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Purpose. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of the participation of library technicians in continuous informal education of librarians in the fi eld of communication skills. Approach. The fi rst part of the paper examines the theoretical foundations of librarian education in the fi eld of communication skills and their impact on organizational culture. Special attention is given to the particularities of communication in the reference and information service in public libraries but also within a network of public libraries. Authors suggest that there is a need for education in the fi eld of emotion management. The second part of the paper presents how the trainings were organized, specifi cally targeting library technicians from the Zagreb City Libraries. These involved two cycles of communication skills workshops focused on confl ict and crisis situations and stress management, and a one-time training on assertive communication and the eZaKi application. Final part of the paper provides recommendations for organizing continuous informal education for librarians in communication skills, based on theoretical foundations and practical experiences. Results. The results of the evaluation showed a high level of participant satisfaction with the organization and implementation of trainings, the value of experience exchange and learning during the workshops, the strengthening of community and awareness of organizational culture, as well as the need for continuity in the implementation of similar workshops. Practical implications. The description of the organization, implementation and evaluation of communication skills workshops can serve as an example of good practice in the informal education of library staff and as an incentive for other libraries to organize similar workshops....Originality. The paper is the fi rst in Croatian professional library literature to present an example of the professional development practice for library technicians in the fi eld of communication skills. The need for education in emotion management while working in the reference and information service is also indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Purpose. Crowdsourcing has been used in libraries and archives all over the world for more than a decade, but it has not yet become popular in Croatia. The aim of this paper is to investigate to what extent the Croatian professional community is familiar with this concept of work in heritage institutions, and also if there is any potential for implementing crowdsourcing in Croatian archives and libraries. Approach. The answers to these questions were obtained through a mixed research approach with predominantly quantitative characteristics on a random sample of 201 patrons and 23 employees of libraries and archives in the city of Zagreb. The research was conducted in situ with surveys for the patrons consisting of 17 questions and semi-structured interviews with the employees. In addition to examining the overall interest for participation in crowdsourcing projects and the employees' desire to supervise them, the respondents were questioned about their familiarity with the term "crowdsourcing", and their own thoughts and ideas on this topic. Findings. According to their answers, although patrons were not familiar with the term 'crowdsourcing' and its meaning before, they have shown interest for participating and gave positive feedback on crowdsourcing projects after reading a short explanation. They generally opted out for participating in purposeful games and projects of text correction and/or transcription. The results of this research have shown that, in addition to the willingness of patrons to participate as potential volunteers, there is also certain interest among employees as potential organizers of such projects. The employees have expressed concerns about the quality of that kind of amateur work, and emphasized the necessity of project supervision and work results monitoring as key elements for a successful project. In conclusion, a successful crowdsourcing project needs to be organized with the content and activities that would be appealing to potential volunteers and target the enthusiastic patrons who have shown interest in participating in various heritage institutions' activities and projects. Research limitations. This research was conducted only in the city of Zagreb, and although it included a number of city's archives and libraries, its results cannot be generally applied to other regions of Croatia. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research in order to gain more insight into the potential and possibilities for implementing crowdsourcing in heritage institutions in all parts of Croatia. Originality. This paper provides better insight into the potential for implementation of crowdsourcing projects in Croatia based on findings of the research conducted among users and employees of archives and libraries in the city of Zagreb. There has not been research in this area prior to this paper, focusing on the interest of the respondents in organizing and participating in such activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper presents the lending statistics of the Public Library and Reading Room in Klis in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic in the period from March 16, 2020, when the library was first closed for users, to March 16, 2021, the time of writing this paper. The analysis of statistical printouts and comparison with the first quarter of 2020 also raises the issue of adaptation of the library and its members to crisis situations as well as the success achieved in encouraging users to continue using the library despite new situation. Methodology. Quantitative methods (analysis of statistical printouts of the computer library program) and qualitative methods (analysis of the collected user impressions, monitoring of accumulated impressions and work evaluation) were used in writing this paper. The methodological approach is also reflected in the analysis of available literature related to the operation of libraries in new circumstances and crisis situations. The synthesis of statistical data and steps taken in communication with users and analysis of the literature on the ways of functioning of other libraries during the Covid era, but also after it, leads to the conclusions of this paper. The results. An insight into the statistics generated by the printout from the library program related to the researched period of the library's work, and the analysis of available information on the work of other libraries and valid recommendations and guidelines has shown an increasing trend in book lending. The increase in book lending is linked to promotional, creative and educational virtual and media activities, the meas ures taken by the library staff and the current ways of managing operations in the public library. Value. The paper emphasizes the importance of reviewing traditional library services, as well as ways of organizing them in times of crisis. The paper also highlights positive examples of other libraries as well as the library researched in this paper, but also emphasizes the issues discussed in the paper that have potential for improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal. The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of the earthquake in Zagreb and the COVID-19 pandemic on the employees' returning to the workplace in May 2020 after the lockdown on a sample of six librarians in the Library of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb. Methodology. In this research, a qualitative methodology of semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with a sample of six employees of the Library of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb was used. Results. The results of the research have shown that a sense of security in the workplace is very important for every employee. It has not been clearly determined whether the employees' feeling of safety in the workplace was influenced more by the earthquake or by the pandemic. However, the interviewees' responses show that the responsibility for a sense of security is divided into the personal responsibility of each employee and the responsibility of the institution. In conclusion, the results have shown that the employees consider the attitude of the institution towards them extremely important, and that the institution should show care for them through clear communication and stronger security measures. Limitations. Because of the nature of the research topic that some employees might have considered too personal, the authors selected the respondents who were more willing to discuss the emotional aspects. Therefore, it is recommended to investigate the possibility of generalizing the research with quantitative techniques. Practical use. These findings can serve as a guideline and provide instructions for the management of the institution on how to manage employees in the possible future highly stressful situations, which would contribute to better employee productivity. Originality. This research is the first of this kind in Croatia, and investigates the impact of earthquakes and pandemics on the sense of security in the workplace in Croatian libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This paper brings the overview of the current online services of the Centre for Scientific Information (CSI) of the Ruđer Bošković Institute. These services were available before the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak but also during the full closure of the libraries and the period of working from home. Approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre for Scientific Information (CSI), along with other libraries in Croatia, locked down its doors to the public on March 20, 2020. The library staff started to work from home. Thanks to the numerous online services (CROSBI, FULIR, SEND, etc.) which enable remote access to CSI's services, the Center was more than prepared for the new mode of work. The working processes were well organized and the majority of the services were available to the end users. Findings. The Centre for Scientific Information was among the first Croatian libraries that adopted and introduced information technology into everyday work back in the 90s. The Centre has worked continuously on the development and implementation of the applications and services. Therefore, it was possible not only to provide all standard services to its users, but also to work on its further development. The unpredictable crisis situations during 2020 confirmed that this direction of development of libraries is nowadays necessary and unavoidable, and that the additional effort should be made for its further improvement. Originality/Value. The Centre for Scientific Information have responded successfully to the COVID-19 crisis, and the services and practical solutions presented in this paper could be used as an example to other libraries facing similar challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to present the results of the research about science popularization activities in public libraries in the Republic of Croatia. Approach/methodology/design. A survey was used as a principal research method. An online survey was used, consisting of 15 questions (11 open type and 4 closed type). The research hypotheses were that the popularization of science activities are carried out regularly in public libraries in Croatia and that there are space, financial, and staff limitations that determine the way of carrying out the popularization of science activities. An invitation to participate in the research was sent to e-mail addresses of all public libraries in Croatia. Findings. The results of the research confirmed that the popularization of science activities are carried out in public libraries in Croatia. The research has revealed the existence of problems related to library management: limited library space, limited financial resources, and limited number of library staff necessary for a high quality popularization of science activities. All age groups were interested in such activities. The popularization of science activities were initiated by public libraries themselves and they were carried out in cooperation with the scientists from the Croatian faculties and research institutes, and the journalists. The topics covered in popularization of science activities cover broad spectrum of areas of human activities that can attract broad audience. A positive attitude towards public libraries as a place of popularization of science activities was confirmed. Limitations. Not all Croatian public libraries chose to participate in this research; more research is necessary to gain deeper understanding of the aspects of popularization of science activities including user surveys and interviews. Practical implications. Providing support to public libraries in planning future popularization of science activities based on the insights into science popularization activities. Joining efforts of public libraries towards institutions that are financing their work with the aim to improve conditions for carrying out the popularization of science activities. Social implications. Emphasizing the role of public libraries in the promotion of science and partnership and cooperation with the academic community and media. Originality/value. In the Republic of Croatia there is a lack of research in the promotion of science, especially about the role and cooperation of public libraries in this important social activity which brings science close to the general public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This paper presents the starting points, challenges, solutions, and achievements in managing and systematically developing the library collections of the Croatian Defense Academy "Dr. Franjo Tuđman" Library. Furthermore, it will point out the importance of the professional and systematic approaches to the process of acquisition of library materials and building of library collections in the library which is at the same time a special library within the Croatian state administrative body, and an academic library as part of the University of Zagreb. The paper presents the library's entering the academic community and the impact it had on the previously established processes of managing library collections, as well as the significance of the systematically managed acquisition and developing collections for the parent institution. Approach / Methodology / Design. The paper describes the structure of the library holdings and the functioning of the acquisition before the Croatian Defense Academy joined the academic community. It presents the steps and the outcomes in developing library collections, and the attempt to improve library collections quality. Results. The paper points out the importance of a systematic and carefully planned building of library collections and acquisition managed from the library itself in order to improve the quality of library collections, promote librarianship, and thus contribute to a more successful achievement of the goals of the parent institution and the university. Social value. The emphasis is on the importance of the quality of library collection management in libraries within the state administrative body, which participate in creating the memory of the institution, and particularly in the higher education institutions, where library collections support the educational processes and lifelong education of the teaching staff and the library employees. The importance of managing the acquisition process from the library is emphasized because it is the organizational unit of the parent institution primarily responsible for building high quality collections, and this represents the foundation of its business operations. The emphasis is also on the role and responsibility of librarians in proactively implementing the mission of the parent institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This paper deals with the Green Library Movement in the Republic of Croatia, with an emphasis on public libraries in Croatia. After the introductory part about the green libraries, the central part of the paper presents the results of the research about green libraries in the public libraries in Croatia. The aim of the research was to determine the current situation and to examine whether the public libraries in Croatia are developing towards green libraries by examining the following three elements of a green library: the library building, the green operation, and library services. Approach/methodology/design. The introductory part of the article is based on the available literature about green libraries, while the central part presents the research that used an online questionnaire as a research method. The research aimed to include all public libraries in the Republic of Croatia. Findings. The research was carried out in 82 public libraries in Croatia and it has shown that the majority of libraries did not apply financially available measures for energy saving, although some principles of green operation were present in libraries (waste sorting, paper saving, printer cartridge saving). The results indicate a considerable interest of public libraries in Croatia in the development of green library services and that the majority of libraries include ecological topics in their activity plans. However, the research results also indicate the need for additional education of librarians about green library concept in order to motivate librarians to develop ecological awareness. In addition to the insufficient education of librarians about the concept of green libraries, the insufficient number of library staff is also a problem in the public library development in Croatia, as well as inadequate library space and facilities, and lack of financial means. Originality/value. The paper presents a comprehensive research about green libraries on the national level and its results are applicable in the future development of public libraries in the Republic of Croatia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal / Purpose. The paper aims to present the state and changes in the acquisition policy and building of library collections in the higher education institutions libraries of Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek based on a longitudinal research conducted in March 2015 and in March 2019. The research aims to determine the way the acquisitions are carried out according to the type of library material and the form of acquisition, point to the changes that have taken place in organizing library collections in the observed period and explore whether there are written guidelines of the faculties and libraries regulating the acquisition and building of library collections, as well as the level of influence of the particular university unit in which the libraries of the University of Osijek are active, when it comes to decision-making in managing the collections and the best solution practices. Methodology. The research was conducted by applying qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative data were collected by an online questionnaire available to the research participants via a link forwarded by e-mail. The participants in the research were the head librarians of the higher education libraries at the faculties, academies, and departments, constituencies of the University of Osijek. In the 2015 research there were 13, and in the 2019 research there were 15 participants. The qualitative data were collected by a semi-structured interview conducted in October 2020. Five head librarians from the higher education institution libraries and one employee in the Acquisition Services of the City and University Library of Osijek participated in the interview. Results. The results of the questionnaire were used for a discussion at a joint meeting of the head librarians of the higher education libraries of the University of Osijek, on the benefits of the research in terms of setting a matrix or a framework for a written acquisition policy and building of collections in higher education institutions libraries. The analysis results of the conducted research led to the conclusions that indicated a possibility of improving the quality of library collections through cooperation at both local and national levels. Originality / contribution. The paper contributes to the possibility of setting the criteria that can serve as the foundation for the organization and setting acquisition guidelines for library collections in all higher education institutions libraries, taking into account the differences between particular university constituencies and possible solutions to coordinate the acquisition policy of the University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to present the current state in the university libraries with special reference to the library staff. In the period between October 2011 and the end of February 2012 the research on the profile of the employees in the university libraries was conducted. It was done by searching the university web sites and by phone contacts with the librarians. The conclusion is that such analyses should be done regularly. They should be based on the parameters which would be defined by The Standards for the Academic Libraries in order to enable the extraction of the relevant statistical data and reports. Such analyses should become a legal obligation which would provide an insight into the current problems and ways of solving them as well as creating the conditions for staff enforcement and more effective functioning of the university libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few years, the library community has been following the work of World's Trade Organization (WTO) and its General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) with the great interest and concern. The paper presents questions related to GATS that are of special interest to the librarians and that they should pay good attention to in the future: definiton of services excluded from GATS, range and classification of services, and unadequate trancparancy of WTO negotiation processes concerning the GATS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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