URN_NBN_SI_DOC-M4FZTAX2

Knjižnica 55(2011)2-3, 203–222 204 Short scientific article UDC 027.022(497.4) Abstract Purpose: Regional public libraries were initiated in 2003 to connect professional activities of libraries within regional networks and to ensure coordinated library development in a region in cooperation with the Library System Development Centre at the National and University Library performing a coordinating role. The article analyses the per- formance of public libraries and their integration in regional library networks in order to find out the level of development of conditions of performance of public libraries. Methodology/approach: Statistical data for the year 2009 were the basis for the overview of library activities of ten library regions with regard to applicable legislation and library standards. The level of regional library activities is compared to the socio-economic situation of statistical regions thus representing a new approach to the presentation of Slovenian’s public libraries’ development. Results: Absolute values indicate better development of nine libraries in the central Slovenia region while relative values offer a totally different picture. Four libraries in the region of Nova Gorica prove the highest level of development. Research limitation: Research is limited to the year 2009 and basic statistical analysis. Originality/practical implications: Findings of the analysis are useful for public libraries to plan their development strategy within a region and for financial bodies to provide for adequate financing for library activities in a specific region. The basic condition for successful public library performance is the even and harmonized development of conditions of performance as recommended by library standards. Key words : public libraries, central regional libraries, library regions, development of public libraries 1 Uvod Leta 2003 je dotedanjo matično službo, ki jo je skozi desetletja uspešno izvajala Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnice, nadomestila nova sistemska ureditev, ki prenaša strokovno povezovanje splošnih knjižnic v knjižnične območne mreže z osrednjo območno knjižnico. Njihova naloga je zagotavljanje koordinirane- ga razvoja knjižnične dejavnosti na svojem območju. Da bi ugotovili stopnjo razvitosti pogojev dela splošnih knjižnic, smo na podlagi zbranih statističnih podatkov izdelali analizo z namenom pregleda stanja knjižnične dejavnosti po desetih območnih mrežah. Pri tem smo se oprli na zakonske podlage in strokovna priporočila ter naredili primerjavo s socialno-ekonomskim položajem statističnih regij, kar naj bi predstavljalo nov pristop k predstavitvi razvitosti slovenskih splošnih knjižnic po območjih. Raziskava je bila narejena za leto 2009.