Purpose: In this paper, we develop and apply an original methodology for identifying leading Slovenian public libraries and outlining the specific factors that distinguish these libraries from less successful ones in terms of the results achieved.
Methodology/approach: Secondary data from the BibSiSt system for the year 2023 were used. The methodology is based on an original multidimensional analytical framework that encompasses the reach, intensity of collection use, and the level of social engagement of public libraries. In the continuation of the research, following the classification of the libraries, we identified the key distinguishing organisational factors between the leading group and the other libraries. We applied the decision tree method, which allowed us to appropriately rank these factors by importance.
Results: The success of public libraries is closely related to soft factors which shape the user experience. The most important factors in the transition from followers to leaders are the number of library events held and the education and training provided to the users. The adequacy of the library’s collection is also important as a factor at the crossroads between traditional and soft factors. Less pronounced distinguishing factors encompass the array of available user equipment and the number of posts by a library on social networks. This suggests that the equipment of the library in itself does not ensure the leading status, but rather that content and program orientation are more important.
Research limitation: The analysis was based on a relatively small library population of 60 units, which is a Slovenian peculiarity, which was methodologically appropriately taken into account.
Originality/practical implications: The results based on the original methodology are directly useful for researchers, libraries and policymakers, as they enable the identification of the state and further systematic improvement of the latter through a set of the most important organisational factors for achieving the leading status.
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