Library Performance Analysis

Public Libraries

Public libraries in Poland constitute the second most numerous type of libraries, after school libraries. According to the Library Act of 27 June 1997, every municipality must maintain at least one public library, which guarantees universal access to cultural and educational resources.

At the end of 2024, there were 7,541 public libraries - 2,616 main libraries and 4,925 branches - serving 5.4 million readers. Together, these readers borrowed nearly 99 million volumes during the year. Public libraries also held a vast collection of 124.4 million items, of which books accounted for almost 99%, and 6.1 million were special materials such as audiovisual resources.

On average, one public library served about 4,971 residents and had 712 active readers, who each borrowed approximately 18 volumes annually. Most institutions (64%) operated in rural areas, ensuring equal access regardless of location. In 2024, libraries organised over 177,000 events with 5.6 million participants, and almost 89% offered electronic services such as online catalogues, reservations, and reminders.

With 22,100 employees, of whom nearly two-thirds are professionally trained librarians, public libraries are not only book-lending institutions but also dynamic community hubs. They support lifelong learning, digital inclusion, cultural activities, and sustainable development, playing an essential role in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Source of statistical data: GUS, “Biblioteki publiczne w 2024 roku”

2024 Public Library Performance Indicator Study

In the 2024 study of public library performance, 2,487 libraries participated
– representing 97.9% of all institutions nationwide.

In 13 regions (Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie, Mazowieckie, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Pomorskie, Śląskie, Świętokrzyskie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, and Zachodniopomorskie), 100% of public libraries took part in the survey. In the remaining three regions, participation rates were slightly lower: Lubelskie – 97%, Małopolskie – 94%, and Wielkopolskie – 89%.

• Learn more about the results of the 2024 survey

• Explore a comparison of performance indicators from 2020–2024

Pedagogical Libraries

Pedagogical libraries in Poland are specialised institutions that support education, professional development of teachers, and the training of future educators.

They provide access to professional literature, teaching aids, educational periodicals, and methodological resources essential for schools and the wider education system. In addition, they serve students of pedagogical faculties and, increasingly, a broader public interested in lifelong learning.

According to Statistics Poland, in 2023 there were 245 pedagogical libraries, including their branches, holding a collection of nearly 11.9 million volumes. They served 143,600 registered readers, who borrowed around 2.7 million items during the year.

Although smaller in scale than public or school libraries, pedagogical libraries play a vital role in the educational landscape. They function as centres of professional development for educators, offering access to specialised collections, methodological support, and training activities.

2023 Pedagogical Library Performance Indicator Study

In 2023, a total of 32 pedagogical libraries took part in the study, including:

• 21 independent pedagogical libraries, running 83 branches,
• 9 libraries operating within teacher training centres and other educational institutions, running 28 branches,
• 2 county libraries (one independent, one within the structure of another educational institution).

Altogether, the participating institutions represented 62.5% of all pedagogical libraries (excluding the two county libraries), which is the same level of participation as in the previous year.

The research covered 14 voivodeships, with full participation achieved in five regions: Dolnośląskie, Lubuskie, Opolskie, Pomorskie, and Warmińsko-Mazurskie.

More information (in Polish) is available on the official website of AFBE.

Academic Libraries

Academic libraries are one of the main types of scientific libraries in Poland. By law, every public higher education institution is required to maintain a library that provides access to educational materials and the results of scientific research, ensuring that students, faculty, and researchers can rely on professional information resources.

According to Statistics Poland, in 2023 there were 760 scientific libraries in the country, including academic libraries. Together they held a collection of more than 97.4 million volumes, served around 763,000 registered users, and recorded nearly 6.8 million loans during the year.

Academic libraries play a crucial role in supporting the learning process, facilitating research, and ensuring open access to knowledge. They manage printed and digital collections, provide access to licensed electronic resources, and increasingly support open science initiatives. Many also serve as cultural and community hubs within their universities, hosting exhibitions, workshops, and events that connect academic life with society at large.

Source: GUS, “Kultura i dziedzictwo narodowe w 2023 roku”

Academic Library Performance Analysis (Analiza Funkcjonowania Bibliotek Naukowych, AFBN) in Poland

The Academic Library Performance Analysis (AFBN) is a sister initiative of the wider Library Performance Analysis (AFB) project. Since 2001, AFBN has focused on academic libraries in Poland, helping them evaluate their work, compare results, and develop performance standards in line with international practice. The project is coordinated by the University Library in Poznań and carried out by the Standards for Academic Libraries Team (ZSBN, referred to as the Team), in partnership with the Conference of Directors of Academic Libraries of Polish Universities (KDBASP) and the Polish Librarians’ Association (SBP).

Scale and impact

• 77 registered academic libraries (as of September 2025)
• More than 20 years of systematically collected and archived data
• Performance indicators are continuously aligned with international ISO norms and national statistical standards
• A recognised evidence base used by libraries, policymakers, and ranking bodies

More information (in Polish) is available on the official website of AFBN.