Library as a Target: Chronicle of Losses of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The aim of the article is to study circumstances of the burning of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War, as well as peculiarities of its post-war restoration and functioning in the context of understanding the role and value of the national library in supporting national identity. The research methods are based on the general scientific principles of historicism, integrity, objectivity, continuity, systemic, interdisciplinary and informational approaches. The goal is achieved using a system of general scientific and special methods: theoretical (analysis, synthesis, abstraction, explanation, generalisation), empirical (description, comparison, observation), historical and comparative, problematic and chronological, identification and analysis of sources, etc. Scientific novelty. In Ukrainian library science, it is the first attempt to study the role and value of the national library in supporting national identity using the example of the circumstances of burning and restoring the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Main conclusions. The destruction of the National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina was the greatest and irreparable loss and a symbol of one of the main goals of the war, like the ruin of the cultural identity of society. The attack on the institution occurred in spite of the fact that the building was marked with an international monument protection sign. The restoration of the library was seen as a valuable contribution to the dialogue between different cultures and nations in this country with a centuries-old tradition of tolerance and pluralism. The National and University Library of Bosnia and Herzegovina is still awaiting the final settlement of its legal and financial status, ensuring long-term stability and state support. The tragic fate of this library raises important questions about the concepts of memory, identity, culture and pluralism.