An Unexplored Phenomenon on the Border of Two Worlds. An Introduction to the Issue of Museum Libraries in Poland
Objective – The article discusses the main concepts and sources of information about museum libraries in Poland, moving towards their definition and place in the native library system. It is an opportunity to reflect on how museum libraries operate on the border of the “museum” and “library” worlds. Method – the subject literature, surveys and statistical reports of the Central Statistical Office (Główny Urząd Statystyczny – GUS) and the National Institute for Museums and Public Collections (Narodowy Instytut Muzealnictwa i Ochrony Zbiorów – NIMOZ) were reviewed, as well as the organizational regulations of selected museums and websites of some museum libraries in Poland. The Act on Libraries of June 27, 1997 was analysed with regard to the division of national libraries into types. The material was analysed to try to place museum libraries within the context of the abovementioned division. Conclusions – It is difficult to study a museum library whilst applying only the set of concepts known to librarians. There is also a lack of relevant statistical data. Due to the fact that museum libraries are rooted primarily in the institution of the museum and have therefore an obligation to achieve its goals and mission, as well as to trends in the development of Polish museology, 21st century museum libraries have gone beyond the scope of professional libraries within the meaning of the Act on Libraries of June 27, 1997.