Search

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 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. 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]