The smart library project: Development of information and library services for educational and scientific activity

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the phenomenon of smart libraries, which began in the 2000s, alongside the development of computer technology, digital storage the internet and human–computer interactions. The smart library is a system of library and information services developed to support research and training activity. This paper describes the need to introduce innovative library and information services at universities through users’ personal accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of more than 200 publications mainly written by foreign scientists was conducted, given the dearth of Russian literature on the smart library and its services. The analysis revealed that in Western countries, the term smart library represents a wide range of meanings – from the understanding that it is a typical type of networking to assumptions about the total services provided by libraries in an urban environment.

Findings

The paper presents a review of both classical library services and those that are focused on the needs of modern education and science.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may be the best limited to university libraries.

Practical implications

The research results have practical use in the Library and Publishing Complex of the Siberian Federal University. Consequently, a new library information environment has been developed and integrated into the university’s information space.

Social implications

The research results have social use in Siberian Federal University. The personal account can be regarded as a functioning system of interaction and information exchange among the automated systems of the Library and Publishing Complex, automated learning management system and integrated educational environment.

Originality/value

This paper presents a certain set of technical solutions and some services available through personal accounts.

Citation

Baryshev, R.A., Verkhovets, S.V. and Babina, O.I. (2018), "The smart library project: Development of information and library services for educational and scientific activity", The Electronic Library, Vol. 36 No. 3, pp. 535-549. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2017-0017