Special libraries and libraries of science and research institutes and institutions in the Republic of Serbia 2019-2022

Abstract

The paper deals with the state and the issues of special libraries and libraries of science and research institutes and institutions in the Republic of Serbia between 2019 and 2022. After efforts to define the concept of special libraries, the paper lists published papers dealing with the issues of special libraries. A separate part of the paper is devoted to the problem of categorization of special libraries. Further, the topic of special libraries is viewed through the prism of the legislature – the current Law on library and information work and the Rulebook on the national standards for performing the library and information work. The overview of registration of special libraries and libraries of science and research institutes and institutions into the Central Registry on February 28, 2023, is also provided. The following chapter is about representation of special libraries and libraries of science and research institutes and institutions in the Network of Libraries of Serbia database in the mentioned timeframe. Afterwards, the paper presents a detailed categorization of special libraries in the Network of Libraries of Serbia database based on the type of activity of the organization to which the library belongs. The overview of submitted statistical data on special libraries of cultural institutions (museums, archives, institutes for protection of monuments, theaters, etc.) is particularly detailed – these libraries are the most numerous at 96 and make up 36% of the total number of special libraries. Along with the overview of the working conditions of special libraries, the conclusion also suggests possible measures to improve their work.