- The first attempt to enact a legal depository law was made in 1990, but it was succeeded in the mid 2005. The Legal deposit law no.1/2006 has been passed and is now fully functional. The legal deposit law deals with rules that govern the collection and access to the following materials • Material published in the Maldives,
- material published by Maldivians overseas,
- material published by Maldivians association and Maldivian companies. It is used as a mean to collect, develop and preserve the nations cultural heritage, and provide research services.
- Under this law the following materials has to be deposited:-
- Books
- Pamphlets, periodicals (newspapers, magazines etc.)
- Music
- Maps, charts, posters, tables etc.
- Serials
- Micoroform/microfiche
- Phonorecords
- Audio visual materials
- Other electronic media
- New editions of the above materials
Publishers are obliged to send two copies for printed materials and one copy for non-printed materials. The legal deposit law greatly aids in the publishing of the complete National Bibliography and the development and preservation of the National heritage
