Vícekriteriální zhodnocení služeb vybraných městských knihoven v České republice

Abstract

The thesis focuses on a multi-criteria evaluation of services provided by thirteen selected municipal libraries in the Czech Republic during the period 2019–2023. The selection of libraries was based on city size, legal status as contributory organizations, and equal representation of each region. The study also reflects regional disparities between individual regions, which form the framework for the subsequent micro-level assessment of specific libraries. The evaluation was carried out using both absolute and relative indicators, recalculated per 1,000 inhabitants. Monitored indicators included, for example, the number of loans, visitor numbers, personnel capacity, and contributions from the establishing authority. The results show that the best-performing library in both absolute and relative terms was the T. G. Masaryk Municipal Library in Šumperk. In contrast, the weakest results were recorded by the libraries in Sokolov and Chrudim. The library in Sokolov ranked lowest in absolute terms, while the library in Chrudim placed last in the relative evaluation. Most libraries have not returned to their 2019 levels in terms of registered readers following the COVID-19 pandemic, with the exception of the libraries in Kutná Hora and Valašské Meziříčí. However, in most cases, the proportion of readers under the age of 15 has increased. The findings serve as a basis for formulating recommendations aimed at improving municipal library services and supporting their development.