The Role of Libraries, Archives and Information Centres in the Formation of Critical Thinking and Civic Values in the Digital Society: Global, European and Ukrainian Strategies

The relevance of the article. Today’s digital society faces unprecedented challenges from the spread of disinformation, information warfare, and the rise of manipulative technologies. This undermines democratic values, weakens trust in institutions, and makes it difficult to build civic solidarity. In the context of information overload, libraries, archives, and information institutions are becoming particularly relevant as conductors of reliable information, the development of critical thinking, and civic values. The purpose of the article is to analyze modern strategies for the formation of critical thinking and civic values in the digital society and to determine the leading role of libraries, archives, and public information institutions in this process on the examples of the USA, Europe, and Ukraine. The methodology. The study is based on the analysis of scientific literature, comparative analysis of international and national strategies, and case studies of successful practices of implementing innovative approaches in the activities of libraries and archives. The results. Modern strategies for the formation of critical thinking and civic values in the digital society in the United States, Europe, and Ukraine are analyzed, which confirms their common priority in the development of digital literacy and media literacy. It has been determined that libraries, archives, and public information institutions play a key role as centers of access to reliable information, educational resources, and platforms for the development of critical analysis skills and responsible digital citizenship. It is found that the successful implementation of strategies requires intersectoral cooperation, integration of innovative technologies, and constant updating of educational programs. It is demonstrated that information institutions are the foundation for society’s resilience to disinformation and the formation of responsible citizenship. The scientific novelty. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive, comparative analysis of the strategies of the United States, Europe, and Ukraine to foster critical thinking and civic values, as well as in highlighting new approaches to branding libraries and archives in the context of digital transformation. The practical significance. The results of the study can be used to develop educational programs, improve the skills of employees of libraries, archives, and information centers, and improve national strategies for media literacy and digital education. The conclusions. Fostering critical thinking and civic values in a digital society is a shared priority for the United States, Europe, and Ukraine. Libraries, archives, and information institutions play a leading role in providing access to reliable information, developing source analysis skills, educating, and supporting civic engagement. Successful implementation of the strategies requires cross-sectoral cooperation, integration of innovative technologies, and constant updating of educational approaches. Systematic trainings on media literacy, digital ethics, and the organization of open information platforms and interactive programs for different age and social groups are of practical importance. The experience of the United States, European countries, and Ukraine demonstrates that information institutions are the foundation for society’s resilience to disinformation and the formation of responsible citizenship.