ABSTRACT
This entry discusses the role and status of Polish libraries and other information institutions during the two decades following the collapse of Communist rule in 1989. Although the focus is contemporary issues, a short historical overview is included. Special attention is paid to the National Library, its collections, activities (including the compiling of the national bibliography), and the Polona National Digital Library project. Other Polish digital libraries are also briefly described, as well as the first fully computerized union catalog called NUKAT. Major topics discussed include library legislation, public, school and research libraries, library networks, and professional education. There is also a brief section concerning archives and a briefer discussion of museums.
