Comparative analysis of volunteering through history in public libraries The diploma thesis entitled "Comparative analysis of volunteering in public libraries through history“ will talk about the comparison of volunteers in public libraries through the history of library activities. The first chapter will be about the concept of "volunteering" in general – what it is, how it is defined and who and why volunteers. Furthermore, the second chapter will say something about the „Evolution of Volunteering through History“. "Volunteering in the Republic of Croatia“ is the title nad topic of the third chapter, whare it will be shown what it is like to volunteer in Croatia, the homeland of the author of this thesis. The fourth chapter, gives an overview of volunteering in the world. Then, in the fifth chapter, it can be read about "Volunteering and Volunteers". The sixth chapter, known as "Public Libraries", will shed some light on the library institutions in which volunteers of our interest work. "Volunteering in public libraries – in general" is the title of the seventh chapter, where from a general perspective it will be observed volunteering in one type of library, several of which exist. Next, Chapter Eight brings us a comparison of volunteering in several of the world's public libraries throughout history. Furtehrmore, the ninth chapter brings us an individual interview, where a student of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Studies in Rijeka will present her impressions of volunteering at that institution. After that, comes the conclusion where the author presents concluding thoughts on the topic and completes the idea of this thesis. This is followed by a reviewof the literature and the images used by the author of the thesis.