Library of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice for the European City of Science – report, summary

Abstract

The article presents how the Library of the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice was involved in the European City of Science Katowice 2024 project, with emphasis on the 50 Weeks in the City of Science cycle. The popularising, educational, and integrative efforts of the librarians were discussed based on the example of the initiatives carried out in selected thematic weeks: Virus Week, Book Week, Old Age Week, Information Week, Creativity Week, Witches Week, Game Week, and Human Week. The concept of the library as a “third place” – an informal space open for various groups, where library-related initiatives are also realised – is especially significant. Analysis shows that participating in urban and interinstitutional initiatives improves the social visibility of academic libraries, increases their role in academic and cultural life, and supports the development of new forms of user activity.