Membership
Rules of the Zagreb City LibrariesPursuant to Article 24 of the Library and Library Activity Act and Article 30 of the Zagreb City Libraries Bylaws, the Administrative Council adopted on 16 January 2017 the First Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, on 26 September 2017 the Second Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, on 19 March 2019 the Third Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, on 22 April 2020 the Fourth Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, on 18 March 2022 the Fifth Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, and at the session held on 9 May 2022, the Sixth Amendments to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries.
The consolidated text of the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries reads as follows:
RULES OF THE ZAGREB CITY LIBRARIES
I GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
The Rules (hereinafter: the Rules) of the Zagreb City Libraries (hereinafter: the Library) define the following:
I General provisions
II About the Library
III Library materials and library services
IV Obligations of the Library toward its members
V Acquiring library membership status
VI Rights and duties of Library users
VII Methods and conditions of using library materials, services, and equipment
VIII Compensation for damage caused to the library
IX Termination of library membership
X Transitional and final provisions
XI Annexes
Article 2
These Rules define the conditions under which the Library provides access to library materials and services and regulates the rights and obligations of all users of such services in accordance with the Library Bylaws, the Library and Library Activity Act, as well as national and international recommendations that ensure the right of access to information.
Article 3
The Library Rules shall apply to Library members as well as to users who are present on the Library premises but are not its members.
II ABOUT THE LIBRARY
Article 4
The Library is a public cultural institution founded by the City of Zagreb.
The Library carries out library and information activities intended for all age groups of citizens through an organised network of public libraries.
Article 5
The mission of the Library is to ensure equal access to all sources of cultural and scientific information and to all types of materials, as well as to provide resources and services that support lifelong learning as a foundation for independent decision-making and the cultural development of individuals and social groups.
Article 6
The Library network consists of the City Library, the Božidar Adžija Library, the Mobile Library Service and the branch libraries, Tin Ujević Library, Dubrava Library, Medveščak Library, Novi Zagreb Library, August Cesarec Library, Sesvete Library, Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević Library, Ante Kovačić City Library, Marija Jurić Zagorka Library, Marin Držić Library, Bogdan Ogrizović Library and Reading Room, and Vladimir Nazor Library, along with their network of branches.
III LIBRARY MATERIALS AND SERVICES
Article 7
Library materials include all items that the Library collects, processes, preserves, and makes available for use.
The library materials comprise:
- Printed materials: books, brochures, journals, newspapers, sheet music, and manuscripts
- Non-print materials: audio materials, video materials, electronic materials, graphic materials, ephemera, and toys.
A library item is each physical copy of material that has its own inventory number. A single title of library material may have multiple items.
Restricted library material refers to items that can only be used within the Library premises and includes rare books, manuscripts, and special collections.
Article 8
Library services are all services provided by the Library to users to meet their educational, informational, and cultural needs, as well as their needs for amusement and leisure activities. They include the following:
- information and reference services (information about library materials, assistance in selecting library materials, preparation of thematic resource lists, various types of information based on available sources, referral to other sources of information, documents, or institutions),
- borrowing of library materials,
- reservation of library materials,
- access to library materials within reading rooms,
- use of computer equipment,
- Internet access,
- educational and animation activities for children and youth,
- activities and programmes for adults,
- reprographic services,
- professional guidance through the library,
- interlibrary loan (borrowing of library materials from other libraries for the professional and academic needs of Library members, and lending of library materials to other libraries).
Article 9
A Library Member is any user who holds an active membership.
A library card is a non-transferable identification document of a Library member, which must contain:
- the name and address of the library where the member is registered,
- membership number,
- member’s full name,
- year of registration and the card’s expiration date.
Library cards for children under the age of 15 differ in colour from those issued to adult members.
A Library user is any visitor to the Library, regardless of membership status.
A late fee is a charge the Library imposes on a member for returning borrowed library materials past the due date.
The Library notifies the member of the expiration of the loan period with two written reminders.
IV OBLIGATIONS OF THE LIBRARY TOWARD ITS MEMBERS
Article 10
The Library is obliged, through its publicly available Rules, to inform members about:
- the library materials and library services,
- the privacy policy and the processing of personal data,
- the obligations of the Library toward its members,
- the conditions for acquiring Library membership,
- the rights and duties of users,
- the methods and conditions of using library materials, services, and equipment,
- compensation for damage caused to the Library,
- the conditions for termination of Library membership,
- the Library’s Rules of Conduct,
- the amount of membership fee late fees, and the price list of chargeable services.
Article 11
The Library is obliged to inform members of its opening hours. The libraries’ opening hours must be publicly displayed.
The Library, or individual departments within it, may be temporarily closed to users. The Library is required to publicly announce any such closure.
Article 12
In every library, the Library Rules and the procedure for submitting complaints must be made available to members.
Article 13
The Library is obliged to protect members’ personal data and to use them solely for the purpose for which they were collected.
Information regarding borrowed materials, user inquiries, and all other data that could lead to the identification of a member shall be stored by the Library in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Act on the Implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation.
V ACQUIRING LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP STATUS
Article 14
Under the conditions specified in these Rules, any citizen of the City of Zagreb or the Republic of Croatia who has permanent or temporary residence in the City of Zagreb may become a member of the Library. A person who does not have permanent or temporary residence in the City of Zagreb may also become a member if they are studying or employed in the city, upon presenting proof thereof.
A foreign citizen with registered temporary residence in the City of Zagreb, or one who can present proof of employment or education in the City of Zagreb, may also become a member of the Library.
Article 15
Library membership is obtained by registering with the Library:
a) for citizens, upon presenting their personal identification card,
b) for students, upon presenting their personal identification card and an official document from their educational institution,
c) for secondary school students, upon presenting their personal identification card or the personal identification card of a parent, foster parent, or guardian,
d) for children under the age of 15, upon presenting the personal identification card of a parent, foster parent, or guardian, as well as a personal identification card or document showing the child’s year of birth and place of permanent residence,
e) for individuals and groups outside the above-mentioned categories, with the approval of the Library Director,
f) for foreign citizens, upon presenting a personal identification document and proof of temporary residence.
For all categories, a completed registration form must be submitted.
Article 16
Children with permanent residence in the City of Zagreb or the town of Zaprešić are registered for free in the Children’s and Youth Departments from birth until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 15.
All other users are registered in the Adult Departments.
Article 17
A Library member receives a library card.
The library card is non-transferable. In the event the library card is used contrary to the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries, the card may be confiscated.
A member cannot hold two valid library cards.
Article 18
Employees of a particular institution, company, etc., may become members of the Library based on an agreement concluded with the Library.
Article 19
Distinguished individuals in the fields of science or public service may become honorary members of the Library upon the recommendation of a department coordinator or the head of the library and by decision of the Library Director.
Article 20
Library membership is valid for one year from the date of registration. The membership fee can be paid at any library branch or online. Upon arrival at the library, the member must present both their library card and a valid ID, or, if necessary, proof of eligibility as specified in Article 15 of these Rules.
The membership fee amount is determined by the Library’s Administrative Council.
The following groups are entitled to free library membership: children with permanent residence in the City of Zagreb or the town of Zaprešić from birth until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 15, persons with disabilities, persons with special needs, Croatian war veterans with disabilities from the Homeland War, and recipients of social welfare benefits, upon presentation of appropriate documentation (membership cards of registered associations, certificates from relevant institutions, or medical documentation). Retired employees of the Zagreb City Libraries and active members of the Zagreb Library Association are also entitled to free membership upon presenting proof of paid membership for the current year.
Article 21
Library membership can also be obtained or renewed online.
To become a member, an applicant fills out the online registration form through the eZaKi application.
Information about a child under the age of 16 must be entered by a parent or guardian.
Individuals entitled to free membership who are older than 15 may obtain or renew their membership online by sending a request to the e-mail address upisi@kgz.hr.
Upon visiting the Library, such members will be registered upon presenting proof of eligibility of the basis for registration as specified in Article 15 herein. If any incorrect information is found to have been provided, the member will lose their right to membership without the possibility of a refund of the membership fee.
Article 22
The mandatory personal data required for obtaining membership, which the Library collects upon registration, are listed in the Registration Form.
VI RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF LIBRARY USERS
Article 23
A Library member has the right to:
- use all libraries within the network,
- access all library materials and services under the conditions defined by these Rules,
- be informed about library materials, services, and programmes,
- propose the acquisition of new library materials,
- suggest improvements to library services,
- reserve library materials in accordance with these Rules,
- use computer equipment intended for users in accordance with these Rules,
- file a complaint in accordance with the provisions herein.
Article 24
A member who believes that their rights have been denied may submit comments or complaints within 7 days, in the following order: to the on-duty librarian, the branch coordinator, the head of the individual library, the assistant director for users and programmes, the Library director, or by e-mail to the address prigovor@kgz.hr, or through the Questions and suggestions form on the Library’s website.
In their complaint, the member must include their full name, membership number, date, and the name of the library where the rights were denied.
The Library will respond to the member’s comment or complaint in writing.
Article 25
A Library user who is not a member has the right to:
- be informed about the library materials,
- be informed about the library services,
- participate in programmes organised by the Library, except for regular educational or animation activities (e.g., playrooms, story hours, etc.)
- use library materials on a one-time basis within the Library,
- access the Internet in accordance with these Rules.
Article 26
Upon each visit to the Library, members are required to present their library card to a Library employee.
A user who is not a member of the Library is required to present their identity card or another form of identification to the Library staff.
Article 27
Members and users of the Library are required to protect library materials and equipment from any damage or loss.
A member or user who damages library equipment, loses, or damages library materials is obliged to compensate the Library for the damage in accordance with the provisions herein.
Article 28
A Library member is required to report any changes to their personal information collected at registration to the Library, either verbally or in writing, within 15 days. Members can also update their information independently through the eZaKi application.
Article 29
A Library member who loses their library card is required to report the loss to the library where they registered within 24 hours and is responsible for all library materials borrowed up to the time the loss is reported. A new card will be issued to the member upon payment of the replacement fee.
Article 30
Members and users of the Library are obliged to behave in accordance with the Library's Rules of Conduct, which form an integral part hereof.
They must conduct themselves in a manner that allows other members and users to use the library’s services, materials, and equipment without disturbance, and that enables Library staff to perform their work without disruption.
VII METHODS AND CONDITIONS OF USING LIBRARY MATERIALS, SERVICES, AND EQUIPMENT
Article 31
A member may borrow library materials for use both within and outside the Library. Protected library materials may be used only on the Library’s premises, under special conditions. Materials intended for blind and visually impaired persons may be borrowed upon presentation of the appropriate documentation (membership card of registered associations, certificates from relevant institutions, or medical documentation).
Article 32
In each library within the network, a member may borrow a total of ten library items at one time, of which no more than three may be books. With the approval of the on-duty librarian, and depending on the specifics of the collection, it is possible in certain libraries to borrow more than three items of the same type of material.
In the Mobile Library Service, a member may borrow five printed library items and five audiovisual or electronic items.
For the purposes of professional or academic work, the on-duty librarian may authorise a member to borrow multiple items of the same type of library material.
The library also enables members to borrow e-books through the ZaKi Book application. A member may borrow up to two e-book titles at a time, or five titles within one calendar month, which can be accessed simultaneously on four devices.
Article 33
A member may not borrow multiple copies of the same library item at the same time, either from the same library or within the library network.
Article 34
Loan periods for specific types of library materials:
1. Books (printed or audio), language and computer courses, and sheet music - 21 days; from 15 June to 15 August, materials are borrowed for 63 days;
2. Audiobooks for blind and visually impaired persons - 21 days;
3. E-books - 21 days, without the possibility of renewal or reservation;
4. Library materials from the Mobile Library Service - 30 days; AVE (audiovisual) materials from the Mobile Library Service - 14 days; from 15 July to 1 September, materials are not available for borrowing;
5. Audiovisual and electronic materials, and magazines available for borrowing - 10 days; from 15 June to 15 August, materials are borrowed for 21 days;
6. Toys - 21 days; from 15 June to 15 August, materials are borrowed for 63 days.
Article 35
Except for reserved library materials, borrowed items may be renewed only once for an additional loan period, and after returning those items, the member may not borrow the same title again on the same day in the same library. The loan period may be renewed by telephone, in person at the library, or online via the user account.
Article 36
Users may check the status of any library item intended for borrowing or in-library use by phone or online.
A member may reserve library materials either in person at the library or online. A reservation for library materials is valid for three business days.
Users of the Mobile Library Service may reserve library materials only by phone or via e-mail at bibliobus@kgz.hr.
Article 37
Children with permanent residence in the City of Zagreb or the town of Zaprešić may use library materials and services in the Children’s Departments with their library card from birth until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 15. Exceptionally, with the approval of the librarian, children may use necessary library materials and services from other departments for personal use. With the permission of a parent, guardian, or foster parent, children may also access other library materials and services from other departments.
Children may use the Internet only under the supervision of an on-duty staff member.
Youth aged 15 to 17 may use library materials and services with their library card in both the Adult and Youth Departments.
All obligations to the Library on behalf of users under 18 are assumed by their parent, foster parent or guardian.
Adult users, with their library card, may use library materials and services in the Adult Department. Exceptionally, with the approval of the librarian, adults may occasionally use library materials and services from the Children’s and Youth Departments for personal, professional, or academic purposes.
All obligations to the Library arising from these Rules are assumed by adult users in their own name.
The Library organises regular and special programmes for all age groups, and all users may participate according to their personal choice, except when programmes are prepared for specific closed groups.
If a member is unable to visit the Library, their parent, foster parent or guardian or authorised representative may borrow library materials on their behalf, upon presenting the library card of the member and showing proof of identity.
Article 38
Reprographic services (photocopying, scanning, and photographing library materials) are provided by the Library in certain library branches in accordance with the Copyright Act, the Ordinance on the Protection of Library Materials, and these Rules, and are charged according to the current Price List.
Individuals and legal entities may obtain permission to photograph materials using their own camera.
To protect library materials, the Library does not allow reprography of items from special collections.
Article 39
A member who fails to return library materials on time is required to pay a late fee, which is charged per library item for each day of delay, in accordance with the current Price List.
Article 40
If a member fails to return borrowed library materials even after a written notice has been sent, the Library will block the member from borrowing in all libraries within the network. The Library may initiate legal proceedings to recover the library materials and to claim compensation for any damage.
Article 41
When borrowing, the member must carefully inspect the library materials and immediately inform the Library staff of any defects or damage. Otherwise, the member assumes responsibility for any damage identified upon the return of the materials.
Article 42
Library materials selected from open access must be checked out with the Library staff by the member.
Article 43
Library members may use computer equipment in the network libraries for:
- searching the library catalogue,
- accessing electronically readable library materials,
- searching databases,
- accessing the Internet,
- using office applications,
- e-Citizen services.
Users who are not library members may use computer equipment in the network libraries:
- to search the library catalogue,
- to access the Internet.
Library members have priority when using the computer equipment.
Article 44
Users are not allowed to do the following on Library computer equipment:
- install additional software or hardware,
- change the appearance of the desktop,
- modify the file system on the hard drive,
- run executable files that require installation and are not the property of the Library.
It is also prohibited to dismantle or damage the computer equipment.
Saving personal files, as well as downloading and saving files from the Internet, is allowed only in consultation with the on-duty librarian. Storage media and paper used for printing files are subject to fees according to the current Price List.
Article 45
It is prohibited to use the computer equipment to access content on the Internet that is in any way not in compliance with the laws of the Republic of Croatia.
Article 46
The use of computer equipment for certain types of tasks and categories of users may be subject to fees and time limits, as determined by the Library’s Administrative Council.
Use of computers intended exclusively for searching the library catalogue is free of charge.
Article 47
If the Library does not have materials in its collection that a member requires for professional or academic work, the Library will, upon the member’s request, attempt to provide the requested materials through interlibrary loan, in accordance with the rules of interlibrary loan.
Interlibrary loans for the Library are organised by the City Library as the central library.
Article 48
Persons residing outside the City of Zagreb, who cannot become members of the Library, may access the Library’s materials only through other libraries via the interlibrary loan system, in accordance with the rules of interlibrary loan.
Article 49
Legal entities may request that the Library allow them to exhibit its materials outside the Library premises.
The exhibition organiser is required to submit a written request to the Library Director for the loan of materials, with an explanation, at least 60 days prior to the exhibition.
The exhibition organiser must comply with safety requirements and other prescribed conditions and return the borrowed materials within the agreed exhibition period.
Article 50
The Library allows television recording of materials only on its premises, in accordance with the rules for using library materials, if the materials have the status of cultural property (for example, items from special collections).
The content, date, and location of the recording must be arranged with the director/head of the Library with a written request and explanation.
When using recorded materials, the source must be indicated: the full name of the Library, the collection, etc.
Article 51
A legal entity, such as a publisher, may submit a written request to the Library Director to seek permission to use the Library’s materials for republication or reprinting.
The Library has the right to request compensation for the use of its materials, or to require a printed note in the republication or reprint citing the original source with the legal name of the Library, the collection, etc.
The publisher is obliged to regulate their right to publish the copyrighted work through a publishing agreement and to respect all copyright and publishing property rights.
Article 52
At the request of a legal entity and for the purpose of user education, guided professional tours of the libraries are organised.
Guided tours must be arranged by phone, in writing, or in person at least two weeks before the planned date.
The group of visitors must not exceed 30 people.
VIII COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE LIBRARY
Article 53
Damage to library materials may be compensated by providing the same title or, with the approval of the on-duty librarian, by providing a different title.
Article 54
The amount of compensation for damaged or lost library materials is determined based on the estimated value of the material to the Library. No percentage of annual depreciation is applied to library materials.
Article 55
The amount of compensation for damaged rare and valuable library materials, or for materials that are not available on the market at the time of return or reimbursement, shall be determined by a commission appointed by the Library Director.
Article 56
Damage caused by a user to library equipment or inventory shall be compensated at its actual value.
Article 57
Parents, guardians, or foster parents are responsible for any material damage caused by minor members of the Library.
Article 58
A member has the right to file a complaint against the decision on compensation for damages with the Library Director.
The Director’s decision is final.
IX TERMINATION OF LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP
Article 59
A Library member loses their membership status if they act contrary to the provisions of the Rules or upon their own request. Based on a proposal from the coordinator or the head of the library, the decision to terminate membership is made by the Library Director.
X TRANSITIONAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Article 60
These Rules may be amended by the same procedure by which they were adopted.
Article 61
The competent court in Zagreb shall have jurisdiction over any disputes related to the application of these Rules.
Article 62
Authentic interpretations of these Rules are provided by the Library's Administrative Council through the Library Director.
Article 63
This Consolidated Text of the Rules of the Zagreb City Libraries has been harmonised with the original Rules from 2016, as well as with its subsequent amendments, and has been in effect since 23 March 2022.
President of the Administrative Council
Aleksandra Cvitković
