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

Yıl 2025, Cilt: 6 Sayı: 1, 23 - 38, 23.01.2025

Ayten Rahmanova

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

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

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

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

Öz

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.

Anahtar Kelimeler

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

Kaynakça

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