National library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi (till April, 12th, 2002, the State library of Republic Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi) has received the status "national" on the basis of the Decree of the President of Republic Uzbekistan « About perfection of the organization of research activity » from February, 20th, 2002 (UP)-3029 and the Regulation of the Cabinet of Republic Uzbekistan « About creation of National library of Uzbekistan named after Alisher Navoi » from April, 12th, 2002 ,№ 123.
First director of library since May, 11th, 1872 there was Nikolay Vasilevich Dmitrovsky. A positive role in destiny of library during this difficult period « the Observant committee » has played, created in 1883 In different years in committee known scientists, teachers, historians, ethnographers entered: N.A.Maev, N.V.Dmitrovsky, A.A.Simeon, A.A.Divaev, N.G.Malitsky, etc.
In April, 2002 the Cabinet of Republic Uzbekistan has accepted the Regulation from April, 12th, 2002, № 123 « About creation of National library of Uzbekistan Alisher Navoi's name ». The regulation of the Cabinet of Republic Uzbekistan has defined the status of library - the main state book-depository national and a foreign press, multipurpose библиотечно-information and research establishment, the methodical center for all libraries of republic.