Library users, offerings and types of services in Poland

Abstract

Thesis/purpose of the article – The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of modern library and information services for users of Polish public and academic libraries. These have emerged due to the transformations resulting from technological progress, new document formats, innovative ways in which information circulates, evolving environments, and user needs, as well as social phenomena such as fragmentation of society, population ageing and a very low level of readership in Poland. Research methodology – Analysis and critical review of literature as well as content-related assessment of web services were performed. Major outputs/conclusions – The outline of library services offered by Polish public and academic libraries provided in this article is not exhaustive. However, it can reasonably lead to the conclusion that the library offerings in Poland in the 2nd decade of the 21st century is incomparably more extensive than even a dozen years back. The social and political transformations following 1989, Poland’s membership in European structures, the evolution of information and communication technologies, changing user needs and social metamorphoses as well as solutions developed in other countries being implemented have all largely shaped the current approach to the role of libraries. Libraries extend their fields of activity, entering areas previously set aside for cultural institutions. By offering a wider range of services for very diverse groups of recipients, they are becoming increasingly rooted in the public space.