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In the academic environment, too little attention is paid to marketing activities, especially in academic libraries where marketing and promotion of the library and its services are important to make users aware of the library's existence, collection, and services. Recently, academic libraries have faced some significant changes that extend library services well beyond the boundaries of the traditionally most important lending of (printed) materials. They are taking on more and more new roles as new services are rapidly developed. Branding and marketing specialized library services in an academic library can be successful if theoretical concepts of marketing planning are considered. The basic marketing strategy using the concept of the "7 P's" of the marketing mix is presented using the example of the Central Economics Library, demonstrating the appropriateness of the concept for academic libraries. The presentation of the marketing plan of the Central Economics Library will show that it is possible to successfully market new, specialized services and create a new brand. For Central Economics Library, the marketing planning process involved determining the strengths and weaknesses of the services, user segmentation, marketing objectives, and finally analysis of the services after the marketing activities were carried out. As society and technology change very rapidly, user requirements also change dynamically, so libraries must constantly adapt to this and create new marketing plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this article, we present borrowing e-books from the web portal Biblos in libraries in Posavje region during the epidemic due to the increase of infected patients with coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), Methodoiogy/approach: We used a survey to gain information about inventory and borrowing e-books on the web portal Biblos in Brežice Library, Valvasor Library Krško and Sevnica Library. Information about the inventory and borrowing e-books in Brežice Library for past years was gained from the library's annual reports. Results: Gained results show that libraries have a proportionately sizeable inventory of e-books, regarding the number of members. During the closure of libraries, they informed their members and users about their activities and supply of printed and online media and their websites and social media. Research limitations: Only libraries from Posavje region have been involved in the review - Brežice Library, Valvasor Library Krško and Sevnica Library. The data is focused only on a specific time frame during the lockdown of libraries for users between March 13 and May 3,2020, and the period of stricter measures until the declaration of the end of the coronavirus epidemic on May 31,2020. For comparison, we used the same period in 2019. Originality/practical implications: The results are useful for all three involved public libraries and all other libraries because they show the response of users to changed conditions of open access to literature and the success of redirecting readers to the web portal Biblos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Librarians have always been faced with the question of how to get non-users into the library. This question remains relevant also today. The aim of this article is to present opinions and reasons of parents of preschool children for not visiting the libraries, their perception of the library and expectations from the library in order to encourage them to visit the library with their preschool children. Methodology/approach: To obtain more in-depth reasons and data, we conducted a pilot study as a semi-structured personal interview. In February 2020, we interviewed twenty parents of preschool children in various parts of Slovenia who do not attend the library with their children. Results: Although the interviewed group of parents does not visit the library, they have a good opinion of the library, its services and librarians. As their main reason for not using the library services they highlighted the lack of time, problems with accessibility or parking and that their children are still too young to visit the library. Suggested improvements were focused on the events (workshops, social events) that could be attended together with the children and not to the library collection. Parents expressed that instead of adaptations in the equipment, they would prefer to have a place in a library (a corner) where they would feel comfortable and not disturbing for others with the sounds and noise their children are causing. Research limitations: The data from the pilot study cannot be generalized, even if the interviews were conducted in different parts of Slovenia. Comments and opinions from non-users are an opportunity to reflect on existing and possible new library services and planned promotion. Originality/practical implications: There are not many qualitative researches with nonlibrary users in Slovenia. Results of this pilot study can be a starting point for further researches in the local communities and for planning new library services, for potential users to respond to their expectations and needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The problem of information loss inherent in the romanisation of Chinese, Japanese and Korean names is examined together with the problems it poses both to librarians who record book information and to library users who search for resources written in East Asian languages in a catalogue containing only romanised transcriptions. Methodology/approach: Firstly, we describe the writing systems used to write Chinese, Korean and Japanese, the romanisation standards for these languages, and the institutions providing authority data in Latin script. We then analyse the procedures for romanising East Asian proper names and then retrieving their original written form, and identify cases of information loss and irreversible transformations. As a case study, we present the difficulties encountered by librarians and users in the Library of the Department of Asian Studies of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Ljubljana (part of the Central Humanities Library and as such using the COBISS system) when using only romanised data to organise and search for library holdings in East Asian languages. Results: Information loss occurs in all methods of romanisation of Chinese, Korean and Japanese proper names presented in the previous sections. In the case of the Library of the Department of Asian Studies, this is a burden to both librarians and library users. Research limitations: We analysed the problem of the irreversibility of East Asian script romanisation in theory and in a case study involving one library; a more detailed analysis of other cases of Latin script catalogues hindering the management and use of library holdings in non-Latin scripts could be the object of future research. Originality/practical implications: This is the first analysis of the problem of information loss in romanised catalogues of East Asian library holdings in Slovenia, with a proposal for a possible solution using the Unicode standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Besides the collective role of the library catalogue, by using technology it has also become important equipment for simplified searching within the library collection by library users. Being in order, the catalogue reflects a qualitative library, and it can contribute to a satisfying user experience. COMARC/H architecture, among other functions, provides a unified way of recording the quantity and location of the library stock within the library catalogue. The article points out the basic meaning of regularity of the data, put into the library catalogue, and also the meaning of professional knowledge and workplace responsibility at every point of work in the library, that results in a qualitative library catalogue. The library collection stocktaking as a part of the supervision is being placed into the process of library collection management, which, if done regularly, brings out a relevant and user-friendly library collection. The article shows the procedure of the library collection stocktaking using COBISS3/Inventura software architecture, used in a small public library. There are also some results of the library collection stocktaking added, showing a very small share of actually missing items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a reflection on the importance of a library as a public space as well as a "third place". Public libraries are far from being just the institutions that collect, catalogue, store and make available library materials. They are social spaces able to connect people of different believes, cultures and interests. They are a part of public cultural and educational infrastructures at a local level that are available to everybody on equal terms. The importance of library spaces for their users is multi-layered and it depends mostly on their needs and the needs of the local community. Public libraries are institutions of lifelong learning that not only offer basic services but also provide the feeling of homeliness, warmth, well-being, safety and shelter. However, they must be a regular feature in the life of people who are using them. "Third places" are informal spaces, which enable people to meet socialize and connect and to make new friendships. Thus, they provide the space for social interactions, and building social capital. A literature review presents and explains the concept of a "third place" that has been emerging for a long time in connection with the development of public libraries, but is difficult to understand - to what purpose it serves or what it actually is. This article determines to what extent the activities of the France Bevk Public Library Nova Gorica meets the definition of the "third place". It is mostly based upon subjective observation and reflection on the subject, on personal experience and perception. It is also supported by the exchange of opinions with members and visitors attending the events at the France Bevk Public Library and the users of its services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The contribution presents the users' satisfaction regarding organisation and functionality of the library space at the Simon Gregorčič Primary School of Kobarid. The users' satisfaction is the result of meeting their needs. It is of great importance how the users feel in a space intended for education and relaxed social interaction. Methodology/approach: A quantitative research method was carried out by using a survey questionnaire among 42 randomly selected library users, a representative sample of the school population. There were four closed-ended questions, four semi open questions and two open-ended questions. Results: The survey serves as a basis for determining the users' satisfaction regarding aesthetic and functional changes made in the school library space. The author can draw the conclusions that the users are satisfied with some of the changes (setting of the reading corner, painted walls, change of the furniture and circulation desk layout, layout of table chess, four in a row ...). From the analysis, it can also be understood which other changes should be made in the future. Research limitation: In order to be able to make a comparison, it would be better to conduct the survey analysis before the changes of the library space were made. However, such a study was not carried out. Originality/practical implications: The results can serve as a basis for (assisting) other libraries in carrying out research on users' satisfaction with library spaces. The research also provides the information about further modifications and improvements of library spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The article presents a practical example of the space optimization in the school library at the Simon Gregorčič Primary School Kobarid, finished in 2016/17. It describes the historical development of the school library and lists the main reasons for the optimization of the place where the school library has been situated since 1998. By means of the design elements and the principles used before and after the place optimization, it explains the positive effects of the optimization on the place and the users alike. Due to the unsuitable spatial library design, a more ambitious vision for the quality solution of the basic spatial problem is also proposed. Methodology/approach: The article transparently describes the contextual, visual and practical viewpoints of the space optimization in the school library. Results: The processes and results of the optimization have been analysed and summarized for the first time. It is evident that the described school library space optimization can be listed among the examples of good practices in renovating the school library premises in Slovenia. Research limitations: The optimization processes were designed and executed on the basis of impartial library space flaws and subjective evaluations of the well-being by the employees and library users alike. However, although the effects of the optimization can be scientifically measured, there are no analyses of the users' well-being before the optimization process. Therefore, the results cannot be objectively compared. Originality/practical implications: The article presents the actual library space optimization and its effects on the users' well-being, as well as promotes the considerations of the qualitative and considerate design of learning and learning-supportive environment in Slovenian schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article discusses the creation of the new signage system in the University of Maribor Library. It illuminates the relationship between users, their orientation experience, library space and its signage. Its purpose is to highlight the bases and methods for planning library signage systems. It aims to emphasize the meaning of good planning and preliminary research on users' orientation behaviour. Methodology/approach: Literature review and a summary of starting points along with an examination of the state of the existing signage are the sources of the text of this article. The main methods used in the empirical part, in which users' orientation behaviour was researched, are the analysis of users' questions recording, the analysis of users' orientation behaviour observation and the analysis of semi-structured interviews with a short comparative study. Based on the results, a review of the general recommendations for the conception of signage systems are provided and the development of the particular signage system and its phases are described. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of pre-planning for an efficiently executed project. Results: Bases and guidelines, offered as a general selection for comparable projects, are listed. Orientation behaviour analysis, as the empirical part of the research, emphasizes the key spatial problems of users, the factors that influence management of space and those that make a library space not only manageable but also pleasant. The findings showed that users most frequently ask for the location of certain materials, premises and services, often those related to ICT equipment. From the analysis of user behaviour, their tendency for independent movement and orientation in the library is evident, with the exiting signage no longer meeting their needs. The comparison of question percentage within two recordings shows that the new signage system has brought at least a slight improvement of the mentioned user experience. Research limitations: The partial inconsistency in users' questions recording proved to be the biggest limitation as the circumstances claimed a large number of recorders, which also brought a diversity in recording thoroughness. Originality/practical implications: The research brings a thorough overview of the guidelines for planning library signage and also offers verified methods of users' orientation behaviour observation. It provides recommendations for the new signage in the University of Maribor Library, which can be also useful in other libraries, with appropriate adaptation. At the same time, it gives a detailed overview of all phases of planning and implementation of a comprehensive library signage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to find out whether library premises have an influence on the study quality, or whether upon moving to new premises, conditions for students have changed or improved. With the construction of a new building of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Maribor (MF UM) at the Tabor embankment in 2013, the MF UM Library acquired new premises with a total area of 682 m², including central space with a separate quiet reading room, numerous study seats, a computer corner, library issue desk, additional library collections and office for the head librarian. Prior to moving, the MF UM operated in rented premises at Slomškov trg 15 with the Library in one room with an area of 80 m². Since the MF UM establishment, the University of Maribor Library (UML) has complemented its collection in the field of medicine with additional copies of study material, as well as with the Collection of models of human body organs available to students in the Study room for anatomy and with BIOMED collection for preclinical literature. Methodology/approach: We compared students' activities during research studies in the field of medicine prior to and posterior to moving. By survey questionnaire, we have studied and analysed the use of the MF UM Library and the UML premises. Results: In the premises of the new MF UM building, where the space intended for library activities has been enlarged and improved, the number of submitted written assignments for the Dean's Award and the number of students' publications (and we must also point out the number of students' scientific publications and their participation at congresses and conferences) has also increased significantly. The quality of library premises, such as they are in the new MF UM building, contributes positively to more qualitative work of students and employees. Research limitation: The limitation of the research is the time because already several generations of students have been bound only to the new MF UM building and to UML. That is why we assumed less data on the former location of the MF UM Library. Since we were unable to gather data from the members of the MF UM Alumni Club, we did not undertake in-depth statistical analyses. Originality/practical implications: With the obtained results, we wish to complement and improve library user experiences of the UM students. We want to present the opinions of students of medicine at UM regarding the use of different library premises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The library building process involves a design phase, a permission phase and a construction phase. The library as a construction work must meet seven basic requirements for construction products and specific requirements according to the purpose, type, size, performance, predicted impacts and other building characteristics. There is a lack of literature in the field of library design in Slovenia. The planning of library buildings does not follow the current trend of library use and often reflects in poor indoor environmental quality. The purpose of this article is to design the morphology of library, which is intended not only for storing and borrowing of library materials, but also for facilitating diverse user activities. Methodology/approach: In respect to the purpose of the paper, the Slovenian and international literature sources, requirements and recommendations on indoor environmental quality were systematically reviewed. The method of engineering design by Morris Asimow was upgraded, according to the specifics of the building, its' users and materials. Results: The proposed design process was carried out in six phases: 1. determination of purpose; 2. geomorphological, climatic and location conditions; 3. library geometry and orientation; 4. definition of active zones and required conditions; 5. determination of functional zones, composition and crossings; 6. support operation systems. The objective of the planning process is a holistic approach that involves librarians and users. Research limitation: A systematic literature review was carried out only in the Slovenian territory without including the legal acts of other European Member States. The design process was not tested on the actual library but only on other public buildings. Originality/practical implications: The results are useful for construction or renovation towards the stimulating conditions for visitors and employees, and for the protection of library materials. The design complexity requires a multidisciplinary approach based on collaboration between professionals and users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Information behaviour is based on people's active and passive reception of information. The purpose of this article is to explore gender differences as one of the variables affecting information seeking behaviour. Methodology/approach: The research included 112 users out of which 56 were male and 56 female. Data were collected by an online questionnaire and the results of the survey were analysed with the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed that men, compared to women, are more likely to prepare a plan for information seeking, as well as to spend more time on a specific information source. Additionally, men also experience a higher level of satisfaction at the beginning of the information seeking, and consider themselves as better information searchers in comparison to women. On the contrary, women tend to search for information in a group and use the help of a librarian more often than their male counterparts. However, both genders start their information seeking by using web information sources. Research limitations: This research should be extended to include a greater number of users of different age groups. Originality/practical implications: Libraries could utilize these findings on gender's relatio to information behaviour to obtain new users and to deliver personalised information services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A public library is aimed to provide services to all age groups of a community. Thus, it should attempt to meet the specific needs of each user age group. The article is based on the empirical analysis of statistical data of the Bežigrad Public Library for the year 2007, a year before the integration of all Ljubljana public libraries and the merge of membership database took place. The lending of library collection arranged by the potential user age groups was analysed and consequently the suitability of shelf arrangement was evaluated. The results showed the circulation of users in the individual library departments when borrowing fiction or non-fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity of the rationalization of work and procedures in libraries due to the altered requirements and needs of users and due to the expected aggravated demands of the environment are displayed in the article. The causes for the changes in the librarianship and the causes for the changes in the environment are stated. The article analyzes the searching procedure in the Slovenian union bibliographic and catalogue database using the UDC. Upon a practical experiment it was established that the users can not make a successful use of the UDC because neither on the web nor in the database there are freely accessible UDC tables; there are also no exact usage instructions available. The outcomes of some tests in public and academic libraries reveal that the assistance of librarians with retrievals by the UDC is unpractical, time-consuming and does not always lead to the correct result. Based on an international comparison of foreign academic libraries and one Slovenian library, the latter shows a substantial ineffectiveness in cataloging which leads to the assumption of the high-demanding or incomplete cataloguing rules. The case of the digital patent documents in one of the libraries reveals the incapability of processing of a large amount of documents according to the existing rules. The conclusion of the article is the appeal for more rational cataloging rules, for the accessibility of cataloging records directly via web search engines and for an optional indication of the UDC in the records. However, as the conditions in Slovenian libraries are not critical yet, the author has doubts about a quick response to those appeals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public libraries are supposed to provide a wide range of literary materials of all difficulty levels to their users. Here we encounter a dilemma whether it is possible to establish difficulty and quality also as a criterion of systematic classification of literature. In order to get and answer to that dilemma, it is necessary to define the relation between quality and difficulty, as well as the level of possible objective evaluation of literature in accordance with such criteria. Any eventual introduction of such literature classification criteria should be also discussed from the point of view of library management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of standards that determine the layout of serials and contributions is increasing. In the case of the printed format of serials the importance of standardization is also acknowledged by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. Adherence to ISO standards for documentation is required for the financial sup- port of this ministry. Standardization of the emerging electronic formats of serials is still in progress. There are guidelines, but there are no standards that would determine the necessary layout, content and the data. Users of these publications need the essential information to determine the relevance of the document. For all the reasons mentioned above, the adherence to standards and other recommendations for the printed and electronic formats for some of scientific and scientific serials from the technical field published in Slovenia was analysed. The sample of seven serials revealed that the most obvious weaknesses are untimely appearance and absence of ISSN of electronic formats. The results could contribute to a better quality of serial publications in Slovenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]