Evolution of Libraries in the Digital Era: Redefining Access, Education, and Cultural Preservation

Year 2025, Volume: 6 Issue: 1, 23 - 38, 23.01.2025

Ayten Rahmanova

https://doi.org/10.59116/lamre.1540033

Abstract

The digital revolution has significantly reshaped libraries, transforming them from traditional repositories into dynamic, technology-driven centres of information, education, and cultural preservation. This study investigates the comprehensive digital transformation of libraries, with a focus on the integration of electronic resources, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), digital catalogues, multimedia labs, and maker spaces. Utilizing a multi-method approach, the research analyzes statistical data on user engagement, revealing a consistent 20% annual increase in users accessing e-books and journals globally since 2010. Additionally, surveys conducted among students and researchers in Azerbaijan indicate a 25% rise in electronic resource usage since 2015, with modern search tools enhancing information retrieval speed by 30%. The incorporation of VR and AR technologies is explored for their potential to enrich educational experiences and preserve cultural heritage. At the same time, multimedia labs and maker spaces are examined for their roles in fostering innovation and skill development.
Despite these advancements, libraries face significant challenges such as the digital divide, information overload, privacy concerns, data security, and ensuring accessibility for all users. Libraries have started to address these challenges through continuous adaptation, investing in cutting-edge technologies, and developing digital literacy programs to bridge the digital divide, manage information effectively, and protect user privacy. The findings highlight the critical role of libraries in the digital age, underscoring their evolution into inclusive, technologically advanced institutions that support education, research, and cultural enrichment. The study underscores the importance of sustained investment in digital infrastructures to maintain libraries' pivotal role in modern society.

Keywords

virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), library, development, digital revolution, global accessibility

Dijital Çağda Kütüphanelerin Evrimi: Erişim, Eğitim ve Kültürel Korumanın Yeniden Tanımlanması

Abstract

Dijital devrim, kütüphaneleri önemli ölçüde yeniden şekillendirerek onları geleneksel depolarından dinamik, teknoloji odaklı bilgi, eğitim ve kültürel koruma merkezlerine dönüştürdü. Bu çalışma, elektronik kaynakların, sanal gerçekliğin (VR), artırılmış gerçekliğin (AR), dijital katalogların, multimedya laboratuvarlarının ve yapım alanlarının entegrasyonuna odaklanarak kütüphanelerin kapsamlı dijital dönüşümünü araştırıyor. Çok yöntemli bir yaklaşım kullanan araştırma, kullanıcı katılımına ilişkin istatistiksel verileri analiz ederek 2010'dan bu yana küresel olarak e-kitaplara ve dergilere erişen kullanıcıların sayısında yıllık %20'lik tutarlı bir artış olduğunu ortaya koyuyor. Ayrıca, Azerbaycan'daki öğrenciler ve araştırmacılar arasında yapılan anketler, 2015'ten bu yana elektronik kaynak kullanımında %25'lik bir artış olduğunu ve modern arama araçlarının bilgi alma hızını %30 oranında artırdığını gösteriyor. VR ve AR teknolojilerinin dahil edilmesi, eğitim deneyimlerini zenginleştirme ve kültürel mirası koruma potansiyelleri açısından incelenirken, multimedya laboratuvarları ve yapım alanları, inovasyonu ve beceri gelişimini teşvik etmedeki rolleri açısından inceleniyor. Bu gelişmelere rağmen, kütüphaneler dijital uçurum, bilgi aşırı yükü, gizlilik endişeleri, veri güvenliği ve tüm kullanıcılar için erişilebilirliği sağlama gibi önemli zorluklarla karşı karşıyadır. Kütüphaneler, dijital uçurumu kapatmak, bilgileri etkili bir şekilde yönetmek ve kullanıcı gizliliğini korumak için sürekli adaptasyon, son teknoloji yatırımları ve dijital okuryazarlık programları geliştirerek bu zorlukları ele almaya başlamıştır. Bulgular, dijital çağda kütüphanelerin kritik rolünü vurgulayarak, eğitim, araştırma ve kültürel zenginleşmeyi destekleyen kapsayıcı, teknolojik olarak gelişmiş kurumlara dönüşümlerinin altını çizmektedir. Çalışma, kütüphanelerin modern toplumdaki temel rolünü sürdürmek için dijital altyapılara sürdürülebilir yatırım yapmanın önemini vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

sanal gerçeklik (VR), artırılmış gerçeklik (AR), kütüphane, geliştirme, dijital devrim, küresel erişilebilirlik

References

• Alguliyev, R., Mammadov, E., Jafarov, J., Ismayilova, N. and Mammadova, R. (2015a). Extraction of Social Networks in Modern Digital Library Environment. Economics & Sociology, 8(1), 308–317.
• Alguliyev, R., Alakbarov, R., Hashimov, M. and Mammadov, E. (2015b). The perspectives of cloud technology implementation in digital library. Sylwan, 159(3), 97-108.
• Anuradha, P. (2017). The impact of digital technologies on academic libraries: challenges and opportunities. IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology, 2(2), 46-50.
• Borgman, C. L. (1999). From Gutenberg to the Global Information Infrastructure: Access to Information in the Networked World. MIT Press.
• Candela, L., Castelli, D. and Pagano, P. (2011). History, Evolution and Impact of Digital Libraries. I. Iglezakis, Synodinou T.E. and Kapidakis (Ed.s). E-Publishing and Digital Libraries: Legal and Organizational Issues. IGI Global.
• Cecotti, H. (2022). Cultural Heritage in fully immersive virtual reality. Virtual Worlds, 1, 82–102. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/virtualworlds1010006
• Chowdhury, G. and Chowdhury, S. (2003). Introduction to Digital Libraries. London: Facet Publishing.
• Das, R. K., and Islam, M. S. U. (2021). Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Libraries: A Systematic Review. arXiv preprint arXiv:2112.04573.
• Devath, S. (2019). Open Distance Learning and Digital Libraries. New Delhi: Atharv Publications.
• Hannah, R. L., Huber, S., and Matei, S. A. (2019). Augmented Reality in Libraries: A Review of Applications and Opportunities. Information Technology and Libraries, 38(4), 8–15.
• Hickerson, H.T., Lippincot, J.K. and Crema, L. (2022). Designing Libraries for the 21st Century. Illinois: Association of College and Research Libraries.
• Hofman, D. and Villagran, M.A. (2023). Queer privacy protection: Challenges and the fight within libraries. International Journal for the Semiotics of Law, 36, 2157–2178.
• Karmakar, R. (2018). Development and Management of Digital Libraries in the Regime of IPR Paradigm. International Journal of Library and Information Services, 7(1): 44-57.
• Kaur, G. (2015). The Future and Changing Roles of Academic Libraries in the Digital Age. Indian journal of information sources and services, 5(1), 29-33.
• Khan, N.A., Zehra Rizvi, S., Zainab, T. and Khan, S.M. (2015). Supporting Digital Humanities for Knowledge Acquisition in Modern Libraries. K.L. Sacco et al. (Ed.s.). Digital Humanities in Cultural Preservation (pp.234-254). IGI Global.
• Lagoze, C., Krafft, D. B., Payette, S., and Jesuroga, S. (2005). What is a digital library anymore, anyway? D-Lib Magazine, 11(11).
• Lau, J., Tammaro, A. and Bothma, T. (2012). Libraries Driving Access to Knowledge. Hague: IFLA Publications.
• Lyman, P. (2017). What is a digital library? Technology, intellectual property, and the public interest. S.R.Graubard and P.LeClerc (Ed.s). Bricks and Bytes. London: Routledge.
• Mahdi Salah, M. and Rafea, I. (2019). Challenges and practices of research data management in selected Iraq universities. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 39(6), 308–314. doi: https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.39.06.14443
• Mammadov, E. (2015). International experience and standards in the formation of electronic libraries. Problems of formation of e-libraries Conference, 2016, April 15, Baku Azerbaijan, pp. 102-107.
• Marusich, J.V. (2001). Library services for the visually impaired by means of new information technologies. Doctoral dissertation, Krasnodar State Institute of Culture, Russia.
• Musayev, V. and Minaricova, M. (2016). Integration to European Research and Education Networks and EaPConnect Project. Problems of formation of e-libraries Conference, 2016, April 15, Baku Azerbaijan, pp. 46-49.
• Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., and Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A Systematic Review of Immersive Virtual Reality Applications for Higher Education: Design Elements, Lessons Learned, and Research Agenda. Computers & Education, 147: 103778.
• Rudrani S. (2024). Data Privacy and Cyber Security in Digital Library Perspective: Safe Guarding User Information. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM), 8(4).
• Safii, M. (2019). Redefining the Five Laws of Library Science in the Digital Age. 2nd International Conference on Culture and Language in Southeast Asia (ICCLAS 2018). pp. 24-27.
• Salinas R. (2003). Addressing the digital divide through collection development. Collection Building, 22(3):131-136. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950310484456
• Satheesh S. Nitha, and Rinsey Antony, V.A., Seethalakshmy, A., Riya C. A. (2024). Artificial Intelligence in Library Services: Enhancing Access, Operational Efficiency, and User Experience. Library Progress International, 44(3). https://doi.org/10.48165/bapas.2024.44.2.1
• Sharma M. (2022). A Digital Age Approach to Funding and Financing Electronic Resources in Libraries. Journal of Advanced Research in Library and Information Science, 9(4):5-7 https://doi.org/10.24321/2395.2288.202202
• Shem, M. (2015). Digital Library Education: Global Trends and Issues. Journal of Education and Practice, 6(17), 66-70.
• Shruti Pandit, Ar. and Priyanka Churi, Ar. (2021). The State of Library in Digital Era. An Opportunity to redefine learning & reading spaces. International journal of Creative research thoughts, 9(5), 253-261.
• Vrana, R. (2017). The perspective of use of digital libraries in era of e-learning. 40th International Convention on Information and Communication Technology, Electronics and Microelectronics (MIPRO). 2017, May, IEEE, Opatija, Croatia, pp. 926-931.
• Wagner, A. and de Clippele, M.S. (2023). Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in the Digital Era – A Critical Challenge. International Journal for the Semiotics of Law - Revue Internationale de Sémiotique Juridique, 36, 1915–1923.
• Walsh, J. (2006). Improving Web Accessibility for the Visually Impaired. Library Hi Tech News, 23(8), 29-31. doi: https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050610713709
• Wyatt, D., McQuire, S. and Butt, D. (2015). Public Libraries in a Digital Culture. Melbourne: The University of Melbourne, pp. 28-32.
• Yang, Ch. (2010). Cross-lingual Thesaurus for Multilingual Knowledge Management. Decision Support Systems, 45, 596-605. 10.1016/j.dss.2007.07.005
• Zhan, M. and Widen, G. (2017). Understanding big data in librarianship. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 51(2), 561-576. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000617742451