Regulations for Reykjavík City Library

Chapter I

Governance of the Library and Scope of Activities

Article 1

Reykjavík City Library is the property of the City of Reykjavík. The Committee for Culture and Sports of the City of Reykjavík shall exercise the functions of the governing authority of the library and shall submit proposals to the City Executive Council concerning policy formation in its affairs, supervise the library’s operations, and monitor compliance with adopted regulations and policy. The general management of Reykjavík City Library shall otherwise rest with the City Librarian.

The operating expenses of the library shall be paid from the City Treasury in accordance with the annual operating and financial plan. Reykjavík City Library shall not be operated for profit.

Article 2

Reykjavík City Library shall operate in accordance with the applicable Public Libraries Act No. 150/2012 and the UNESCO/IFLA Public Library Manifesto of 2022.

Reykjavík City Library comprises the following branch libraries: Árbær, Gerðuberg, Grófin, Kléberg, Kringlan, Sólheimar, Spöngin, and Úlfarsárdalur.

Article 3

Reykjavík City Library is a comprehensive information and cultural institution whose primary purpose is to promote equitable access to culture and knowledge. Emphasis shall be placed on ensuring good access for residents of all ages to services, facilities, educational activities, and events. Residents of the City of Reykjavík shall have easy access to the branch libraries operating in city neighbourhoods, as well as to other services of the library as determined by the City authorities from time to time. Opening hours shall be determined regarding user needs at each place of operation.

The principal functions of Reykjavík City Library are as follows:

To provide high‑quality information services, facilities, cultural programming, and a well‑curated collection for the public, reflecting a broad diversity of perspectives, making use of the most advanced knowledge, channels of communication, and technological equipment available at any given time.

To provide high‑quality and diverse cultural activities for users.

To play a leading role in the promotion of literature and literature‑related events and to carry out initiatives that encourage reading and shared reading experiences across all age groups, thereby promoting literacy in its broadest sense.

To provide cultural education for children and young people through educational and creative activities.

To participate in collaborative projects in the fields of inclusion and civic participation that promote openness and mutual understanding within society.

To make library facilities available to users for social interaction, events, inspiration, learning, and active participation.

To conduct, insofar as possible, research related to the principal areas of emphasis in the library’s activities.

To take a leading role in cooperation among public libraries in Iceland and to implement best practices recognized internationally in library services and operations.

To ensure the employment of competent and satisfied staff.

To ensure efficient use and sound management of financial resources in the operation of the institution.

Reykjavík City Library shall adopt a strategy, guiding principles, and objectives for its operations and finances and shall implement these through an action plan.

Article 4

The branches of Reykjavík City Library shall be open to the public during advertised opening hours. The institution and its activities shall be promoted to the public and to students, in consultation with the educational authorities of Reykjavík.

Reykjavík City Library is authorized to charge fees for library cards and other services in accordance with the provisions of the Public Libraries Act No. 150/2012. Fees shall be collected in accordance with an approved fee schedule. All revenue generated by the library’s activities shall accrue to the institution.

Article 5

The Director of the Department of Culture and Sports shall appoint the City Librarian for a term of five years at a time, following consultation with the Committee for Culture and Sports. Wherever possible, the City Librarian shall hold specialist qualifications in library and information science and possess knowledge of library operations and administration. The position shall be advertised in accordance with Article 75 of the Rules governing the administration of the City of Reykjavík and the Rules of Procedure of the City Council.

The Department Director may decide to extend the appointment of the City Librarian for successive five‑year terms, following consultation with the Committee for Culture and Sports. The City Librarian shall be responsible for the professional activities of the institution, including lending and information services, events, education, and dissemination. The City Librarian shall also be responsible for the renewal and maintenance of the library’s collection and equipment.

Article 6

The City Librarian shall provide advisory services to the City authorities on matters relating to libraries and information services.

Chapter II

Collections, Acquisitions, and Weeding

Article 7

The City Librarian shall be responsible for the development of the library’s collection, acquisitions (including purchases and donations), and weeding. The City Librarian may appoint internal teams to oversee collection development in accordance with the library’s strategy at any given time. Members of the public may submit suggestions for acquisitions, which shall be referred to the relevant team. The collection shall be developed on the basis that the library serves the public.

The City Librarian shall decide whether to accept donations offered to the library and shall assess whether such donations ought to be accepted. As a rule, donations subject to conditions shall not be accepted.

Chapter III

Authorization to Establish a Support Association

Article 8

A support association for Reykjavík City Library may be established. Funds raised by such an association shall be deposited in a special fund and allocated to clearly defined projects. Such funds shall not reduce the amount annually allocated to the library’s operations in the City’s budget.

Adopted by the Committee for Culture and Sports on 13 June 2025. 
At the same time, the Regulations for Reykjavík City Library adopted by the City Council on 20 January 2015 are repealed.

These Regulations shall enter into force on 25 June 2025. 
Adopted by the City Council of Reykjavík on 25 June 2025.