Examining the Versatility of Ukrainian Libraries in the Russia-Ukraine War

Abstract

24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. My research examines the versatility of Ukrainian libraries affected by the Russia-Ukraine war since the invasion. I conducted a literature review of reports, scholarly articles, and news articles to acquire a well-rounded understanding of the current status of Ukrainian libraries. My findings suggest Russia is targeting libraries because of their cultural significance; however, librarians are collaborating to digitally preserve Ukrainian materials while Ukrainian librarians turn to alternative methods—such as mobile libraries and secret libraries—to maintain library services. My research shows the impressive versatility of Ukrainian libraries and how they evolve to best support—and be supported by—their communities.