COMPARISON OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS IN LIBRARIES AROUND THE WORLD

ABSTRACT

This article presents a comparative analysis of the digitalization process using the example of leading global libraries, including the Library of Congress of the United States, the British Library, the Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, and the A. Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan. The aim of the study was to determine how the introduction of digital technologies improves information accessibility, preserves cultural heritage, and facilitates scientific research. The study examined the volume of storage units, the level of development of electronic resources, the annual number of visitors, and the ratio of traditional to digital collections.

АННОТАЦИЯ

В статье представлен сравнительный анализ процесса цифровизации на примере ведущих мировых библиотек, включая библиотеку Конгресса США, Британскую библиотеку, библиотеку Китайской академии наук, Национальную библиотеку Франции и Национальную библиотеку Узбекистана им. А.Навои. Цель исследования – выяснить как внедрение цифровых технологий повышает доступность информации, сохраняет культурное наследие и способствует научным исследованиям. В исследовании рассматривались объемы единиц хранения, уровень развития электронных ресурсов, ежегодное число посетителей и соотношение традиционных и цифровых фондов.

Keywords: digitalization of libraries, international experience, book collection, electronic resources, information accessibility, cultural heritage

Ключевые слова: цифровизация библиотек, международный опыт, книжный фонд, электронные ресурсы, доступность, культурное наследие

Introduction. The present time is characterized by the rapid development of information technologies and the digital transformation of all spheres of societal life. Access to information and knowledge has also undergone significant changes and has become one of the factors driving dynamic economic and cultural development [1]. Traditional libraries, which have served as guardians of information for centuries, are now adapting to new conditions. The emergence of digital libraries ensures access to information regardless of geographical, temporal, or other constraints.

A digital library is a platform that combines electronic resources, various databases, as well as modern technologies for searching, storing, and processing information [2]. It significantly expands user capabilities by providing access to large volumes of data, while also transforming the way people interact with information. Processes of cataloging, searching, and providing resources are automated, which greatly enhances the efficiency of such libraries. The relevance of this topic is due to the fact that digital libraries are becoming an integral part of modern society, ensuring equal access to knowledge.

However, a number of questions have arisen with the emergence of these platforms. How can the impact of such platforms on information accessibility be realistically assessed? Which automation technologies are most effective for improving their functionality? How can optimal user interaction models be developed to make digital libraries convenient and in demand? The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the digitalization process of libraries, taking into account international experience from different countries around the world.

Solution methods. The digitalization of libraries represents not just a technological trend, but a global transformation that changes the very way people interact with information [3]. Such libraries provide equal access to information. Digitalization allows for the preservation of unique documents, manuscripts, books, and other materials, making them widely accessible.

It is possible to store large amounts of information, with access that can be obtained quickly from anywhere [4]. The transition to digital formats helps reduce paper usage. In addition, it lowers the costs associated with transporting and storing physical materials [5].

Within the framework of the study on the digitalization of libraries, a comparative analysis was used, which made it possible to assess the key characteristics of various libraries, including the size of their book collections, the level of development of electronic resources, the annual number of visitors, and the ratio of traditional to digital formats. For the analysis, five of the largest libraries in the world were selected: the Library of Congress (USA) [6], the Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences [7], the National Library of France [8], the British Library [9], and the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan [10] (Tables 1 and 2). These libraries represent different regions. Statistical data were used for the quantitative assessment of library parameters (Tables 3, 4, and 5):

• Volume of book collections (in millions of items).
• Annual number of physical and online visitors.
• Ratio of electronic resources to the total volume of holdings.

 The data are presented in the form of tables and charts for visual comparison (Figs. 1, 2, 3).

Table 1.

Comparison of the Library of Congress (USA) and the British Library

Table 2.

Comparison of the Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the National Library of France (BnF), and the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan

Table 3.

Comparison of library collections

Figure 1. Charts of library collection sizes 

(Data for 2023 sourced from official library websites [6, 7, 8, 9, 10])

Table 4.

Annual number of physical library visitors

Figure 2. Charts of annual number of physical library visitors

(Data for 2023 sourced from official library websites [6, 7, 8, 9, 10])

Table 5.

Ratio of electronic to physical collections in libraries

Figure 3. Charts of the proportion of electronic collections in libraries

(Data for 2023 sourced from official library websites [6, 7, 8, 9, 10])

Results. Analysis of the examined indicators—library collection size, annual number of visitors, and the ratio of electronic to physical collections.

1. The analysis revealed a significant disparity in the sizes of traditional physical collections among the libraries under review. The Library of Congress (United States) and the British Library lead in collection size, each holding over 170 million items. The Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences lags considerably behind in terms of physical holdings but compensates through extensive subscriptions to electronic resources. The Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan maintains a smaller collection (over 10 million items), which is attributable to its regional focus and scope.

2. Physical visits to libraries depend on their scale and level of digitization. The largest global libraries—such as the Library of Congress (United States) and the British Library—record 1.5–2 million physical visitors annually. Online resources attract tens of millions of users, particularly in the case of research libraries like the Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. For the Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan, precise data on digital users are unavailable; physical visits are estimated at several hundred thousand.

3. The Library of Congress (United States) and the British Library maintain substantial electronic collections. The Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is actively expanding its electronic holdings, although they still constitute a smaller share of its total collection. The Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan is only beginning large-scale digitization efforts and is currently focused on digitizing unique manuscripts and cultural heritage materials.

Research Conclusions: All libraries are actively striving to significantly increase the share of electronic resources, thereby reducing the need for physical visits. Digitization of rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents has become a priority for major libraries [11]. The number of users accessing electronic resources is growing steadily and now exceeds the number of physical visitors. The level of digitization depends on the economic development of the country. Libraries in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have greater resources to implement advanced technologies. Libraries in Uzbekistan focus primarily on preserving cultural heritage and are pursuing digitization gradually.

Conclusion. The comparative analysis conducted demonstrates that the world’s largest libraries successfully combine the preservation of traditional collections with the active adoption of digital technologies. The Library of Congress (United States) and the British Library lead in the size of their physical holdings, while research-oriented libraries place greater emphasis on developing electronic resources. The Alisher Navoi National Library of Uzbekistan strives to harmoniously balance the preservation of cultural heritage with the integration of modern technologies. Digitization of libraries is an integral part of their development in the modern world. The world’s leading libraries effectively combine the maintenance of traditional collections with the adoption of modern technologies, ensuring their relevance and continued demand in today’s society.

References:

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