We are pleased to announce the publication of the inaugural issue of Culture and Business. While originally slated for an earlier release, unforeseen events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and transitions in editorial positions have led to a delay in the publication of our first issue. We extend our sincerest apologies to the contributors whose articles are featured in this debut edition for the prolonged wait...
 

Abstract
Finns are heavy users of public libraries, and the list of the most borrowed books is regularly published in local newspapers, which only include the most wanted books, 5–10 each week. However, the determinants of book loans from libraries are not known. The aim of this study is to fill in this gap and investigate the determinants of book loans from Helmet public libraries (Helsinki region). Using Martin’s (1993) model, this approach proposes that we should observe a negative relationship between the retail price and the number of loans of each book because the library would prefer to purchase popular but not too expensive books. The results indicate that retail price, as well as author recognition and public awareness about the novel, indeed has an impact on borrowing. This implies that library managers should respond to all available information on the determinants of borrowing and should try to minimize long queues of citizens when they are waiting for the current hit novel to be available to borrow from the library.

Keywords: public library, economic theory, loans, Helsinki region

Abstract
The renaissance in vinyl during the 2010s has been one of the major success stories for the UK music industry in the era of digitization. At the same time, it has been noted in the media that the price of vinyl has become more expensive amidst reports of how Brexit, COVID-19, and the cost-of-living crisis are having a negative effect on the industry, with independent labels and distributors notably struggling to survive. This article investigates what basic factors influence the price of vinyl by looking at the releases from five independent dance music labels (three in the UK and two in Europe) for the period 2021-2023. The results show that so far labels are managing costs with only a steady increase in the price over this period. Furthermore, the impact of Brexit is not so clear, suggesting the need for more research. Still, there are signs that independent labels are facing pressures and the future is uncertain.

Keywords: vinyl, independent music labels, retail price, music distribution, Brexit