LIBRARY AS SOCIOCULTURAL PUBLIC SPACE IN CONDITIONS OF TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to show the role and capabilities of libraries in meeting the constantly growing information needs of users, as well as the compliance of library activities with the new challenges of the modern information society. The methodology consists of the use of general scientific and special methods, namely: analytical and synthetic processing of information, logical and systematic approaches, terminological and historical methods, as well as comparison and interrelation of theory and practice. The scientific novelty of this work lies in the expansion of ideas about the role of libraries and their influence on the development of modern information society. Conclusions. Modern libraries are transforming and developing together with society, taking on the role of information, cultural, educational, social, and community centers. The active dissemination of the experience of transformation of libraries with a specific readership, differentiation of areas is facilitated by the search for new methods and forms of socio-cultural activities of libraries in Ukraine. Among them, there is a realization of the four-dimensional model of public library activity; conceptual model of a flexible library; digital education project «Public libraries as hubs for active citizens» and many others. Libraries create conditions for self-realization of users, their communication, full-fledged leisure, etc. It is in the library that citizens can learn throughout their lives, gaining the knowledge and skills needed, using both the resources of a particular library and open online resources and services. Key words: library; socio-cultural activity; transformation,;informational needs of users; public; civil society.