Search

Objective. The paper presents evaluation of the e-book collection in the Zagreb City Libraries with the objective of analyzing the current state of the collection, determining what are the strengths and the weaknesses of the collection, as well as exploring potential development of the e-book lending services in the future. Approach/Methodology. The evaluation was carried out using a method of partial quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the collection by analyzing data available from the ZaKi library system. The research was based on six assumptions, which were either confirmed or disputed through data analysis. Results. Quantitative analysis of the collection and its circulation highlighted both strengths and weaknesses, while the qualitative analysis showed collection relevance. The research results confirmed four assumptions, challenged one, and one assumption could neither be confirmed nor challenged. The obtained and analyzed data provide valuable information for further development of the e-book lending service. Originality/Value. The described methods and analysis can serve to libraries that have e-book collections as a possible model for partial evaluation, and it can encourage libraries that do not provide this type of service to consider the possible need to introduce this service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper opens a discussion on the questions of the assessment of library holdings' financial value, the legislative guidance that is crucial in this process, the economic literacy of librarians and the collaborative efforts between librarians and accounting departments' teams in order to achieve the efficient functioning of a library. Approach. In 2016, a decision was made that the financial harmonization of library operations in the Zagreb City Libraries was necessary. The need for the financial harmonization arose due to the computerization of library operations, which had switched from analog to digital, and several different library software packages have been changed in the past few years. The process of the financial harmonization of operations was carried out during 2017 and 2018 in 40 libraries and mobile library service. This paper is based on the example of good practice of financial harmonization of library operations and the supporting documentation prepared for this process. All this was done in order to achieve the ultimate goal - the harmonization of the handwritten paper inventory books of library materials with the electronically maintained records of the inventory, as well as the inventory lists of property items and the accounting records in the Office of financial and accounting services. Findings. After the successful process of harmonization, the actual financial value of the library materials in the library corresponds to the book balance in the accounting records. This result highlights the importance of reconciling the financial value of the library holdings in the inventory books with the accounting records. Originality/value. This paper contributes to a clearer definition of quality cooperation between librarians and accounting services, which is imposed as a necessity in the legally established library business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]