Transformation of Public Libraries of Ukraine Into Open Public Spaces: the Experience of the Maidan Library

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to investigate the impact of the volunteer initiative «Maidan Library» on the transformation of public libraries in Ukraine. The research methodology involves the use of general scientific methods. Through the method of information analysis, sources on the research topic were processed; the analytical method allowed for clarifying the influence of volunteering ideas on the transformation of public libraries; the structural-functional method was applied when considering the impact of the decentralization reform on the processes of changing public libraries of territorial communities into open public spaces; the generalization method was used during the synthesis of the study results. The scientific novelty lies in the conceptualization of the influence of the Revolution of Dignity’s volunteer projects on the formation of the public library model as an open public space. Conclusions. The Revolution of Dignity became a powerful impetus for the decommunization and decolonization of the socio-cultural space of Ukraine. Maidan initiatives demonstrated the cohesion of Ukrainian society and influenced the transformation of cultural institutions. Library institutions have evolved from closed book depositories into centers of civic activity. The phenomenon of the spontaneous Maidan Library, which emerged as a space for self-organization, intellectual resistance, and free exchange of ideas, established new standards of human-centricity, customer focus, and multifunctionality of public libraries. This stimulated the transformation of institutions into open public spaces, initiated the introduction of coworking spaces and hubs, provided venues for volunteer events, and influenced the modernization of premises. These transformations have finally consolidated the role of public libraries as centers for the development of territorial communities and platforms for the implementation of civic initiatives.