Libellarium: journal for research in the field of information and related sciences
Libellarium: journal for research in the field of information and related sciences is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published in diamond open access jointly by the Department of Information Sciences and Technologies of the University of Zadar and the Department of Information Sciences of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek. Editor-in-Chief Associate Professor Drahomira Cupar, PhD e-mail: dcupar@unizd.hr Department of Information Sciences and Technologies University of Zadar F. Tuđmana 24i 23000 Zadar Croatia Deputy Editor-in-Chief Professor Jelena Lakuš, PhD e-mail: jlakus@ffos.hr Department of Information Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences University of J. J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Croatia L. Jagera 9 31000 Osijek Croatia Language editing and proofreading Ana Mikić Čolić (for Croatian language) Blaženka Šoštarić (for English language) Summaries translations Ana Mikić Čolić (for Croatian language) Blaženka Šoštarić (for English language) UDC classification for articles Drahomira Cupar
University of Zadar // University of Osijek
Copyright (c) 2025 Drahomira Cupar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Purpose. Episciences is a platform for publishing overlay diamond open access scientific journals. It hosts and supports 43 overlay journals from several disciplines—mainly mathematics, informatics, applied mathematics, social sciences, and humanities—and, for this purpose, utilises open science infrastructures. Approach. The content of the publications is hosted on open repositories (such as HAL, arXiv, Zenodo, bioRxiv, and medRxiv), data repositories for datasets and Software Heritage for software. This allows Episciences to benefit from the FAIR principles supported by these infrastructures while also adding value and services. The platform offers a complete publishing solution for researchers, enabling them to peer-review and publish articles, datasets, and software. All these components may also be linked to each other to promote the FAIR principles and the reproducibility of science. Findings. Relying on existing infrastructures enables cost-efficient publishing. Led by academics, the platform is supported by French academic funding from the Ministry of Higher Education and Research, CNRS, Inria, and INRAE. Originality. The platform engages with scientific communities, through scientific committees. It provides solutions for copy-editing, communication, and advice on the best practices in open science publishing. Episciences is also open to new projects and collaborations at both European and international levels. The platform is available on the OpenAIRE catalogue of services and the EOSC marketplace. Relying on open infrastructures, the overlay model, and a dedicated support and editorial team, Episciences increases the transparency of the editorial workflow and enables researchers to regain control of their publishing methods and processes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Céline Barthonnat, Raphaël Tournoy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editorial of the 15, 1 (2024) issue.
Copyright (c) 2024 Jelena Lakuš https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Diamond Discovery Hub criteria for diamond open access journals
Purpose. This article outlines the operational criteria developed to assess the Diamond Open Access (Diamond OA) status of scholarly journals for inclusion in the Diamond Discovery Hub (DDH). It provides a pragmatic framework for identifying journals that operate without charging fees to authors or readers, thereby supporting the integration of these journals into the European Diamond Capacity Hub (EDCH). Approach. The criteria were developed by a collaborative task force consisting of members from the EU-funded DIAMAS and CRAFT-OA projects. The methodology included drafting initial requirements, conducting community consultations, including feedback from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), and refining the standards into six operational criteria. Findings. The task force identified six operational criteria for Diamond OA: 1. Persistent identification, 2. Status as a scholarly journal, 3. Open access with open licences, 4. No fees, 5. Open to all authors, and 6. Community owned. Practical implications. Meeting these criteria enables Diamond Publishers and Service Providers (DPSP) to register their journals as Diamond OA journals in the DDH, thereby increasing the visibility and recognition of their journals within the European Research Area (ERA). Originality/Value. This paper presents the six operational Diamond OA criteria, their verification guidelines and highlights opportunities for further application and discussion.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sona Arasteh-Roodsary, Margo Bargheer, Johan Rooryck https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Purpose. The aim of this paper is to explore and highlight the significance of book covers, particularly those illustrated by Edo Murtić, in terms of their cultural, historical, and aesthetic value. The focus is placed on the covers preserved in the Bjelovariana Local Collection of the “Petar Preradović” Public Library and their contribution to the preservation of local and national cultural heritage. Methodology. The paper employs an analytical approach, comparing examples of book covers in the online catalogues of four libraries, with special emphasis on the covers illustrated by Edo Murtić. The methodology includes a literature review and the analysis of selected examples from the Bjelovariana Local Collection. Social implications. Book covers play an important role in cultural heritage as they reflect social, economic, and technological changes throughout history. Their preservation in library collections, especially local ones, provides a deeper insight into the evolution of artistic trends and cultural norms, thus contributing to the preservation of community identity and historical memory. Originality. The subject of book covers in the context of their historical and aesthetic significance has not yet been systematically approached in Croatian professional literature. This paper offers the first comprehensive overview of Murtić's book covers, underscoring the importance of their bibliographic documentation, collection, and preservation within library collections.
Copyright (c) 2024 Neda Adamović https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Knowing what’s missing, identifying how to overcome barriers
This report outlines the key discussions from a workshop on the gaps and challenges faced by Diamond Open Access (OA) journals. Members of the CRAFT-OA project held the workshop at the OPERAS conference 2024 in Zadar, Croatia. The workshop focused on three areas: 1) community standards, 2) technical aspects, and 3) sustainability. The workshop highlighted how existing and emerging publishing standards are influenced by and, simultaneously, impact Diamond OA communities; the need to bridge technical gaps by encouraging community adoption of technical standards in particular; and the sustainability challenges posed by financial constraints and the perceived lack of prestige of Diamond OA journals. In three working groups, participants of the workshop identified challenges and discussed strategies and pathways to overcome these challenges, such as raising awareness of standards, enhancing visibility, and improving funding mechanisms to ensure the long-term viability of Diamond OA journals.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Sona Arasteh-Roodsary, Margo Bargheer, Hanna Varachkina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The approach to creating a bio-bibliographic lexicon with examples from the book Bakarski zaslužnici u 19. i 20. stoljeću
Purpose. The aim of the paper is to provide insight into the lexicographical principles and theoretical foundations for compiling biographical and bibliographical dictionaries. Approach/Methodology/Design. The paper is based on a review and evaluation of relevant lexicographic literature, as well as the authors’ experience and strategies for addressing the challenges encountered in the writing of the book Bakar Meritorious Persons (Bakar: Grad Bakar, 2023). Detailed examples of the structural components of dictionary entries have been presented and explained. Additionally, the process of collecting and verifying entry information is outlined, with particular emphasis on cooperation with heritage institutions, relatives of meritorious individuals and cognizants. Practical implications. This paper is intended not only for future authors of similar works but also for students of information science, librarianship, and archival studies, offering them an understanding of the complexity of the theoretical framework and practical procedures involved in creating biographical dictionaries. This refers both to the applied methodology and the strategies used by the authors to address various dilemmas. Originality/Value. The originality of the paper lies in its presentation of theoretical insights into lexicographic heuristics while illustrating both the procedure and the techniques for compiling a local biographical dictionary. Numerous examples provided may serve as a guideline to future authors in structuring their lexicographic entry formats.
Copyright (c) 2024 Srećko Jelušić, Josip Luzer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Towards research assessment reform for the social sciences and humanities:
Purpose. This study focuses on developing research assessment criteria for the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) through the GraspOS project. The aim is to reform traditional evaluation methods that rely heavily on bibliometric indicators and to produce recommendations tailored to the SSH community, addressing the limitations of current practices that predominantly emphasise quantitative metrics. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents outcomes from three workshops with participants from various SSH backgrounds. The workshops facilitated discussions on values-driven assessment, output diversity, and the integration of qualitative indicators. The data collected were analysed using the deductive method, with a priori codes established. Findings. The analysis revealed consensus on the need for a more inclusive evaluation framework that recognises diverse outputs beyond traditional journal articles. Participants emphasised the importance of qualitative measures, such as peer review, and proposed using narrative CVs to better reflect individual contributions. Research limitations. The study was conducted within a specific context of the Responsible Research Assessment (RRA) movement and the GraspOS project, which may not fully represent the broader SSH landscape. Generalisation to all SSH disciplines is not possible. Practical implications. The study provides recommendations for formulating generic research assessment criteria as suggested by SSH scholars. Originality value. This work provides valuable insights into developing more equitable and effective assessment practices in academia for the SSH community.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fotis Mystakopoulos, Carol Delmazo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The potential of conservation-restoration documentation as a source of information for the library catalogue
Purpose. The aim of the paper is to demonstrate how conservation-restoration documentation can enhance the volume and value of information provided in library catalogues. Conservation-restoration documentation can be a valuable source of information, providing data on the condition, history and preservation of materials. The availability of this information promotes transparency and commitment to the care of cultural heritage. Approach/methodology/design. The research includes an analysis of the legal framework, code of ethics, and guidelines to demonstrate the responsibility of professionals involved in the protection of cultural heritage. In addition, the paper traces the historical development of conservation-restoration documentation, from its early written forms to its integration with modern technologies. It highlights the activities of the Preservation and Storage Department of the National and University Library in Zagreb including the structure and ongoing development of its documentation database. Findings. The paper addresses the frequent disparity between the variety of dana offered to users through library catalogues and the broader range of information available in smaller databases used in daily library operations. Integrating this additional data into catalogues fosters user trust and affirms the library’s role in preserving cultural heritage as a fundamental objective. Originality/value. The paper presents the knowledge gained through many years of work on conservation-restoration documentation and the potential of available data for library catalogues and similar systems. Although such documentation may occasionally contain sensitive information, there are no significant practical obstacles that would prevent this documentation from being used as a source of information for the library catalogues. For users and researchers, the library catalogue remains the primary source of information about library materials. Considering the value of the materials kept in the Special Collections Departments of the National and University Library in Zagreb and the special attention given to their preservation, the originality and value of the resulting conservation-restoration documentation are indisputable.
conservation and restoration documentation
National and University Library in Zagreb
Copyright (c) 2024 Đuro Singer, Sanda Milošević, Tamara Štefanac https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How to integrate library data into GoTriple
Purpose. This report presents a showcase for the collaboration between a national and a European research data infrastructure and community service. First, the organisational and technical approaches are explained. In the second part, examples for data integration are proposed together with participants. Finally, possible transfer and application of the presented workflow are discussed. Approach/Methodology. Following a joint analysis by the Text+ and GoTriple teams, developing a dedicated MARC 21 connector for SCRE was identified as the optimal strategy for integrating Text+. This enabled the import of SSH publications from the German National Library (DNB) into GoTriple. This decision also potentially facilitates the integration of relevant SSH collections managed by other libraries, as MARC 21 is an important standard for library cataloguing and data exchange. Results. There have been several technical challenges in this integration. First of all, MARC 21 is a complex protocol, not easily processed. In this case, the use of dedicated, opensource software libraries was particularly helpful. In addition, multiple options had to be evaluated and tested before a suitable solution for harvesting DNB in GoTriple, as presented here, was found. Originality/Value. The presented example of GoTriple and one of the Text+ resource providers (German National Library) can serve as a best practice for integrating more library catalogue data into the GoTriple platform. It also provides a model for the essential communication and collaboration workflow needed to estimate the effort required for future data integration into GoTriple at the level of an exemplary national infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2025 Luca De Santis, Eva-Maria Gerstner, Reinhold Heuvelmann, Sy Holsinger, Nanette Rissler-Pipka, Angela Vorndran https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Provenance marks and inscriptions on the books of the De Franceschi family library
Purpose. The De Franceschi family owned a property and library in Gologorica, near Pazin. After the capitulation of Italy in 1943, they moved from Istria. Most of their books and archival material were transferred to the National and University Library, where they remained unprocessed and inaccessible to users for decades. The aim of this paper is to present the results of an analysis of data on previous ownership and dedications found in the Library of the De Franceschi family, recorded in the bibliographic descriptions during the cataloguing process, and to argue their importance in the context of preserving and valorising the cultural heritage of Istria. Approach/Methodology/Design. The analysis of provenance marks and inscriptions of the Library was preceded by extensive bibliographic processing and cataloguing of the materials in the Aleph library system. Data on provenance marks (ex libris and autographs) and inscriptions were entered in the bibliographic notes field. The field is searchable, which allows easy and quick data collection. Using the catalogue's advanced search options, the Library's material is selected by entering the location tag, PDF (Gift to De Franceshi), and typing the words ex libris, autograph or dedication in the note field. The data obtained in this way, repeated for each word, had to be further refined because there are also copies that are not from the De Franceschi Library. The collected quantitative data were further analysed qualitatively. Results. The Library contains 29 publications containing ex libris marks and 190 autographed publications. The De Franceschi family did not have their own ex libris but used an autograph to indicate provenance, usually in the form of C. De Franceschi. If we take into account the entire collection of the library, only slightly more than 9% of the books have this mark. Furthermore, there are 72 inscriptions in the library, often authored by the writers or editors of the donated works. Often there are several provenance marks on the book or a combination of provenance mark and inscriptions, which makes such an edition more interesting and valuable for bibliophiles. Limitations. The book material has been processed on several occasions. Systematic data entry for provenance marks and inscriptions was only implemented in the most recent and extensive phase. Practical implications. The value of recording data on ownership marks and dedications on books in the bibliographic description is presented and argued. Originality/value. While provenance marks and inscriptions have traditionally been documented for rare or old books, the research highlights the importance of recording these data for other types of material as well, especially for those associated with legacies.
Copyright (c) 2024 Anita Marin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Behind the scenes of machine translation
Over the last few years, the scientific community has started to look at AI-based translation tools as possible solutions for promoting multilingualism in scholarly communication and thus establishing a more linguistically-inclusive landscape in academic research. But how sustainable are these technologies? What is their impact on multilingual communication? The workshop Behind the scenes of machine translation: for a sustainable, ethical and collaborative use of machine translation in multilingual scholarly communication aimed at providing insights into the main challenges related to AI sustainability, with a special focus on scholarly communication. Engaging with a diversity of potential users through interactive discussions and research data, the workshop highlighted the importance of skill-sharing and multi-stakeholder action to promote a sustainable and informed use of AI technologies within the scientific community and beyond.
Copyright (c) 2025 Susanna Fiorini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sheet music from the legacy of Mirko Cajner in the Library of the Academy of Music, University of Zagreb
Purpose. This paper aims to present the work of choirmaster Mirko Cajner (1910–1988) and the sheet music from his legacy, which was donated to the Library of the Academy of Music, University of Zagreb, in 2023 by his widow, Ljubica Cajner. Approach/methodology. The Mirko Cajner Collection housed at the Library of the Music Academy comprises both library materials and archival records. The library materials, comprising printed sheet music from Cajner's legacy, have been catalogued and processed both formally and content-wise in the integrated library system ZaKi. The archival records, reviewed for the purposes of this study, are pending further processing. Findings. After processing the sheet music, it was established that Cajner’s legacy comprises more than a thousand compositions and over 1,200 copies of materials. The majority of these are choral compositions by as many as 80 Croatian composers from the 19th and 20th centuries or individuals associated with Croatia through their musical activities. In addition to their original works, the collection includes harmonisations or arrangements of folk songs. Social implications. The paper sheds light on the work of composer and choir conductor Mirko Cajner and his impact on the musical, cultural, educational, and social life of local communities, thereby contributing to the broader Croatian cultural heritage. Originality/value. The paper marks the first formal introduction of Mirko Cajner’s sheet music collection to the professional community. Additionally, the archival materials reveal previously unknown details about his dedicated and diverse musical pursuits.
Copyright (c) 2024 Vilena Vrbanić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Changing the cultural offer of Split museums after the COVID-19 pandemic
Purpose. The purpose of this article is to analyse the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural offerings of museums in Split, with a focus on how marketing strategies have contributed to transforming a challenging time into an opportunity to improve public services and optimise management. Approach/methodology/design. The study employs qualitative research methods. Following the collection of secondary data on the cultural offerings of museums in Split before and after the pandemic, five in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire with museum directors who had agreed to participate in the study. Afterwards, the study gathered and compared the volume of activity before and after the pandemic on the social media accounts of the selected museums. Findings. The research on the secondary data and interviews reveals that after the initial shock caused by restrictions on movement of people during the lockdown period, there was a significant reduction in activity of the museums which triggered a strong reaction in management. Their search for solutions to overcome the difficulties fostered the development of ideas and strategies that resulted in meaningful changes in the way the cultural offerings of museums in Split were delivered. In particular, the research has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has (1) increased the online offerings to reach a wider audience (especially abroad) and (2) heightened public engagement with digital technologies to access cultural content in museums. Research limitations/implications. While the five interviews provide valuable insights from museum directors who represent a significant portion of Split’s cultural landscape, extending the research to include other museums and analysing the perspectives of visitors would offer a more comprehensive understanding. Practical implications. Analysing the changes and successful innovations introduced after the pandemic could encourage museums world-wide to adopt new technologies. The pandemic has underscored the importance of social media for improving the ability of museums to communicate with the public, reaching new potential visitors and enriching cultural offerings with more engaging experiences. Social implications. This research has highlighted how marketing has supported museums’ ability to react and adapt to the needs of management and visitors during a crisis. The identified strategies can act as guidelines for other cultural institutions, including libraries, to address similar challenges effectively. Originality/value. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research represents a rare attempt of examining the long-term impact of the pandemic on the operations of cultural (information) institutions such as museums and libraries.
Copyright (c) 2024 Alessandro Gandolfo, Irena Močić Benetti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Inclusive user experience design for the elderly
Purpose. The paper analyzes the inclusive UI/UX design in the virtual environment for elderly people, those above 65 years old. Approach/methodology/design. The research was conducted from August 1 to 13, 2023, using an online questionnaire shared with a group of elderly people on social media. Findings. The research has shown that elderly people use mobile devices extensively to browse content on social media, read and follow news portals, and communicate. The respondents have exhibited a good level of self-confidence when interacting with user interfaces. However, they cited several issues with digital services and products, such as insufficiently highlighted elements on the user interface, inability to adjust typography elements, poor colour contrast, etc. The aids and assistive technologies the respondents use when interacting in a virtual environment are voice commands and a screen magnifier. The respondents indicated needing help when using social media (Facebook), visiting a website for the first time, sending a message, navigating websites, installing new applications, turning on GPS, or Internet banking. Research limitations/implications. The respondents, participants in the research, are mostly from Osijek-Baranja County, so they are not a representative sample of the elderly people in the Republic of Croatia. Practical implications. Theoretical knowledge and the results of the conducted research contribute to a better understanding of the components of inclusive design of user interfaces, especially for specific groups of users. Social implications. This paper contributes to increasing awareness of the importance of adapting digital products and services to users, especially the elderly. Originality/value. The study presents the results of one of the rare pieces of research on inclusive design among elderly people. The paper raises awareness of the much-needed inclusion of elderly people in the virtual environment.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ena Maurus, Josipa Selthofer https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Editions of the glagolitic missals in Vatican during the 17th and 18th century
Purpose. The aim of this paper is to explore the history and the historical circumstances surrounding the creation of three Glagolitic missals published in the Vatican during the 17th and 18th centuries, at the time of the post-Tridentine liturgical reform. It seeks to examine the circumstances preceding their publication and the process of publishing each missal. Approach/Methodology. The research employs a multidimensional approach, situating the published missals and their authors in historical and biographical contexts. This enables a comprehensive synthetic understanding of the origin, evolution, and significance of the Glagolitic missals that are the focus of this study. Findings. The study highlights the philological, liturgical, and aesthetic efforts invested in translating and publishing post-Tridentine liturgical texts. It further identifies the decline of the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language and indicates the political and ecumenical reasons for the Russification of the linguistic recension in these missals. Despite the hard work that was invested, the missals were not widely embraced by the Glagolitic clergy due to the influence of Russification, even though they were crucial for ecclesiastical, political and linguistic studies and stand as enduring examples of Croatian Glagolitic heritage. Social implications. The Glagolitic missals analyzed in the paper represent important historical and cultural heritage, illustrating the efforts of the local clergy to preserve and simultaneously adapt their liturgical books to the universal norms of the Church despite political and social challenges. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the evolution of church and language policies, which could be useful for further research on the evolution of linguistics and liturgical practices. The missals reflect a period in which the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language began to decline due to a shift to the Russian recension under ecumenical and political influences. Originality/Value. The study focuses on a broader historical context that influenced the publication of the missals, which was not a subject of interest in previous research. It provides insight into church-political efforts and standardization processes within the Catholic Church through the prism of liturgical and language policies that had long-term consequences on cultural heritage. Furthermore, it offers a critical reflection on the tensions between local linguistic specifics and universal church standards, which remains relevant even in modern times.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ivan Jordan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The role of mobile libraries in the County library network in the context of the acquisition of a new bookmobile for the "Fran Galović" Public Library Koprivnica
Aim. The paper aims to illustrate the development of the network of mobile libraries in Koprivnica-Križevci County, highlight the challenges in their development, operation, and funding, and emphasize the significance and importance of the existence of mobile library services in the County and the Republic of Croatia. Additionally, the aim is to describe the process of planning the construction and equipping of the new mobile library vehicle for the "Fran Galović" Public Library in Koprivnica, as well as the possibilities of developing programmes and services provided through the new vehicle. Approach/methodology/design. The research included an analysis of the legal framework for the establishment and operation of mobile libraries, research and analysis of existing statistical data, and reports on the activities of public libraries in Koprivnica-Križevci County and the mobile library service in Koprivnica. This paper outlines the process of developing a new mobile library vehicle, whose space and services were designed based on insights into the functioning of mobile services in Croatia and other European countries, obtained through research and the authors' direct insight into the work and development of mobile libraries. Results. The paper addresses the process and challenges of establishing, maintaining, and operating a network of mobile libraries in Koprivnica-Križevci County. It details the experience and challenges of purchasing, designing, construction, and equipping a new mobile library vehicle, as well as the development of programmes and services facilitated by the provision of new mobile library space. Originality/value. The experiences and examples presented in this paper are the result of the authors' many years of engagement and specialization in the field of mobile librarianship. The work synthesises professional knowledge acquired through practical work in the organization of mobile libraries, fieldwork in the mobile library itself, as well as gathering information and knowledge through training and direct observation of this segment of librarianship through personal insight into the work, equipment and programs in other countries. Consequently, the example of the establishment and operation of the mobile library service in Koprivnica, as an integral and extremely important part of the overall county network of public libraries in Koprivnica-Križevci County, and the experiences in the procurement, construction, and equipment of a new, modern mobile library vehicle presented in this paper, can serve as a very valuable source of information for other libraries planning to establish a mobile library service or to acquire a vehicle for its operation.
Copyright (c) 2024 Ana Škvarić, Ljiljana Vugrinec, Valentina Mikec https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Objective. The aim of this paper is to explore the development and changes in the publishing policy of the women's magazine Ženski list, whose chief editor was Marija Jurić Zagorka. The magazine was published during the interwar period and significantly influenced the residents of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and emigrants abroad with its content. Approach/Methodology. The analysis of the magazine was conducted based on the most visually striking and/or important issues from each year of publication, totaling 14 issues. The analysis included the number of pages, quantity of illustrations and advertisements, citation of responsibility data, and graphic and thematic changes in the magazine design. Sources from the Stare novine portal and the Center for Women's Studies were used. Results. The paper provides a brief historical overview of women's magazines worldwide, in Europe, and in the Kingdom of SHS/Yugoslavia. Furthermore, Marija Jurić Zagorka is highlighted as the journalist, and editor, followed by an analysis of the magazine issues. The uniqueness of this magazine lies in achieving high circulation and reaching readers from all social circles. Despite financial difficulties due to the non-receipt of subscriptions and economic crises, the magazine, in its 14 years of publication, kept up with innovations in the layout of visual and textual contributions. A significant increase in illustrations and advertisements is noted, indicating the magazine's close connection to its social environment, especially businesses and shops in Zagreb. There is also an observed increase in attributing authors to texts and photos or indicating the source from which the content was taken, demonstrating the editorial understanding of the concept of intelectual property. Originality/Value. This paper provides an overview of publishing and editorial practices. In addition to technical characteristics, the paper offers a partial insight into the magazine's content, placing it in the context of publishing for women, by women, in the 1920s and 1930s.
Copyright (c) 2024 Marta Ćaćić, Ivana Hebrang Grgić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
What do they know, and what would they like to know?
Purpose. The paper presents the findings of a study into the knowledge about dementia among the caregivers of people with dementia in Croatia, and their information needs. Methodology. The study was conducted on the sample of 53 participants, caregivers of people with dementia, in the period from September through November 2023. The data were collected by means of an online survey that was distributed to the respondents via local Dementia.net Facebook page. Findings. The respondents believe that dementia caregivers in Croatia do not have adequate support and they are aware of their lack of knowledge about dementia. Most respondents require information about the rights and benefits of people with dementia and their families. Most often they obtain required information on social media and from other caregivers. Almost half of the respondents sought at least once dementia information in their local public library, and more than half think that caregivers in Croatia face many obstacles in obtaining required information. Practical implications. Since dementia caregivers do not know where to look for needed information and due to the lack of an adequate information support system they turn to informal sources of information. This study could motivate libraries to build dementia collections which would meet the identified information needs of people with dementia. Social implications. Dementia collections comprising popular fiction and picture books which are targeted at general population could facilitate the sensibilization of the public about the disease and the removal of social discrimination against people affected by dementia. Originality. This paper presents a valuable contribution to better understanding the dementia caregivers’ information needs in Croatia.
Copyright (c) 2023 Sanjica Faletar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Heritage conservation in war and post-war conditions during the 1990s
Purpose. The aim of the paper is to describe the activities undertaken by Dubrovnik Libraries during and after the Croatian War of Independence to preserve their heritage collections. The intention is also to present plans for possible future challenges as well as to compare the conditions, resources and equipment available in the 1990s and in the present. Approach/methodology. The paper shows the degree of damage to the Library collections through an in situ case study, the basic data on how evacuation was approached, the organisation of work in crisis conditions, the storage of collections during the war period and then the relocation to the new building. The paper was based on primary sources, including first-hand accounts by the former Library Director Mrs Urban and interviews with older or retired librarians, and secondary sources such as the official report by a paper conservationist who conducted the inspection of damaged library materials in situ, newspaper articles, books, periodicals, doctoral thesis, emergency plan and measures etc. The research for this paper also enabled cooperation between librarians and conservators, as well as finding, scanning and archiving valuable historic library documents, which will be, as a result, available to any future researchers and for posterity. Findings. The paper presents a valuable experience of how endangered cultural heritage was protected in the past and offers contemporary insights into improving the methods of storing, preventive protection and transporting books and archive materials. To avoid previous mistakes, Dubrovnik Libraries developed the crisis response plan with emergency measures in 2020, while in the previous years numerous new resources and equipment had been put into place. Value. The paper gives an overview of a thirty-year long process of caring for heritage collections and it presents perspectives from both librarians and conservators. It outlines the way new resources – human, financial and technological – were used after the war to repair the damage and prevent anything similar from occurring in the future. Hopefully, this paper will raise awareness among cultural institutions and serve as a valuable aid in the practice of crisis management as well as preventive care.
Copyright (c) 2023 Paula Raguz, Tina Di Reda, Damjan Polić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Metadata standards for resource description of the Library of Congress
Objective. The aim of the paper is to present the development of metadata standards for resource description – or metadata schemas – of the Library of Congress in Washington, USA, initiated by the accelerated development of technology and the growth of the network environment in recent decades. Approach/Methodology/Design. In line with the paper’s objective, the selected approach is reduced to a summary of the development of each metadata standard of the Library of Congress individually, with a focus on metadata schemas for resource description within the library community – MARC 21, MARCXML, MODS and MADS. This approach enables the authors to analyze and evaluate in detail the current state of metadata standards and their evolution over time, as well as to identify challenges and opportunities for future development. Results. The paper provides a concise overview of the development of each metadata standard at the Library of Congress individually with a focus on the metadata schemes for resource description within the library community – MARC 21, MARCXML, MODS, and MADS. It also provides an overview of the development of metadata schemes for resource description in related communities (EAD, VRA Core) and metadata standards for digital libraries intended for archiving and protection (METS, PREMIS). The paper also discusses potential directions for further development of metadata standards in the Library of Congress, with reference to projects related to semantic web and related data technologies (BIBFRAME, MODS/RDF, MADS/RDF). The need for continuous improvement of metadata standards is emphasized in order to provide better services to users and harmonize them with technological development and user needs. Originality/Value. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the Library of Congress metadata standards, which is of great importance to the library community and those engaged in archiving and preservation of digital resources. A discussion of possible directions for the development of metadata standards, particularly in the context of the Semantic Web and Linked Data, provides insight into future challenges and opportunities for the Library of Congress and the wider community. Ultimately, this paper contributes to the understanding of the importance and complexity of metadata standards and their continuous development in the light of rapid technological changes.
Copyright (c) 2023 Bernarda Bošnjak, Boris Bosančić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Copyright (c) 2023 Jelena Lakuš https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Contributions to the history of documentation and information science
Purpose. The aim of the article is to provide an overview and critical observations on the development of documentation and information science in the German speaking countries. Since until now, except in the German language, no complete review has been written on how documentation studies developed and what their relationship to librarianship was, and how and when the new paradigm shift to information science took place. Consequently, Croatian professionals in the field have been denied such knowledge. Approach/methodology. The article is based on a critical reading and interpretation of published secondary sources, especially articles and reports from the journals Nachrichten für Dokumentation (since 1990: Nachrichten für Informationswissenschaft), several other German journals and books, and all seven editions of the well-known manual Grundlagen für Dokumentation (later: Grundlagen für Informationswissenschaft). Results. The development path of German, Austrian and Swiss documentation and information science is presented as an overview. The problems and doubts faced by experts from these areas as well as the uncertainty surrounding the definition of a new field are pointed out. The article is also characterized by the author’s interpretation of the insufficient argumentation of the reasons that led to the abandonment of the originally German documentation paradigm in support of taking over the paradigms advocated by experts from the Anglo-American environment. Research limitations. This paper is conceived as part of a series on the development of documentation and information science in several influential environments (American-British, Francophone, German and Russian/Soviet Union) and the influence of models and trends from those environments on the development of documentation and information science in the region of the former Yugoslavia with an emphasis on Croatia. Therefore, it is to be expected that until the publication of other review papers, the details problematized in this article may remain insufficiently clear. Social significance. In the Republic of Croatia, information sciences were endorsed as an academic and scientific discipline in 1983, so this anniversary stimulated research curiosity about determining the oldest sources of knowledge about the development trends in the second half of the 20th century. It is expected that this article could contribute to the understanding of the circumstances of the growth of information sciences as a young scientific field. Originality/value. The research was conducted on original materials written in German, and was enriched with comments based on the author’s knowledge and experience, who has followed this field since its official endorsement into the Croatian academic and scientific family until today.
Copyright (c) 2023 Tatjana Aparac-Jelušić https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Methodology of the biographies structure and the criteria for the selection of personalities for inclusion in the online biographic lexicon
Purpose. The purpose of the article was to identify the structural elements that should be present in the biographies that are included in online biographical lexicons. We are also interested in the criteria or structural elements that could help to decide which personalities to include in the online biographical lexicon. Methodology. Content analysis was used to analyze the structure of biographies that are entered in the online biographical lexicon. The same method was used to determine the criteria for selecting the personalities for entry into the online biographical lexicon. Results. The criteria for the selection of personalities into the OSP online biographical lexicon and the structure of biographies are defined. It is concluded that it is desirable for the order of the structural elements to be permanent. For the development of biographical lexicons, cooperation between all institutions that can contribute to the quality of biographical lexicons is essential. Research limitation. The research limitations presented the fact that the data about each personality to be included in the online biographical lexicon is unique. Thus, it is very difficult to determine unique structural elements for all personalities because they are engaged in very different activities. In addition, to our knowledge, there is no research work related to the structure of biographies in biographical lexicons. Originality/practical implications: The results of the research can contribute to the quality of the entries for the online biographical lexicon OSP and other online biographical lexicons. Better structure of biographies and professional criteria for selecting personalities should also have an impact on user satisfaction with the biographical lexicon. This article is also an invitation for further research work in this area.
Copyright (c) 2023 Nina Jamar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Digitisation of films and selection of films for digitisation from the perspective of users
Purpose. The selection of films that archivists carry out today has an important impact on the future configuration of digitalised and virtually accessible film collections. Given the responsibility that this task entails, we consider it interesting to explore what the different profiles of the users of film archives think about selection and digitisation of films. Approach/Methodology/Design. To this end, structured interviews were conducted with 31 subjects belonging to four groups of users: film researchers, film professionals, journalists/ film critics, and last year audio-visual communication undergraduates from the University of Seville. Findings. The most notable results, which do not differ in essence from what is known in the archival field, include, on the one hand, the unanimous view that digitisation is an effective way of conserving audio-visual memory and fostering public interest in film collections and archives and, on the other, that when films have to be selected for their digitisation, this should be done following rigorous and systematic selection criteria, thus avoiding the detrimental effects of random methods. Lastly, some future research lines are offered. Originality/Value. All the bibliography consulted view topics relating to film selection and digitisation exclusively through the prism of archival and library and information sciences. Namely, these studies are restricted to these specific areas of knowledge and aimed at professional and experts in the field. For that reason, it may be interesting to explore other viewpoints and perspectives that go beyond purely technical, theoretical or methodological approach to film curation.
Copyright (c) 2023 María-Ángeles López-Hernández, Francisco-Javier Muñoz-García, Rubén Domínguez-Delgado https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
How public libraries deliver value online
Purpose. The development and usage of digital library services have accelerated. Many libraries have expanded their digital services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The physical locations were closed or operated with reduced capacity and libraries continued to provide services digitally. The physical locations of many libraries have reopened but the development of digital services persists. Most libraries offer a wide variety of services digitally and many libraries are expanding their digital services. It is, therefore, relevant to explore how librarians perceive the digital public library services offered at their institutions and how the digital services supplement or replace services in the physical library. Approach/methodology/design. This study presents the findings of an interview-based study with five librarians from different public libraries across Denmark. Findings. The findings show that librarians perceive the physical and digital services as means to the same end while carefully considering the content, target audience and platform when offering services to their users. They see the digital services as a critical aspect of the raison d’etre of the library and means to attract new users. Research limitations. It is important to note that this study is based on a small sample. Practical implications. The implications for digital public library services are discussed and recommendations based on this study are considered. Originality/value. While many studies have explored librarians’ perceptions of the value of public libraries, this study focuses on librarians’ perception of the value of digital libraries and how these services supplement or replace the physical library.
Copyright (c) 2023 Mare Lundsfryd Nielsen, Marie Cecilie Lensch, Tove Faber Frandsen https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Current conditions and future projections of the e-book market in the Republic of Croatia - an overview of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Objective. Taking into account the changes that have affected the publishing industry due to the rapid development of information and communication technologies, the aim of the paper is to analyze the development of electronic books (e-books) and electronic publishing (e-publishing) through a historical and theoretical perspective, giving indications of future development in the Republic of Croatia. Considering many advantages and disadvantages of e-books, but also available opportunities and potential threats, the paper aims to unify all the mentioned aspects in one place with the goal of systematizing the available scientific literature. The paper is, therefore, valuable to publishers and authors who have not yet recognized all the possibilities offered by e-books or do not fully understand all their functionalities. Approach/methodology/design. Methods of analysis, synthesis and comparison are applied to provide a detailed assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) of the e-book as a product of electronic publishing. Through a systematic analysis of scientific and professional literature, the positive and negative aspects of e-books are elaborated on, new trends are discussed and indications are given of the future development of e-books with additional implications for e-publishing. Results. The “SWOT” analysis results demonstrate that electronic book has numerous advantages such as interactivity and functionality, and can be an efficient medium for information and knowledge transfer. On the other hand, the dependence on technology is its greatest weakness. New opportunities lie in new collaborations and new distribution channels, while the largest threat is the competition that can come from all over the world through digital channels. Originality/ value. This is the first paper outlining an overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to e-books, thus allowing a better insight into the e-book market in Croatia.
information and communication technologies,
Copyright (c) 2023 Matea Cvjetković, Goran Kozina https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Copyright (c) 2022 Jelena Lakuš https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0