Borna Petrović, Irena Poje, Sanjica Faletar

Easy-to-Read Book Material in Croatian Public Libraries

Introduction

Easy-to-read book material in croatian public libraries. Explore easy-to-read book inclusion in Croatian public libraries. This study assesses collection coverage, highlighting patterns related to library size and population for improved accessibility.

Abstract

The paper presents findings of a study that evaluated the inclusion of easy-to-read materials in Croatian public libraries. Using a checklist method, catalogues of the 41 largest and smallest public libraries in each Croatian county were compared with the Bibliography of Printed Easy-to-Read Materials Published in Croatia, comprising 29 titles. The collected data were analyzed descriptively using SPSS. Findings show that only one studied library holds all titles, and nearly half of them have more than half of the titles listed in the Bibliography. Although there are some deviations, the study identified the following pattern: an increasing number of titles and copies was observed relative to county population size and library type by service area. In most cases, the largest number of copies and titles is found in the largest libraries. As the study focused only on the largest and smallest county libraries, the results are not generalizable to all Croatian public libraries. The results highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the surveyed collections regarding their coverage of easy-to-read materials and offer guidance for librarians in future collection development of this material. Given that reading difficulties, especially dyslexia, are issues that can significantly impair one’s quality of life, public libraries have the opportunity, through the acquisition and promotion of easy-to-read materials, to substantially contribute to improving the quality of life for such individuals and to raise public awareness of these issues. This is the first research that investigated the inclusion of easy-to-read materials in the collections of public libraries in Croatia.

Review

The paper "Easy-to-Read Book Material in Croatian Public Libraries" addresses a critically important, yet often overlooked, aspect of library services: the provision of easy-to-read materials for individuals with reading difficulties. This study marks a significant and commendable first step in Croatia by systematically evaluating the inclusion of such materials in public library collections. Utilizing a robust checklist methodology, the researchers meticulously compared the catalogues of 41 selected public libraries—representing the largest and smallest in each Croatian county—against a comprehensive national bibliography of easy-to-read publications. The findings reveal a varied landscape, with a significant portion of libraries holding more than half of the listed titles, and a clear pattern emerging where the number of titles and copies generally increases with county population size and library type, particularly in larger institutions. The descriptive analysis effectively illuminates both the strengths and deficiencies within the surveyed collections, providing valuable, actionable insights for Croatian librarians. By identifying current gaps, the study offers practical guidance for future collection development strategies, enabling libraries to better serve their communities. The authors rightly emphasize the profound societal role public libraries can play in improving the quality of life for individuals facing reading challenges, such as dyslexia, and in fostering greater public awareness. This research not only provides a baseline understanding of the current situation but also serves as a strong call to action, underscoring the potential for libraries to become more inclusive and impactful community resources. While the study provides a solid foundation, its explicitly stated limitation regarding generalizability—focusing only on the largest and smallest county libraries—suggests clear avenues for future research. Expanding the scope to include a broader range of public libraries across different tiers would offer a more comprehensive national picture. Furthermore, future studies could delve into the actual usage patterns of these materials, user perception, or the impact of dedicated promotional activities. Despite this limitation, the paper represents a vital and timely contribution, setting a precedent for further investigation into inclusive library practices in Croatia and offering valuable insights for similar efforts in other regions.

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