Abstract: This paper applies the general theory and empirical analysis of legislation impact on the
implementation of the Public Library Law of P.R. China through interdisciplinary perspectives, including
law, library studies, and management. By describing the uncoordinated structure of the regulatory
framework in which the Public Library Law positions itself, the paper explores the benefits and feasibilities
of establishing a “post-legislative” impact assessments scheme and attempts to identify the indicators of
impact to the Public Library Law. It aims to provide an empirical observation on the enforcement of the
law, builds a theoretical support for the official phase of post-legislative evaluation after three to five years
of the enactment, and puts forward the recommendations to the future amendments

Key words: The Public Library Law of the Peoples Republic of China, Legislative framework on libraries,
Impact assessment, Indicators of impact