The development of public libraries in croatia towards green libraries

Abstract

Purpose. This paper deals with the Green Library Movement in the Republic of Croatia, with an emphasis on public libraries in Croatia. After the introductory part about the green libraries, the central part of the paper presents the results of the research about green libraries in the public libraries in Croatia. The aim of the research was to determine the current situation and to examine whether the public libraries in Croatia are developing towards green libraries by examining the following three elements of a green library: The library building, the green operation, and library services. Approach/methodology/design. The introductory part of the article is based on the available literature about green libraries, while the central part presents the research that used an online questionnaire as a research method. The research aimed to include all public libraries in the Republic of Croatia. Findings. The research was carried out in 82 public libraries in Croatia and it has shown that the majority of libraries did not apply financially available measures for energy saving, although some principles of green operation were present in libraries (waste sorting, paper saving, printer cartridge saving). The results indicate a considerable interest of public libraries in Croatia in the development of green library services and that the majority of libraries include ecological topics in their activity plans. However, the research results also indicate the need for additional education of librarians about green library concept in order to motivate librarians to develop ecological awareness. In addition to the insufficient education of librarians about the concept of green libraries, the insufficient number of library staff is also a problem in the public library development in Croatia, as well as inadequate library space and facilities, and lack of financial means. Originality/value. The paper presents a comprehensive research about green libraries on the national level and its results are applicable in the future development of public libraries in the Republic of Croatia.