E.N. Medynsky’s Pedagogical Activities at the Moscow Library Institute: the Mission of Education through Culture

The article is the first to explore the pedagogical activities of E. N. Medynsky at the Moscow State Library Institute named after V. M. Molotov (MSLI, now MSIC) from 1942 to 1944. E. N. Medynsky (1885–1957) is presented as a prominent historian of pedagogy who made significant contributions to the theory of extracurricular education and laid the scientific and theoretical foundation for the study of pedagogical research in cultural institutions. Based on archival materials that have not previously been introduced into scientific circulation, the article reveals his role in the development of library education, the creation of curricula, and the organization of scientific and pedagogical work during wartime. Special attention is given to E. N. Medynsky’s involvement in anti-fascist activities, his contributions to the development of cultural pedagogy, and the integration of library science with extracurricular education. The article also highlights the continuity of scientific collaboration between the Russian Academy of Education and MSIC, which dates back to E. N. Medynsky’s time at the MSLI.