Public library as a social beacon in time of COVID-19

Purpose. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the research of users of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb City Libraries about the use of library resources in the crisis caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the COVID-19 illness it causes. Approach/methodology/design. A printed questionnaire was used as a principal method for research in the premises of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb City Libraries on a convenience sample of research participants. Findings. The results of the research have shown a continuing interest of the library users for the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb City Libraries in spite of an emergency situation caused by Covid. The results have also shown an increased use of digital information resources in the period of time when the library was closed due to the pandemic. The results showed which library services were used the most when the library was closed also due to the pandemic. Furthermore, the results indicated a dominant orientation of the library users towards printed library material as well as the desire for the increased acquisition of this type of library material, together with the digital versions in the future. Practical implications. The results of the research of library users in the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb City Libraries are applicable in the planning process of library material acquisition as well as for the development of annual pro grams in libraries and long-term plans of development of digital information resources in public libraries. Social implications. The paper indicates a stable position of public libraries in local communities and the constant need of users for public libraries in an emergency situation caused by the pandemic and an earthquake. Therefore, public libraries continue being a pillar of society in emergency situations and crises offering their information and related library services to the local community. Originality/value. The research of the library users of the Library and Reading Room Bogdan Ogrizovic, Zagreb City Libraries was conducted during ongoing emergency situation and crisis which is a topic less researched in public libraries. The research in this article is a rare example of an investigation of public library users in a real emergency situation. © 2021, Hrvatsko Knjiznicarsko Drustvo. All rights reserved.