The network of
Slovenian public
libraries
Maja Žumer
University of Ljubljana
Slovenia
What is a ‘library’?
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organisation
collections
services
librarians
building
place
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The public library
“Provides access to knowledge, information and
works of the imagination through a range of
resources and services and is equally available
to all members of the community regardless
of race, nationality, age, gender, religion,
language, disability, economic or employment
status and educational attainment.”
(IFLA/UNESCO Guidelines, 2001)
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physical environment
vs.
organised virtual information space
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‘Third places’
Physical places which enable human
contact and social experience outside of
the home (‘first place’) and workplace or
school (‘second places’)
Locations where people gather and talk
about things which are important to
them.
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Libraries as ‘third places’
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Tradition of focus on community
Enriching public life and democracy
Is this role endangered when services are
provided on the Web?
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The effect of Internet
(different views)
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Isolating individuals and decreasing
interpersonal relationships
Online community networks strengthen
physical communities
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Public library Web sites
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Extension of library collections and
resources through licensed and/or
digitised content
Gateway service through public access
workstations
Interaction of customers with the
library
Digital services (e.g. digital reference)
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Research
A lot of research reports, mostly description and
evaluation of various aspects
Some (critical) findings:
 Libraries are still primarily seen as suppliers of
printed information
 Web sites are used by a small percentage of patrons
 Most Web sites are very basic
 Public libraries are not utilising enough the potential
of Internet
 The competition may take over
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Slovenia
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Independent from 1991
2 M inhabitants, 20273 km²
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Long tradition of public libraries
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First document in Slovenian: Freising
manuscripts in 10th century
First printed book in 1551 (Primož Trubar)
First public library in 1569 (Primož Trubar)
Discontinued until late 18th century
(Enlightment)
450 libraries with 122000 books in the mid19th century
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Slovenian public libraries now
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61 libraries with 179 branches, 11 buses
374 circulation points, 658 bus stops
80% of planned ‘ideal’ situation
27% membership, but 48% under 15
Single organisational network
• 10 regional libraries: coordination
• Funded by local community and Ministry of culture
• National Centre for Library Development at
National and University Library
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Automation
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Relatively well equipped with IT (0.5
computer per 1000 inhabitants)
Automated, using COBISS software
(IZUM, Maribor)
Active partners in Slovenian union
catalogue
Web sites
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Web sites
Two studies:
 The original study in 2002
 Repeated in 2004
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The first study (dr. Silva
Novljan)
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Performed by second year students
Verifying the content
Focus on the mission of the public
library
Guidelines
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Main focus
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Unique identity, perceived local needs, needs
expressed by the community
Showing the mission and goal, emphasising
their comparative advantages in selection and
access to information resources
Enabling the users to use the Web for
independent problem solving
Promoting information literacy of the
community
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Typical content found
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General information on the library,
operation and services
Library collection and information
sources
Electronic resources
Communication with the library
Events and other programmes
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Critical findings
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Information often unrelated to the
mission, incomplete/outdated
Libraries do not emphasise their
comparative advantages
Inadequate presentation of electronic
resources
Only three libraries offer a basic
information literacy programme
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The second study
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Performed in 2004 as a bachelor’s
thesis
The same framework
Verification of implementation of
guidelines
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Findings
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Some positive changes
More complete information
Problems:
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Incomplete information on collections (periodicals!)
Electronic resources
No user feedback
Little originality in content and design (copies of
printed brochures!)
• Outdated information
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Reasons
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Lack of resources
Knowledge and professional confidence
Cooperation:
 Content provision instead of identical
copies
 Sharing of information literacy
programmes
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Conclusions
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Substantial progress, but room for
improvement
Web sites built from the library perspective
instead of the user’s point of view
Importance of a well designed Web site
Support the traditional role of the library and
augment it with the use of technology
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The goal
Follow the mission and remove obstacles to
general availability of information
“Libraries and information services provide
essential gateways to the Internet. For some
they offer convenience, guidance, and
assistance, while for others they are the only
available access points. They provide a
mechanism to overcome the barriers created
by differences in resources, technology, and
training.” (IFLA Internet Manifesto)
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