The contemporary book as an object of scholarly research

The article provides an overview of the current state of scholarly research on the phenomenon of the book under conditions of digital transformation and social upheavals. The main directions of global and Ukrainian book studies discourse in 2020—2026 are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the contemporary book is studied within an interdisciplinary field — at the intersection of book studies, social communications, digital humanities, cultural studies, and media research. Key challenges are outlined: the changing materiality of the book, the impact of artificial intelligence, the transformation of reading practices, as well as the specific consequences of the full-scale war for Ukraine. The conclusion is drawn about the necessity of returning to a holistic socio-communicative approach and strengthening Ukraine-centered research.