Level of participation of public libraries in cultural tourism

What is it about?

Cultural tourism is a selective form of tourism that needs to be systematically introduced to certain aspects of the library business and is another example of underutilized potential in creating a cultural tourism policy. This paper presents results of the research, which has been conducted in 2010 in Istria on public libraries of the Istrian County with the aim to detect the state and the level of participation of public libraries in the cultural tourism services. As a response to the detected problems, the paper brings forth suggestions for further development according to which libraries can find their own growth model, while respecting different development levels and the local communities’ context. Recommendations for the development of public libraries in cultural tourism are set on the basis of new library system structures, introduction of new services and cultural management. They are harmonised with the local community needs obtained through a demographic survey and analysis of the administrative-territorial structure of the County. The presented model of the County's public library development in cultural tourism can be reflected in developing new contents for digital libraries connected to publicly available catalogues through contents and services of the developed, cooperating consortium of public libraries.

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Why is it important?

Recommendations for the development of public libraries in cultural tourism