Professional paper
Optimizing library space for the needs of the library collection and users – the experience of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek
Kristina Kiš
orcid.org/0000-0002-9501-0206
; Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Osijeku, Osijek, Hrvatska
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* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Purpose. This paper analyzes the library space occupied by the library of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek from its very beginnings to the present day. As the Library evolved and its collection grew, the space it occupied also changed. The library collection is not merely a collection of library materials; it reflects the needs of the scientific and teaching staff and students, as well as the decisions of librarians.
Approach/Methodology. The locations that served as the Library and its services over time are listed in chronological order.
Findings. The library collection has grown over the years and has taken up more and more space, so the Library, in agreement with various administrations and over certain periods, has moved from one space to another, a larger one. Librarians often faced a dilemma – to accommodate paper materials or to expand the space for users to stay and work? Since only one of these two options was usually possible, priority was given to accommodating paper materials.
Originality/Value. Many libraries operate in buildings that were not specifically designed and constructed for that purpose. These are often buildings of special cultural value and are under the protection of conservators. Therefore, they do not have flexible and modular elements that would allow the space to be adapted to different library programs and the needs of different user groups. Most often, it depends on the creativity and resourcefulness of librarians whether they will succeed in adapting the existing space to the needs of a growing library collection, as well as the needs of users. This is the experience of the library of Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek.
Keywords
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Osijek; library collection; library users; relocation
Hrčak ID:
334263
URI
Publication date:
5.8.2025.
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