Integration of Libraries into the Digital Information Space in Educational Institutions: Trends and Problems in the Period of COVID-19

Abstract

As the world responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, most governments have temporarily closed all schools. Thus, there is a transition to distance learning on a large scale. Educational institutions try to organize training using Internet technologies, students use e-books while taking e-learning courses, researchers mostly use e-journals. Academic libraries around the world are digitizing library collections, creating powerful digital libraries that help readers get information. UNESCO and the Library of Congress have developed the World Digital Library, thus making an innovative attempt to develop intercultural understanding by providing access to digital heritage from 200 countries. As in many industries, the librarian branch must undergo radical changes due to the development of digitalization and artificial intelligence. The report of the Association of Research Libraries states that there are three categories of urgent changes: changes in relationship of a research library and its institutional partners; changes in the organization of research libraries; changes in the skills of librarian staff and users of library electronic funds.