Divergent Modes of Societal Functioning and Librarians’ Practices of Building Social Capital in Poland and Iceland

The article analyzes the impact of librarians’ practices on the development of social capital in libraries in Poland and Iceland. Using a comparative approach, it examines librarians’ perceptions of their social role, community engagement, and the library as a social institution. Empirical data were gathered through a structured questionnaire survey of librarians in Poland and Iceland. The results show that social capital practices are shaped by societal factors, including social trust, community cohesion, and institutional expectations. While librarians in both countries value activities fostering social relations and trust, differences appear in their scope, intensity, and perceived responsibility.