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The author deals with approaches to teaching that link together the natural sciences and their technical applications – the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. Such approaches aim to develop digital skills and creativity at an early age, and libraries are starting to respond to this challenge. The article takes as an example the development and activities of the makerspace at the Moravian-Silesian Research Library in Ostrava, which serves not only pupils of elementary and secondary schools but, in the summer months, also general public. It has a variety of technologies to work with including ozobots, Lego boost robots, bee-bots and 3D printers. The development of digital technologies may also boost the development of libraries, which could in future serve as technology centres for schools, increasing space for both digital education and new leisure time activities for library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper is to evaluate the contribution of PhDr. Marta Matthaeidesová, PhD. who has been working at the Department of Library and Information science of Comenius University in Bratislava for 32 years. The paper focuses on her research, professional and pedagogical activities, but the primary focus is on her work as a researcher in the field of library and information services, information education and library users. Through research in the aforementioned areas, Marta Matthaeidesová made a significant contribution to the development of the theory of library and information science and its implementation in library practice. The paper also summarizes her terminological work, which led to the refinement and unification of the field's terminology, and her pedagogical work projected in propaedeutic activities and publications of wider significance. Last but not least, the contribution is devoted to her professional and scientific activities in didactics of the discipline and in library and information services aimed at disadvantaged users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign as well as Slovak libraries are constantly trying to innovate their services and thus become closer to their users. In this vein, the Public Library of Mikulas Kovac in Banska Bystrica introduced a service which respond to the need for contactless services. The paper is focused on the implementation and operation of a device that allows limitless book reservations and their pickups via bibliomat - the automated box which features an integrated library and information system. As a result of an increase in demands on the library's operation, the services of bibliomat are a prerequisite for effective communication between users and the library, without the necessity of visiting a specific branch during its office hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mikuláš Kováč Public Library has revitalized one of its five branches in the last few months. The project titled New Oasis of Books in the Centre of the Town was financially supported by the founder of the library as well as several external partners. The aim of library's project was to provide optimal spatial conditions and equipment for offering modern library and information services to the public and to transform the branch into a modern facility of the 21st century, which would be more attractive even for new young users (especially those studying at elementary and secondary schools). The author summarizes that overall the implementation of the project has improved the technical, aesthetic and working conditions for the provision of library and information services in the centre of Banská Bystrica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thanks to the Tritius Library and Information System, the Spišské Cultural Centre and Library is able to provide its users with quality services without any restrictions. Tritius connects the library with users and content providers. These features of the system increase the attractiveness of the library and the number of visitors. Tritius enables to provide new services such as the possibility of pre-registering in the library, shelving of books, maintain a new and more attractive online catalogue, manage user access to their accounts, and last but not least, make reservations for library materials and loan extensions directly from the comfort of their homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to communicate with library users with regard to today's modern times? How to use the online environment to encourage their interests in libraries? And who is the relevant audience for libraries at all? These are the questions the author seeks to answer in this article. She points out that nowadays communication with library users does not have to be complicated or costly. All it needs is to be creative and know who the audience is. In the article, the author outlines the basic possibilities of communication via social networks and social media and provides tips on how to communicate easily and effectively as well as data from a survey carried out among library users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]