Many difficulties in digital library transformation

Dong Nai Library staff instruct readers to scan QR codes of digitized documents, books about Dong Nai culture and people. Photo: Dinh Nhai

In Dong Nai, library systems are gradually applying technology to modernize management activities and provide more convenient services to readers in the digital age. However, this process is facing many difficulties, requiring strong investment and innovation.

The digital journey is full of challenges

The Information Processing and Informatics Department of Dong Nai Library is assigned the task of supplementing and processing library information resources to serve readers. During the process of digital library conversion, the department is facilitated to purchase books and newspapers, digitize documents, and create QR codes for internal documents. However, this work is currently facing many difficulties, from the degraded server system to outdated library management software that does not meet the needs of readers.

Currently, Dong Nai Library has more than 16,500 documents, magazines, digital maps and ebooks. District and city libraries own nearly 7,000 digital documents of all kinds.

Head of Information Processing and Informatics Department Tran Thi Thuy said that besides the difficulties in infrastructure, currently the staff with information technology qualifications in the library do not have professional expertise and vice versa. Regulations on copyright, authorship and related rights also greatly affect the exploitation, digitization and service of readers in digital space. In addition, the current work of supplementing books and newspapers due to bidding regulations greatly affects the timely and diverse supplementation of books and newspapers.

“We hope that in the coming time, all levels and sectors will create favorable conditions for Dong Nai Library to upgrade its server system and management software to update and process documents in the best way to serve readers. In addition, we will continue to open more professional, technical and technological training courses for library staff to meet the needs of digital transformation,” Ms. Thuy expressed.

Talking about the difficulties in digitizing documents, Director of Dong Nai Library Tran Anh Tho said that the library's technology infrastructure system is old and often damaged. Synchronizing and connecting libraries in the province as well as between provinces to share electronic document resources has not been done yet, because the system is not synchronized and not modern... This makes the implementation of digital transformation solutions difficult in the current period.

To spread knowledge in the age of technology

According to Ms. Tran Anh Tho, despite many difficulties, Dong Nai Library has made efforts to digitize hundreds of books, mainly geographical documents, valuable books about the land and people of Dong Nai. In particular, the library continues to create QR codes for books; maintain and develop the unit's electronic information page, YouTube, Facebook, regularly write news, articles, update library activities, introduce books, video clips, serve the needs of readers inside and outside the province.

In the first quarter of 2025, Dong Nai Library served 89 thousand readers inside and outside the library; circulated nearly 252 thousand books and newspapers, and transferred over 3.7 thousand copies of books, newspapers and magazines to the base. In particular, Dong Nai Library created QR codes for books, newspaper excerpts, and specialized magazines for 120 articles. The number of readers accessing the library's digital documents, website and YouTube reached more than 1.1 million.

In particular, Resolution No. 12-NQ/TU dated December 12, 2023 of the Provincial Party Committee on building and promoting cultural values ​​and people of Dong Nai to become an important resource and driving force for comprehensive and sustainable development has determined the content of synchronous planning and construction of a new Dong Nai Library (2026-2030 period) with a budget of 300 billion VND. This is the basis and driving force for Dong Nai to invest in technology infrastructure systems, develop libraries, and spread reading culture in the community.

Solving the difficulties requires a long-term strategy, investment in technology infrastructure, human resources and changes in readers' habits. Currently, Dong Nai Library continues to coordinate with consulting units to develop the Digital Transformation Project of Dong Nai Provincial Library to submit to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approval from the Provincial People's Committee. While waiting for the project to be approved, to maintain operations, the unit will organize repairs and upgrades to the server system; at the same time, continue to digitize documents, create QR codes to serve readers.

Digital transformation of libraries in Dong Nai is an important step to improve the quality of service to readers. The close coordination between management agencies, libraries and the community has been contributing to the development of the digital library system in Dong Nai, contributing to improving knowledge and better serving the needs of readers in the digital age.

Ly Na

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202504/nhieu-kho-khan-trong-chuyen-doi-so-thu-vien-ce7728e/