Expanding the Resource Base and Technologisation: Directions for the Development of Information Service in Libraries

Within the framework of the All-Russian Library Congress: 29th Annual Conference of the Russian Library Association in Izhevsk on May 28, 2025 the track “Information Service to Users in the Digital Age: Resources, Methods, Tools” was organised. Information service of users is the main direction of libraries’ work. Its development requires special attention in the context of expanding the resource base of services, updating the usual system of services, and applying innovative software and technology solutions. As a backbone of information and library activity, information service of users is an object of increased attention in modern library science and practice. The relevance of the development in this direction is due to the need to optimise the resource base, modernise the traditional set of services, as well as the implementation of innovative software and technology solutions that meet the requirements of digital transformation. The focus of these problem areas was the programme of the considered track, which included thematic blocks: “Information Service in the Library”, “Information Resources and Services”, “Digital Technologies in the Library”. An analysis of the results of the track’s work allows us to state its significant effectiveness as a platform for intensifying professional discourse, accumulating experience in the field of information services for users, and developing promising methodological approaches that meet the requirements of digital transformation. Within the framework of the track, reports were presented that contained the results of in-depth analyses of key trends in the development of the information and library sphere, which made it possible to identify strategic directions of development relevant to the challenges of the digital era and focused on ensuring the sustainable functioning of libraries in a dynamically changing information environment. In particular, the issues of building digital collections, developing remote access services, and using artificial intelligence tools were considered. The recommendations proposed by the track participants and the expert assessments developed based on the synthesis of theoretical knowledge and practical experience have a high potential to influence the further development of information service in libraries of the Russian Federation. The implementation of these recommendations will contribute to the improvement of the quality characteristics of the services provided, ensuring their compliance with the information needs of modern users, as well as optimising the processes of information support for scientific, educational, cultural and educational activities.