The Archive of Rostyslav Chomiak (1936−2016) in the Manuscript Department of Vasyl Stefanyk National Scientific Library of Ukraine in Lviv

The aim of this paper is to characterize the personal archival collection of Rostyslav Chomiak (1936−2016) – a journalist, publicist, and socio-political figure, an influential representative of the Ukrainian Diaspora. Fond (F. № 327) is kept in the manuscripts department of the Vasyl Stefanyk National Scientific Library in Lviv of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Research methods. The paper relies on the methodology of source studies – a system of techniques and tools associated with the search, identification, selection of sources, their comprehensive critical analysis, establishing the reliability and informational value of the source, and subsequent use to obtain scientifically verified information. Significant attention is paid to the biographical method, whose use made it possible to study the features of the figure's life path. Scientific novelty. The documents of R. Chomiak, which have not previously been used in Ukrainian biographical research, are introduced into scientific circulation. They are a vivid example of how, through diligent work, continuous learning, and active participation in socio-political life, Ukrainians achieved high status in their countries of residence. Prospects for further research. The archive of R. Chomiak, which includes 1 060 units, reveals both the biography of the founder and important aspects of the life of the Ukrainian Diaspora in North America in the second half of the 20th century. Thorough research of the archive can uncover previously unknown pages of the history of Ukrainian emigration. Conclusions. The documentary heritage of R. Сhomiak reveals key aspects of his professional activity – work for Radio Liberty, the newspaper «Svoboda», and the United States Information Agency. R. Сhomiak corresponded with many well-known representatives of the Ukrainian Diaspora (V. Barka, Y. Sheveliov, M. Prokop and others). As a professional journalist he collected information about dissidents and political prisoners in the USSR (V. Stus, Y. Sverstiuk, I. Bahrianyi, M. Horyn and others). The documents of the collection № 327 «Rostyslav Сhomiak» have significant scientific and source-informational potential. The formation of R. Сhomiak's archive is at its final stage, preceding its introduction into scientific circulation.