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First published in Polish by Katarzyna Žák-Caplot

I have been using the project method in the library for a long time now, and I have nothing but praise for this way of working with the local community. I can do this because I run a museum library with slightly different priorities than other types of libraries. The change in the definition of a museum, introduced in 2022 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) from the perspective of adult education, is pushing museum libraries to offer inclusive activities first and foremost. And project implementation is just perfect for that.

It's not just about museum libraries. The project method fits any library because I see it as a 'people's place. It is oriented towards society, its daily needs, and its well-being.

Traditionally, the project method is referred to as a task planned and coordinated by a supervisor and carried out by project participants. The essence of the project method is to plan activities to achieve a specific goal within a given time and budget. The aim of working with the project method is to bring about a positive change in the environment of project recipients.

But let's look at the project method slightly differently, from a social perspective. For me, project work is synonymous with the word SATISFACTION, which every human being needs to enjoy life. You can find it in every phase of a project. Check it out.

• The need—or the satisfaction of being needed—forms the basis. If a project does not identify and address the needs of a local community, participants will not see the point of their activities. Nothing will motivate them to take part or remain active to the end. If they do not feel needed, they have no mission to fulfil.
• Committing different parties, i.e. satisfaction with the activity. Involving staff involving participants and local organisations, institutions and authorities.
• Process or satisfaction with development. There are several processes, e.g. the planning and implementation process, the development-oriented teaching and learning process (not the evaluation) or, last but not least, the group process (what happens between the project participants and between the project participants and the educator/librarian).
• The outcome or the satisfaction of completing hard work. It is a summary of the project and a tangible result that gives satisfaction and responds to previously diagnosed needs.
• Presentation or the satisfaction of sharing achievements. This stage should not be forgotten. Of course, it's about introducing others to the methods and ideas you've developed, but let's face it, it's no less important to show off what you've achieved. It is natural and normal.

Project location: the library

I entered the keyword "project method in a library" in a search engine. I found many resources on stages, procedures, coordinators, and skills, but none answered my question: "Why do this in a library?"

• A library is about equality or universal access to literature, knowledge, and culture. It means an activity or a project is also for me and you.
• A library is about accessibility and being open to the community's needs, including mine and yours.
• A library is the "healing house of the soul", the "house of books" and the "home of the human mind", i.e. a safe place of peace and serenity that fosters self-confidence and creativity.
• A library is a source of pride because of its unique collections, with which it can undertake exceptional educational activities and stimulate the creation of new qualities.
• A library is about information. It is about developing the ability to find and select valuable data at the heart of every project. Collecting necessary information, e.g., for diagnosis, production, and dissemination of results, is integral to project implementation.
• A library is a legacy and a tribute to those who donated or worked to develop its collections. The sustainable results of the project can thank them and commemorate their achievements in the local community.

And last but not least

J. Kołodziejska wrote:

"The future of libraries depends not only on financial resources, although these are important and form the basis of their operation, but also on the degree of adaptation and acceptance in local communities.".

In the second decade of the 21st century, this is probably the main argument that captures the imagination of both libraries and the managers of the institutions mentioned above. Personally, I think it makes a lot of sense because a library is a specific place on earth for particular people – public for residents, school for students, scientific for researchers, and so on. Everyone can find a library that suits them. Sometimes, it's just a matter of trying your luck, for example, by offering to participate in an interesting educational project.

Katarzyna Žák-Caplot – Library manager and coordinator of Erasmus+ projects at the Museum of Warsaw. Lecturer of Polish and Czech as foreign languages. Author of linguistic library and museum projects in which she combines language, library and museum education methods. She has been a winner of the European Language Label several times. Chair of the Library Section of Museums, Galleries and Cultural Institutions at the Main Board of the Polish Librarians Association. The year 2019 librarian of the Mazowieckie Voivodeship and winner of the 3rd place in the National Librarian of the Year 2019 Competition. She speaks Polish, Czech, French, English and Serbian.