Public Libraries as Institutions of Cultural Diplomacy: Theoretical Foundations and International Discourse

The purpose of this article is to analyze the conceptual approaches of foreign researchers to the formation of theoretical foundations for the study of public libraries as institutions of cultural diplomacy and to identify strategies aimed at optimizing their activities. The research methodology consists of applying general scientific and special research methods: analysis and synthesis, content analysis, structural-functional analysis, and generalization. The scientific novelty. The necessity of applying an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach to the analysis of the current work of foreign scientists on the study of both library diplomacy as an interdisciplinary field and the potential of public libraries as institutions of cultural diplomacy is substantiated. Conclusions. It is emphasized that the use of public libraries as a tool of foreign policy and diplomacy has revealed their significant potential and, ultimately, contributed to the formation of library diplomacy as an interdisciplinary field and the associated discourse, which can be interpreted as a strategy for involving countries, organizations, institutions, and societies in international library work, adding programs of mutually beneficial relations and partnerships to support solutions to global problems. It is noted that, unlike traditional diplomatic mechanisms, where state structures create departments of culture, economy, and science in embassies, consulates, and cultural centers to promote national interests, public libraries today are no less, and perhaps even more influential driving forces of new diplomacy in promoting mutually beneficial intercultural policies and advocacy on the world stage. A number of concepts and strategies (the library as a cultural center “public space,” “open knowledge diplomacy,” a multi-dialogical approach, a strategy of cultural modesty) developed by foreign scholars aimed at optimizing the work of public libraries as centers of cultural diplomacy are analyzed.