Smart Laboratories in Slovak Libraries – Innovation for the Future

Absztrakt

Public libraries worldwide are undergoing a significant transformation, evolving from traditional repositories of books into creative, educational, and community-oriented hubs. This shift reflects broader technological, social, and cultural changes that require new forms of learning,
collaboration, and public engagement. In Slovakia, these developments have led to the establishment of SmartLabs – creative and educational laboratories integrated into public libraries and coordinated by the Slovak Centre of Scientific and Technical Information (CVTI SR). SmartLabs combine digital fabrication tools, robotics, and experiential learning
with community engagement and digital inclusion. This article outlines the global trends influencing library transformation, explains the Slovak context and the role of CVTI SR, describes the SmartLab concept and its implementation, and discusses its potential to shape the future of libraries in Slovakia and beyond.