THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN REGIONAL EDUCATION

Thesis/Purpose of the Article – The purpose of this article is to examine the diverse roles played by libraries, primarily public ones, in implementing the concept of regionalism. Method – The text is dominated by a descriptive approach. The theoretical aspects are considered through conceptual analysis, analysis and critique of library science literature and literature on regionalism, a pragmatic-normative approach, and a compilation of practices employed by contemporary libraries within their regional offerings. Results/Conclusions – The scale and diversity of strategies for participating in regional culture demonstrate the significant role of libraries in regional education. These institutions not only provide and disseminate culture but also function as culture-forming centers, thus serving the region. Libraries create conditions for supporting regional development and thus act as collective social actors in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.