This paper raises the question of human resources management in public libraries in the Republic of Croatia, i.e. it is attempted to answer the question of whether human resources management exists as a systematic activity within libraries and whatis the resultofsuch management in the operation of libraries. In the first part of the paper,public librariesarediscussedin general, their role in society, the needs of users and librarians who recognize and respond to these needs. It is precisely in the context of responding to the needs of the community that the librarians employed arean important aspect in libraryoperation. Since in publiclibraries of the Republic of Croatia there are no human resources departments, it is explained in more detail what management in general is, i.e. what human resources management is and what would be the benefits of such management for libraries, librarians and library users. Given the challenges faced bythe society in which we live, which is constantly changing, and in which information is being exchanged faster and easier, there is also a need for permanent improvement in every profession, including in librarianship. Speaking of human resources management, emphasis is placed on the education of librarians, particularly on continuous professional training after completing studies that are currently not compulsory, but desirable. In theresearch conducted in this paper on an appropriately selected sample of public libraries in the Republic of Croatia,good and weak points have been recognized in the performance of libraries that could be associated with the lack of human resources management departments, orwith the importance of their formationrespectively. The importance of the work of human resources management departmentsrelating to the continuous professional training of librarians and their advancement in the profession is further emphasized. Development of departments that would deal with human resources systematically at all levels, from the management level to the operational level,would benefit the librarians themselves, the users, current and potential, as well as the library itself, whichwould strengthen its place and visibility in the community.