Transformation of University Libraries During the Digital Era

Abstract

The paper considers the transition period of society development, based on the use of digital information and communication technologies. Now the digital economy covers all the spheres of society, so the question of its study is relevant. The transition to a new digital economy model contributes to improving the life quality of the population. In higher education institutions educational paths are changing, a rapid transition from physical to virtual reality is observed. However, the educational environment lags far behind the pace of industrial production based on modern technologies. In such situation, approaches to modernizing the training system need to be developed. This case university strategies, aimed at creating a full environment for the development of education and science, information and knowledge from the intellectual global environment, are being developed. In the context of the transition to digital technologies in education, the library, as one of the main structural divisions of the university, should also become digital. The paper reveals the different viewpoints of the library community that show the strategy and direction of library development for the digital environment. Libraries are now actively developing information and communications technology providing services to their users, while maintaining traditional forms and methods of working with readers. This symbiosis meets the needs of different groups of readers and users. On the basis of theoretical research of formation processes and development of electronic library, problems of transition period are considered, strategy of digital library development is identified, technologies of creation and introduction of information resources into university educational environment are determined. The purpose of the research was to study the activity of using information resources in the educational process and research activities, in order to improve the quality of service to library users. It will identify the attitudes of students towards information resources and library services. The relevance and importance of the transition to the digital library is noted, the impact of this process on the development of all library activities is analysed, while maintaining the continuity of its main functional purpose. In addition, the emergence of new social and technological tasks is indicated, the specifics of working with digital users are distinguished. The library works with both virtual users and real readers. Book loan and electronic resources to users are analyzed. The library’s activities are covered in educational and leisure activities with university students and teachers. In the article, the recommendations presented will improve the efficiency of the library