80 years of the Silesian University of Technology Library
The opening of the exhibition entitled “Library - the Good Source of Information” , presentation of the digital collection of the Silesian University of Technology Library, as well as the author’s meeting and exhibition of library exhibits – this is how the Silesian University of Technology Library, celebrated its 80th anniversary on October 11th , 2025.
Prof. Bożena Skołud the Vice-Rector for General Affairs was also present at the vernissage.
- The modern library is an important part of the university. It is a place where we have access to sources of knowledge and scientific information from all over the world. What is important, there are people on the spot who help scientists and students to reach these sources and suggest how to use them – said the Vice-Rector.
- The Library of the Silesian University of Technology is a unique place, not only modern, but also friendly. You can find here a place for individual or group work, read a book or relax for a while – adds Prof. Bożena Skołud.
The jubilee exhibition under the slogan “Library - the Good Source of Information” presents archival photos and library exhibits. Former librarian’s office was also restored.
- The photographs presented at the exhibition show the former library and its employees. We can see how the library used to work with some equipment, resources, using completely different methods than today, when we have developed information technologies. Once the librarian’s work was very tedious, requiring extraordinary diligence and time – says Dr. Hab Renata Frączek director of the Library of the Silesian University of Technology.
- Every time I talk about the history of the library, I emphasize that 1945 was “three times without”, that is, without premises, without books, without staff. The first director who created this place from scratch was Eng. Tytus Laskiewcz, who came to Gliwice from Lviv, where he previously served as the director of the Library of the Lviv Polytechnic – adds director Frączek.
Today, the Library is not only a place where you can find books, scientific publications, or documents.
I think it’s time for something like redefining the function of the library at the university. This is not only a place where the collections are made available, but also a place where you stay. Students are happy to visit us, spend time between classes, learn, talk, or implement projects here. We organize seminars, host other units in the Library, which are also related to the development of science – emphasizes Dr. Hab Renata Frączek
In the library building, apart from the traditional book rental and reading room, there are rooms for students and scientists to work in.
- We wanted to meet the needs of the modern reader. We have provided rooms where they can study and work individually or in small groups. We call them quiet science rooms – says Danuta Grabowska-Kiryłowicz, head of the Scientific Information Section.
In addition to photographs, the exhibition also features a printing matrix. – You can see the prepared fonts for printing. There is also a small stamp - a symbol of the Silesian University of Technology. Once upon a time, diplomas were printed on such a matrix – says Anna Kamińska, the co-organizer of the exhibition.
The jubilee events in the Silesian University of Technology Library also fit into the celebration of the Researchers’ Night, which at the same time was held at the University’s campuses.
The exhibition can be viewed in the exhibition space on the second floor of the Library. If you are interested in a guided tour of the exhibition, please contact the Scientific Information Section (biblio.info@polsl.pl, tel. 32 237 28 98, room 207, 8.00–15.00.
Curators: Scientific Information Section of the Silesian University of Technology Library.
