Abstract: ［Purpose/Significance］This paper interprets the publication deposit system in the Law of the People's Republic of China on Public Libraries, and studies the significance and breakthrough of this legislation.［Design/Methodology］By using comparative analysis and exploring the publication deposit system domestically and abroad, specific ideas have been proposed for the development and improvement of the deposit system in China. ［Findings/Conclusion］Compared with the deposit systems abroad, existing laws and regulations in China are relatively simple, and lack specific implementation rules, which is not conducive to the implementation of the law. We should accelerate the formulation of detailed rules for the implementation of the law, expand the scope of publication deposit, establish the compensation and penalty mechanism, and set up special organizations for management so as to improve the publication deposit system.［Originality/Value］This paper has compared the publication deposit system in other seven countries, and clarified the breakthrough in the legalization of the publication deposit system in China and its legislative significance.

Key words: Publication deposit, The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Public Libraries, Deposit, Digital publication