THE LIBRARY OF THE POLISH NATIONAL FILM ARCHIVE – AN AUDIOVISUAL INSTITUTE AS A COLLECTIVE SOCIAL ACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FILM STUDIES BASED ON PRIMARY SOURCES? SOME REFLECTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE LIBRARY’S ATTAINMENT OF SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY STATUS

Thesis/Objective – In August 2023, the Library of the National Film Archive – Audiovisual Institute (FINA) in Warsaw was granted the status of a scientific library under statutory law. This article explores the potential of the FINA Library as a research center focused on source-based studies in the field of film and media. The archival breakthrough in film studies has led to an increased focus on various historical documentary sources, creating an opportunity for the FINA Library to become a full-fledged participant in scholarly communication and a leader in source-oriented film research. The library holds largest Polish collection of film-related library materials and references. FINA itself is the only film archive in Poland. This dual role as both a library and an archive offers optimal conditions for in-depth film studies that bring benefits both to external researchers and the staff of the institution. In response to these developments, the FINA Library is undergoing a paradigm shift, engaging in independent research activities, which became possible in part with the inclusion of film studies scholars in its team. Method – The authors primarily use a descriptive method. They outline the development and evolution of the FINA Library, which has transitioned from a center focused solely on professional access to collections and scholarly information to an institution actively initiating research on its unique and extensive film archive. Conclusions – The FINA Library has an opportunity to emerge as a collective social actor in the field of film studies, paving the way for a new research trajectory and marking yet another paradigm shift as regards the role of research libraries.