions about the development of library science in Azerbaijan, David Hirsch – Librarian for Middle Eastern Studies at UCLA Library expressed his hope to cooperation between the Azerbaijan National Library and the UCLA Library.

Director of the Azerbaijan National Library prof. Karim Tahirov in his speech stated that the Memorandum of Understanding on mutual cooperation between ANL and the UCLA Library will allow implement the exchange of books, information, as well as experience of librarians between the two libraries on a regular basis. “It will also enhance the use of information resources for readers by utilizing the virtual capabilities of both libraries,” Dr. Tahirov added. He noted that this Memorandum will also allow create electronic information resources that will significantly contribute to learning about and conducting research into the history, culture, science, customs and traditions of both Azerbaijan National Library and the UCLA Library. He also mentioned that this is a historic launch of a collaboration that will greatly benefit students and scholars in both countries. Dr. Tahirov expressed his gratitude to the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles for helping ANL to establish relations with the UCLA Library.

In her remarks, director of the UCLA Library Ms. Virginia Steel said: “We are delighted to welcome the Azerbaijan National Library to our growing list of major international partners. She expressed her confidence that through the collaborative and joint projects implemented by the UCLA Library and ANL, scientists and students all over the world will be able to obtain knowledge on both countries more widely and easily.

Speaking at the event, Consul General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles Nasimi Aghayev said that UCLA Library was the first university library that Azerbaijan National Library started cooperation and expressed that he was delighted to attend such a historic event. He stressed that this Memorandum of Understanding between ANL and the UCLA Library would create a strong basis for a mutually beneficial cooperation and further rapprochement between the two libraries.

After speeches, a short film reflecting the history, activities and achievements of Azerbaijan National Library was demonstrated. After that, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two libraries. Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the director of Azerbaijan National Library prof. Karim Tahirov and by the director of UCLA Library Virginia Steel.

Later, prof. K.Tahirov presented already published volumes of Azerbaijan National Encyclopedia, Photo album about Azerbaijan National Library, and other books related to Azerbaijan to the UCLA Library.

The event was attended by UCLA Library staff, faculty and students, members of the Los Angeles Consular Corps, as well as other guests.