Purpose – Why are some libraries more market-oriented than others? This paper seeks to answer
this question by examining the pertinent issues underlying the marketing culture of Finnish research
libraries and the library management’s awareness of modern marketing theories and practices.
Design/methodology/approach – An integrated methodological approach of qualitative as well as
quantitative methods was used to gain knowledge on the pertinent issues lying behind the marketing
culture of research libraries. The directors and consumers of 33 academic and special libraries
participated as respondents in the study.
Findings – Three kinds of marketing cultures were found: the strong (the high flyers); the medium
(the brisk runners); and the weak (the slow walkers). These marketing cultures are explained by
analyzing the libraries’ marketing attitudes, knowledge, and behavior permeating their organizations.
Research limitations/implications – The study shows the extent to which marketing attitudes,
behavior, and knowledge are related. Moreover, the results indicate serious implications, not only in
the Finnish context, but also for libraries in other cultural contexts as well.
Practical implications – The practical implication for libraries is that it pays to be market-oriented,
the ultimate result being higher customer satisfaction.
Originality/value – The contribution of the paper lies in the framework showing linkages between
the critical components of the marketing culture of a library: antecedents, market orientation,
facilitators and consequences.