THE ROLE OF LIBRARIES IN MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES

The author briefly introduces the Hungarian library system, today's library trends. He refers to the solutions that characterized the supply of municipal libraries from the middle of the last century to the present day. He states that the information found in municipal libraries captures the life of the community and their transfer is indispensable for community development. Libraries are the third place after family and workplace. In the process of community development, libraries are present as cultural mediators. Trust and security are required for the success of the process. Libraries' trust capital is still high today. The librarian plays a number of roles (consultant, instructor, motivator, etc.). These competencies are crucial for librarians in community, community development. The author stresses that the processes of cultural mediation should be made aware. He presents the elements of culture (such as object culture, work culture, political culture) through which libraries can contribute to the success of community development. The author states that both the community and the library need to know each other's needs, and collaborate as partners. The author lists the values on the basis of which the library can expect the partnership. Finally, the article presents a number of good practices on how to promote collaboration between the library and the settlement.