Design thinking i blended librarianship − nowe tendencje w bibliotekarstwie amerykańskim

The article introduces two new concepts that have emerged in American librarianship in recent years. The first one, called 'design thinking', is applied to improve library performance. Although originating in business sector, it is now being successfully used in American libraries. The second one, 'blended librarianship', has emerged in response to library marginalization in academic environment. According to this concept, the 'blended librarian' is a type of academic librarian who successfully combines traditional library skills with IT skills, including design and application of modern learning and teaching tools. This broad scope of tasks appointed to librarians will hopefully improve the libraries' image. As a result, the academic libraries will be considered not only a place to borrow books, but also an important place to support teaching and learning activity.