Library collection development as a measure for library development

Vrana, Radovan and Kovačević, Jasna. (2017). Library collection development as a measure for library development. Vjesnik bibliotekara Hrvatske, 60(1). pp. 79-102. ISSN 0507-1925

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Abstract

Development of library collections is one of the most important activities in management of every library and this activity requires special attention because it has a great impact on the success of libraries in user communities. Users have a special role in library collection development as they participate actively in library holdings development with their needs and wishes. Users express their needs and wishes by participating in user research studies and in direct contact with library staff. This article presents the results of a research study conducted in the “Bogdan Ogrizović” library in Zagreb (Zagreb City Libraries). The aim of the research was to collect data about users’ views and opinions about library holdings, and the main question of the research was to find out whether library users are satisfied with the library holdings or not. The research was carried out by use of a printed questionnaire using convenience sampling of library users (members and non-members) in the period from 1 July 2016 to 24 September 2016. Both library members and non-members were eligible for participation in the research study. The most common reasons for visits to the library were individual’s education and research, and the average number of books borrowed per visit was two. The research has shown that users want more books on their disposal, particularly fiction, scientific information (in digital format) and non-fiction, but have shown somewhat less interest in other library materials like journals and newspapers. The users also indicated their reasons for reading books and journals and these were pleasure, education, self-development, and fun. They demonstrated high degree of satisfaction with the available library materials, including books, journals, and newspapers. On the other hand, they indicated lower degree of satisfaction with digital materials, textbooks, handbooks, encyclopedias, lexicons, and dictionaries. The last part of the research focused on the users’ opinions about the library. The results have shown positive opinions about library material and services and less positive about library material location and finding them on shelves. Generally, the results indicate the high degree of users’ awareness of the need for new and various library materials. The results of the research will be integrated into future library collections development as intended.

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