Critical Library Practice: Beyond the Service Model #KRIK

The final session of the KRIK conference in Zagreb is of three short papers with the theme Critical Library Practice: Beyond the Service Model
Firstly, Rethinking the Reading Mission in Academic Libraries by Ana Barbarić & Monika Batur(presented by the latter). This started with the question - where is reading in the academic library? It may be seen as an invisible competency - reading is everywhere (required in order to do learning, writing etc.) but not seen as a competence in its own right. Critical and deep reading were in focus here. Also although it matters, it is not always measured, in particular it is not measured in a library context. Looking then at library standards: e.g. in the Croatian standard (2022) it appears more as a cultural activity; it is not featured in the ACRL library standard (2026), although it was slightly present in the 2023 standards.
Also "the faster information becomes, the more we need to slow down" as depth may be the victim of speed. Thus reading may be a skill of the future, as it is valuable to enable critical thought. It was essential in the past, invisible now, but critical for the future.

Reading Vesna Parun in Dubrava: A Neighbourhood Festival as Critical, Feminist Practice was presented by Rebecca Mikulandra. She reflected on experiencing the library as a safe space as a child, stimulating her to work in a library. She talked about the concept of situated knowledge and the need to question "neutrality". Then she talked about the library hosting poetry events including a festival focused around the poet Vesna Parun, with users as co-creators (involving students, a care home etc.)  Evaluation is built alongside the programme - measurable elements are required, but they also aim for participatory action research. She told the story of a book club for 14-20 year olds, which previous research would predict to fail, but in fact, although it took a while to build, in the end it is successful (showing you shouldn't just follow the metric!) This is consistent with the idea of the library as an inclusive, open space, with the book as still a meaningful component.

Reimagining the Public Library: Contemporary Art and Critical Librarianship in Prozori Gallery / S. S. Kranjčević Library by Petra Dolanjski Harni.  Prozori means "windows" (the gallery has long windows) and the gallery and library share a space. The gallery windows and the library space are used to present art. They have about 10 exhibitions a year. Harni selected some that intersect with the library. One artist presented about 50 picture books that explore ideas of social justice etc. Another interaction involved buying books for the collection, Another project explored girlhood, and included girls having reading groups, artwork creation etc. The critical librarianship side is asking questions like - whose voices are not being heard? who is underrepresented? This approach can intersect with contemporary art. Contemporary art is a good companion as it can create new insights, it can question, make you see new perspectives, stimulate transformation. Another project was looking at LGBTGIQ users in public libraries, with focus groups and artist documentation (also including artwork on the windows), and leading to a proposal for a working group. The final project mentioned was on menopause and ageing, talking to 200+ women, then creating an attractive artist book of 9 chapters, and a calendar.
Photo by Sheila Webber: Cable car, Zagreb, September 2026