engleski

The role and importance of libraries’ local history collections in the development of cultural tourism in a destination

Libraries are a cultural space where the library system converges with sources of knowledge about tradition, uniqueness and credibility of a nation. They collect, process and keep materials representing the cultural identity of a community. Through their programmes, events and cooperation with other organisations and heritage institutions, they bring culture closer to all age groups. Modern libraries provide the basis for the development of cultural and creative programmes supporting the content and function of the individual library space. They interact with the community and provide services that make them proactive and interdisciplinary. Libraries keep local history collections as important promoters of cultural heritage that safeguard the identity of local communities and raise the sense of belonging in its members. The development of local collections started in late 1960s and early 1970s. They have a documentational, historical, cultural, artistic and practical value that makes them – and libraries as their keepers – important stakeholders in the development of cultural tourism. Everdeveloping cultural tourism plays a big role in social and economic development, increasing the number of overnights and contributions to the state budget. Cultural tourists are more educated and driven by the desire to get to know the local culture and take part in it. The government participates in the development of cultural tourism by providing funding and development strategies. The more attractive the offer, and the more carefully the programmes are adapted to various age or interest groups, the sooner the tourists will choose a destination. Libraries contribute by adapting their local history collections to the cultural tourism offer. Croatia’s abundant tangible and intangible cultural heritage is very well incorporated into cultural tourism that attract tourists from across the world. This paper showcases and proves on practical examples the role and the importance of libraries’ local history collections in the development of cultural tourism and their economic influences on the economy of the region where they operate.

cultural tourism ; destination ; economic influences ; library local history collection ; proactivity

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