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Objective. The aim of this paper is to highlight the organization of information and reference services in a special library, the Zagreb City Museum Library, which can also be considered as a personal librarian service due to the individual approach and method of information retrieval during communication with users. Objective. The aim of this paper is to highlight the organization of information and reference services in a special library, the Zagreb City Museum Library, which can also be considered as a personal librarian service due to the individual approach and method of information retrieval during communication with users. Results. The paper gives an insight into the organization of providing information and reference services of the museum library for the needs of the parent institution and the work processes taking place within it. Although the primary targeted users of this library are employees of the Zagreb City Museum, examples of opening up this type of library to external users are presented. An individual approach to the user is nurtured as the basis of the personal librarian service. Since collection, preserving and processing valuable materials is no longer suffi cient for the sustainability of museum libraries, it is emphasized how timely delivery of relevant information to users enhances awareness of the purpose, importance and value of these small special libraries. Originality/Value. According to the author's current knowledge, this paper provides the fi rst overview and evaluation of the personal librarian service in a museum library within domestic framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of the paper is, based on a survey conducted among users, to present how the Central Department of Science, Non-fi ction and Periodicals of Rijeka City Library solves complex information request from users and to gain an insight into user satisfaction with the provided service. Methodology. A pilot survey on user satisfaction with the services of complex information searches was conducted by using a survey method. An online survey questionnaire via Google form was used for data collection and conducted from September 19th and October 17th, 2022. The survey was answered by 60% of respondents, exactly fi fty-two of them. Results. The research results indicate that users are satisfi ed with the service of complex information searches in Rijeka City Library. They also emphasised diff erent expectations among diff erent types of users of a public library regarding the purpose of information searches and the need for individual approach to each user. There is also a noticeable change in users' knowledge of information sources and the need for continuous professional development of librarians in the fi eld. Social utility. The method of working on complex information searches in public libraries is not standardized, making this paper an indicator of the specifi city of operational methods of the Rijeka City Library. The paper can serve as a guideline for other public libraries on how to conduct complex information searches but it can also serve as a corrective measure for local improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The aim of this research is to raise awareness of the need for continuous and systematic development of library information services and information-referral services in Croatian libraries, as well as professional development of librarians in this fi eld. Since the information and reference services represent one of the foundations of work in public libraries, the importance of introducing changes in its operation is emphasized, driven by constant changes in society. Methodology. The research utilized a survey method using an online questionnaire. The research was conducted from October 11th to 17th, 2022, and the sample included sixty respondents providing the information service work and information-referral services in four Croatian public libraries. Results. The attitudes of the professional staff regarding the methods of providing information-referral services, education and competencies required for performing these tasks, as well as the organization of the information service, indicate the current state of work in the information service in the surveyed Croatian public libraries. The obtained results primarily express the need for systematic and organized continuous professional development at the national level and familiarity with new trends in information work with library users, materials and sources....Limitations. The sample included only four Croatian public libraries to establish a methodological framework for more extensive research and is therefore of an exploratory nature...Practical implications. The research can be applied to a larger number of Croatian libraries and has practical application in modernizing the organization of information services and developing new business models in their work.....Originality. The originality of the study lies in the fact that recent research on the attitudes of librarians towards providing information-referral services and the functioning of the information service as a fundamental aspect of the operation of public libraries is very rare and occasional.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. The goal of this paper is to gain a deeper insight into the phenomenon of providing assistance to students in the information seeking process from the perspective of students as library users who turn to librarians for help when performing tasks related to their coursework. Approach/Methodology. The paper presents the results of research conducted using the method of semi-structured interviews with twenty undergraduate and graduate students from fi ve Croatian universities. The focus is on the phenomenon of assistance in information seeking observed from a students' perspective, primarily using phenomenography as the research approach. Research also emphasises students' perspective on the importance of the information seeking process, their expectations of librarian assistance and diffi culties they encounter during the process. Authors use the results to create a context important for understanding the phenomenon. Results. The research results show that students recognize the importance of the information seeking process and believe that it helps them acquire new knowledge and skills. They expect a wide range of assistance from librarians - from help related to sources (referring to sources and relevant works) to help related to the information seeking process itself (teaching and advising). Students experience the help of librarians as: (1) support in seeking, (2) discovery of (useful) works, (3) "instant" help in seeking and (4) facilitation of seeking. The paper, after reviewing theoretical foundations, presents the obtained categories of student perceptions and experiences. Practical implications. Presented results can help librarians to understand and provide assistance to students in the information seeking process, as well as in planning the development of information services in university and other higher education libraries.....Originality/Value. This research provides insight into students' perceptions and expectations of librarian assistance in the information seeking process and how they experience such assistance, which has not yet been conducted in the context of Croatian higher education and university libraries. The categories obtained from this research open up space for further study of students' perspectives on the phenomenon of librarian assistance in the context of the information seeking process and, more generally, on services providing assistance to students in the information seeking process as part of the academic educational process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. This paper aims to consider the concept and perception of digital transformation on the example of the Bogdan Ogrizović Library and Reading Room in Zagreb, which represents one of the key focal points of the social and cultural life of the city of Zagreb. Approach/methodology/design. The paper presents the results of a research conducted using a quantitative research method with the help of a survey on a convenient sample of respondents. Results. The conducted research has confirmed the hypothesis that the users perceive changes in the library's services and holdings caused by the changes in information and communication technology, which is one of the manifestations and tools of digital transformation with regard to library's operations and the users' perception of the library. More than half of the respondents stated that they perceive the library equally in terms of library materials, space, and services. In each of these categories, the respondents perceive the library most through library materials, then somewhat less as a space, and least through services. The users see the library of the near future as an institution that provides a combined service: in digital and paper format, which indicates a balanced approach to library development and implies that the digital sphere will not abolish the paper one, at least not in the near future. The librarians are also expected to possess not only the professional knowledge, but also communication and IT skills. In general, the respondents are aware of the existing changes in the library, but they expect additional changes, new contents and services in the digital form. Limitations. The results of the research are limited by the number of respondents and the sample and cannot be generalized to the entire population of users of the City of Zagreb Library network (which also includes the Bogdan Ogrizović Library and Reading Room). Despite this fact, the research results are an important indicator of changes in public libraries under the influence of information and communication technology, which requires continuous research. Practical application. The results of the research can be applied when creating strategic and operational (annual) work plans of the public library where the research was conducted, as well as in other public libraries. Social significance. The results of the conducted research provide an insight into the work of one of the most popular public libraries in Zagreb, which contributes to better knowledge of the work of public libraries in general and their greater visibility in society. Originality/value. The paper presents the original results of the research on public library users in a period of great economic and social changes in which libraries also participate by (digitally) transforming their services, thus trying to attract new users, primarily the younger generation who are increasingly oriented towards digital media on the Internet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper presents a chronological overview of the program activities that were carried out in the Podsused Library during seven years as part of the Podsused Cultural and Natural Heritage program, which has been involved in multiple collaborative relationships in the community in which the Library operates since its foundation. Approach/methodology/design. Using the qualitative method of content analysis, the first part of the paper provides an overview of the contemporary paradigms on the interpretation of cultural heritage and international documents on its role in modern society and importance for the local community that are applicable in the context of the development of the library program. The analysis includes scientific and professional literature in the field of librarianship, museology, and archival science. The second part provides a chronological overview of the projects within the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Podsused program that have been realized in the past seven years using the Library's documents and archives, public tender and report materials, as well as the published professional works on the program along with searching online sources. Results. The Cultural and Natural Heritage Program of Podsused was integrated in the local community from the very beginning. The local history significance of the projects is manifested not only in the choice of materials, but also in a wide network of collaborative relationships at the local level that contribute to a sense of common ownership. The involvement of the members and users of the library and the local community in collecting the materials and interpretation of cultural heritage have resulted in co-creation of the content of the program, and were carried out as part of the Library's activities. Originality. The practical contribution of the paper is the implementation of various local community involvement activities on the topic of heritage, which can be applied in other environments and contexts. It also shows the use of various participatory practices in the interpretation of local heritage with the purpose of its promotion, education of the local community on heritage topics, transfer of knowledge, strengthening awareness of the need to preserve cultural heritage, and encouraging personal creativity of users of all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the paper is to present the results of a research into the experience and satisfaction of users with the online service Ask a Librarian - a thematic search of the National and University Library in Zagreb during lockdown and the establishment of work from home, when isolation measures were in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Approach/methodology/design. The survey method was used in the research of the service users, and a 10-question online questionnaire was created for this purpose. Before the survey, the analysis of the data from the Ask a Librarian - thematic searches online application was conducted. The data on the users and requests for the thematic searches were collected during the lockdown period in which the library was working in exceptional circumstances, and the survey invitation was sent to the e-mail addresses of the users of the service in that period. Results. The results of the survey have shown that the users' decision to use a thematic search service during the period of isolation was influenced by a previous positive experience with this service, or another person's recommendation. It was found that users were satisfied with the quality of the service, as well as with the amount of literature recommended, the availability of content, the promptness of responses, the provision of additional references and other information, and communication with the librarians. It was shown that a large number of respondents also subsequently independently searched the e-resources, thereby confirming the value of the effort made by librarians to educate users about the available online information sources, and not only provide the relevant information on a particular topic in the form of recommended literature. Practical application. Obtaining feedback from the service users made possible the evaluation of the work of librarians, the library's subject specialists who are responsible for providing this service, and the research results will serve them in the organization and improvement of their work in the future. Originality/value. The results of the research will be used for the further development and upgrading of the Ask the Librarian - a thematic search online service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the research of users of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizović, Zagreb City Libraries about the use of library resources in the crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 illness it causes. Approach/methodology/design. A printed questionnaire was used as a principal method for research in the premises of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizović, Zagreb City Libraries on a convenience sample of research participants. Findings. The results of the research have shown a continuing interest of the library users for the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizović, Zagreb City Libraries in spite of an emergency situation caused by Covid. The results have also shown an increased use of digital information resources in the period of time when the library was closed due to the pandemic. The results showed which library services were used the most when the library was closed also due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the results indicated a dominant orientation of the library users towards printed library material as well as the desire for the increased acquisition of this type of library material, together with the digital versions in the future. Practical implications. The results of the research of library users in the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizović, Zagreb City Libraries are applicable in the planning process of library material acquisition as well as for the development of annual programs in libraries and long-term plans of development of digital information resources in public libraries. Social implications. The paper indicates a stable position of public libraries in local communities and the constant need of users for public libraries in an emergency situation caused by the pandemic and an earthquake. Therefore, public libraries continue being a pillar of society in emergency situations and crises offering their information and related library services to the local community. Originality/value. The research of the library users of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizović, Zagreb City Libraries was conducted during ongoing emergency situation and crisis which is a topic less researched in public libraries. The research in this article is a rare example of an investigation of public library users in a real emergency situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. For many decades, the Zagreb City Library network have offered numerous specific activities and services to their users in the music and audiovisual departments and collections. The aim of this paper is to identify and present the development path of the departments and collections (general regulations, organisation, criteria and guidelines for acquisition) that have led to the successful functioning of audiovisual departments and collections as parts of a library, but also as parts of the library network. The goal is also to ensure the availability of information for a wide range of users by continuously updating websites, and the implementation of other network resources for the purpose of improving the library services. Approach/methodology. In this paper, in addition to the historical overview (stating the year when each department was founded), the other data have been collected for all locations of audiovisual departments and collections, as well as the data on the size of their holdings within the Zagreb City Library's network. The statistics on the membership, the annual circulation and the current size of the library holdings, and the acquisition and borrowing of the audiovisual materials were also considered. Findings. The Zagreb City Library functions as one institution that includes a network of libraries, but the organization and development of audiovisual departments and collections have been adapted to the various local needs and are based on the concept of coordination rather than centralization. The head librarians of the collections develop their personal and common competences through the exchange of data, experiences, and ideas, and thus improve their own and other librarians' knowledge. By promoting, researching, teaching and learning music and other entertainment content through library services, we enable our users to find answers and solutions for their inquiries and needs. Such an integrated approach where all participants contribute to the common progress and development leads to a successful business coordination, and, as a result, a high quality and comprehensive collections of audiovisual materials have been built in the Zagreb City Library network. This concept can be applied as a successful model of development for audiovisual departments and collections in other libraries. Originality/value. With the development and maintenance of audiovisual collections, active cooperation within and outside the Zagreb City Library network, we want not only to preserve permanently the valuable musical and other materials, but also to improve the methods of access to music and other content to the mutual satisfaction of both library users and librarians. This paper presents the basic principles for the development of the above mentioned collections in the Zagreb City Libraries. These principles could serve as a model to inspire the development of the audiovisual collections in other public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper presents library programs and remote services of the Public Library "Petar Preradović" Bjelovar during the COVID-19 epidemic in the period from March 16 to April 24, 2020, when the library was physically closed to users. The adapting of the library to emergency situations in the context of designing and implementing remote services is considered, as well as the remote communication of the library with its users using communication media and channels based on information and communication technology. Methodology. The methodological approach to the topic is presented in the research of the literature related to library management in crises and distance library services. Furthermore, an important topic covered by the literature is the media communication of libraries in crisis situations. This paper brings a synthesis of this research, i.e. a critical reflection on the topic with some examples of good practice. Results. By inspecting the relevant professional and scientific literature and through examples of good practice, it was noticed that the remote services provided in public libraries could more or less successfully implement various services that do not require physical presence of the users in the library. Likewise, these services can be further promoted and developed in collaboration with the local joint media programs, with the help of communication channels based on information and communication technology. Value. The paper emphasizes the importance of adapting library operations to extraordinary situations, in this case the COVID-19 epidemic, both in theory and in practice. Furthermore, the paper highlights examples of good practice that should serve as an example to other librarians in setting guidelines for designing and implementing distance services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this research was to determine the information needs and reading habits of the users of the mobile library services of the Zadar Public Library, as well as their satisfaction with the existing services and the choice of library materials available at the mobile library service. The purpose was to gather user feedback in order to support the continuation of the services that are important to the users, with the possible further service improvements. Approach/methodology/design. The research included a questionnaire that was distributed to 100 mobile library users of all ages during the summer of 2019, and two interviews with the information services librarians that were conducted during the summer of 2020. The sample included the users from the islands and coastal areas that are served by the mobile library no. 2 from the Zadar City Library. Findings. Pupils and adults are the two main groups of mobile library users. The pupils borrow more multimedia, entertainment, and sports books, and they read children's books, while the adults borrow more fiction and non-fiction books. The adult users, who are employed or retired, stated that they were mostly satisfied with the choice of books, while the pupils were completely satisfied. The users were completely satisfied with the information services librarians. These librarians take care of user recommendations and availability of library materials because they are well aware of the needs of the regular library members. Research limitations. The sample did not include the mobile library service no. 1, which serves mainly the inland of the Zadar County. The research was conducted during the summer, and most of the mobile library stops that are next to the schools were empty because of the summer holidays. Practical implications. Further improvement of library services and acquisition of new library materials can be carried out on the basis of the user suggestions and their satisfaction with the availability of library materials. Social implications. An insight into the needs of the mobile library users in rural areas enables further work on equalizing access to information in both rural and urban areas. The high user satisfaction confirms the irreplaceable role of the Zadar Public Library mobile library service in the county settlements that do not have stationary libraries. Originality/value. Considering that there are very few similar surveys in Croatia related to mobile libraries, the methodology and the results of the work can serve other mobile library services as an example of good practice when they wish to examine the needs and satisfaction of users in order to improve the services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this paper is to describe and critically analyse the application of citation analysis in the evaluation of the "Andrija Štampar" Library collection, an academic library of the Zagreb University School of Medicine, the School of Public Health in Croatia. Methodology/Approach. A total of 235 master's theses from the Graduate Program of Studies in Nursing at the University of Zagreb School of Medicine in the period from 2014 to 2017 were examined using citation analysis. The selected sample of master's theses has a broad range of specialisations which encompass key disciplines in medical sciences. Results. The results show that the library collection meets the needs of this specific group of users. The study revealed that the journals were the most preferred source of information used by the students in the field of nursing, accounting for 55.7% of total citations. The nursing students used the journals familiar to them that are easily accessible and available in open access. Practical implications. This paper indicates that citation analysis is a valid method for collecting indicators on the actual use of library information sources. Originality The paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the quality of library collections in the academic library. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The City Library of Rijeka has been waiting for more than a decade for the realization of the project of a new central library building, but it has not been built yet. When the statics walls of the library depository had collapsed in April 2015, a way out of the crisis situation was found through the relocation of the Central Department for Adults into two new locations. Fine literature was moved to a new location, while non-fiction and scientific and professional literature remained at the existing location. Considering the fact that this is a unique crisis solution in the library practice, we have examined, after one year of working in the new conditions, the satisfaction of our users with the new organization of the library at different locations, and the offered services. Furthermore, the research has examined the attitudes of the employees towards working in the new conditions. The research analysis has also included the statistical data on the use of the library holdings of the Central Department during the first year of its relocation as compared to the previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to follow the development of science and technology, libraries are faced with the need to change the ways they use their space and services, but also the ways they train users for their present and future needs. The advance of Internet and various communication channels available through Internet have created a new paradigm in the education of library users. More and more users are turning to Internet and other forms of e-education (e-journals, e-books, etc.) and their number is growing every day. Also, the forms of e-education in libraries are easily available, facilitate the communication between users and librarians, stimulate the education which does not depend solely on users' actual coming to the library, and as the final result, libraries have satisfied users. This paper follows the phases of creation and development of e-materials for educating library users, from the first decision to create the e-materials (initial discussions on the forms of e-education, choosing the best tools combinations, preparing the materials, etc.) to the final moment of publishing the materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, scientists' needs for quality information sources in printed and electronic form, required for carrying out teaching and research, posed new challenges to libraries and the existing paradigm of their work. Information needs of particular categories of library users are changing, and more research is needed to understand and meet those needs. The results of such research will possibly lead to a change in the existing library paradigm and to adapting the modes of their operation in an environment which is constantly altering under the influence of information and communication technology. This article concentrates on possibility of adaptation of libraries to the new environmental conditions, as well as their adaptation to the needs of particular user categories such as scientists. Libraries should develop new strategies in order to become institutions fully oriented towards learning (personal development of users, and their own development). Therefore, libraries' main goal in near future should be constant adaptation to new conditions, in order to meet information needs and requests, thus making their position in scientific community more stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In efforts to join the European Union, Republic of Croatia has issued an official document entitled Communication strategy for informing Croatian public on Croatia's efforts to join European integrations. Spreading information about European Community is being carried out by setting 85 Euro Info-Points in all counties and bigger cities. Besides the Euro Info-shelf, an Internet Kiosk is a constituent part of these Euro Info-Points. The technology of the Internet Kiosk is described on the examples of several libraries in the world, emphasizing its advantages regarding the improvement of existing and introduction of new services for library users. Exemplified by Zadar University Library, the importance of Euro Info-Points in retrieving and distributing information about European integrations is being considered in this paper, particularly after these issues entered the educational programmes of certain University departments. In addition, the Internet Kiosk has also introduced new services for the users of University library -- access to Internet and the use of electronic mail. The fact that more than half of the Euro Info-Points have been set in libraries is also emphasized, confirming their unavoidable role in creating the conditions for achieving intellectual freedom and preserving fundamental democratic values and civil rights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]