The network of Slovenian public libraries

1. The network of Slovenian public libraries Maja Žumer University of Ljubljana Slovenia

2. What is a ‘library’? • organisation • collections • services • librarians • building • place IFLA WSIS pre-conference

3. 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) IFLA WSIS pre-conference

4. physical environment vs. organised virtual information space IFLA WSIS pre-conference

5. ‘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. IFLA WSIS pre-conference

6. Libraries as ‘third places’ • Tradition of focus on community • Enriching public life and democracy Is this role endangered when services are provided on the Web? IFLA WSIS pre-conference

7. The effect of Internet (different views) • Isolating individuals and decreasing interpersonal relationships • Online community networks strengthen physical communities IFLA WSIS pre-conference

8. Public library Web sites • 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) IFLA WSIS pre-conference

9. 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

10. Slovenia • Independent from 1991 • 2 M inhabitants, 20273 km² IFLA WSIS pre-conference

11. Long tradition of public libraries • 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 mid-19th century IFLA WSIS pre-conference

12. Slovenian public libraries now • 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

13. Automation • 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

14. Web sites Two studies: • The original study in 2002 • Repeated in 2004 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

15. The first study (dr. Silva Novljan) • Performed by second year students • Verifying the content • Focus on the mission of the public library • Guidelines IFLA WSIS pre-conference

16. Main focus • 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

17. Typical content found • General information on the library, operation and services • Library collection and information sources • Electronic resources • Communication with the library • Events and other programmes IFLA WSIS pre-conference

18. Critical findings • 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

19. The second study • Performed in 2004 as a bachelor’s thesis • The same framework • Verification of implementation of guidelines IFLA WSIS pre-conference

20. Findings • Some positive changes • More complete information • Problems: • Incomplete information on collections (periodicals!) • Electronic resources • No user feedback • Little originality in content and design (copies of printed brochures!) • Outdated information IFLA WSIS pre-conference

21. Reasons • Lack of resources • Knowledge and professional confidence Cooperation: • Content provision instead of identical copies • Sharing of information literacy programmes IFLA WSIS pre-conference

22. Conclusions • 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 IFLA WSIS pre-conference

23. 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) IFLA WSIS pre-conference