Electronic Library: Genesis, Trends. From Electronic Library to Smart Library

Abstract

The article proposes to discuss the main trends in the development of electronic libraries and prerequisites for the transition to a new level, to smart libraries. The text presents a historical overview of the formation of the electronic library concept both in Russia and abroad. Disambiguation of electronic library term is separately covered, as well as synonymous terms it has in Russia. At the same time, they often stay within a common understanding of a digital library within the framework of western theorizing. A wide range of electronic library problems is discussed in the context of multitasking understanding of the librarianship role in the public and university areas. Approach differences are pointed out in account of university tasks specifity. As a solution, the authors propose a new approach for constructing smart library by identifying and fixing the purposes of the user. Approach reverses the paradigm of library consciousness, indicating that the primary role in the library is given to the reader that is at odds with most of the current thinking about the library as a space, funds and staff. The text discloses an approach in which relying on modern technology makes possible to significantly reduce its importance and bring into researcher's focus the needs and the role of the reader.