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The international library convention in Syktyvkar opened on 14 March as a representative forum of professionals from public, research and university libraries from 24 Russian regions and foreign states.

In her welcome address, Deputy Chair of the Komi government Natalia Mikhalchenkova spoke about a broad and solid basis for library activities formed in Russia. She stated that libraries of the Komi Republic are ready for modernization in order to integrate best practices and innovations and serve users of all age groups, with various personal and professional needs.

Member of the Russian Federation Council Valeriy Markov reminded the guests that the forum takes place in the oldest library of the North-West of Russia - the National Library of the Komi Republic that has already celebrated its 180th anniversary. "New challenges of the day facing modern libraries push them towards searching for relevant forms and methods of operation. I wish you to be successful in your noble endeavours because it is through the books that the mankind can pass knowledge from generation to generation," said Mr. Markov.

Komi Minister of Culture, Tourism and Archives Sergey Yemelyanov commented that among five thematic sections announced at the II Northern Cultural Forum, the library section has the most intensive programme. He said he was sincerely pleased that the library community showed such a great interest to the topics discussed at the forum.

The plenary session focused on the discussion of the new generation of libraries being established in Russia. According to Anastasia Dyatlovskaya, head of priority national projects at the Russian State Library, informed that by 2024, it is planned to open 660 model municipal libraries with a modernized design, better facilities and improved competence.

A model library is understood as a flexible space that can be transformed depending on the demands of the local community. The library premises offer a place for unlimited communication, hosting discussion clubs, consultation services, lectures and other events for all age groups.

The project for modernization of libraries in Russia has launched a competition for libraries to apply for funding. The federal subsidy for each participating library will depend on its status: 5 million rubles are allocated for smaller local public libraries; central regional libraries can apply for 10 million rubles.

According to director of the Komi National Library Olga Miftakhova, the Komi Republic is one of the regions that has joined the modernization project and made a few important steps for its implementation. The Komi National Library will serve as the project office coordinating the activities of regional libraries aimed at converting them into model institutions of knowledge and information. Standard design projects have already been developed; the road map for project implementation is also in place. After a series of meeting, the librarians from Komi are currently preparing the required package of documentation to apply for funding. The ambitious goal is to establish a model library in each of the 20 municipalities of the Komi Republic by 2020.

After the speakers' presentations, the forum of librarians broke into a discussion of more practical issues of the modernization project, commenting on financial pitfalls and differences in the current state of library facilities, sharing regional practices and raising the questions of project feasibility and equal opportunities for all libraries irrespective of their status.