Digital transformation "paves the way" for a reading culture.

VHO - From digital libraries and online reading platforms to the application of artificial intelligence in document management and retrieval, technology is changing the face of the library industry. This shift helps readers access knowledge faster and more conveniently, while also opening up new ways to cultivate reading habits and spread a reading culture in the community.

Báo Văn Hóa•15/05/2026

Creating value from the modern library ecosystem.

Digital transformation is creating profound changes in library operations, from methods of managing and storing materials to ways of serving and reaching readers. Previously, searching for materials was primarily dependent on physical library spaces; now, users can search, read books, and access digital data sources with just an internet-connected device, anywhere and anytime. This shift also helps libraries become more accessible to young people through audiobooks, online reading applications, and interactive learning spaces.

At the National Library of Vietnam, promoting digital transformation has contributed to improving readers' access to knowledge, innovating service methods, building a modern learning environment, and expanding its role in connecting with the academic community.

Nguyen Pham Hoang Anh, an English Language student at Hanoi University, said she was quite surprised by the new look of the National Library of Vietnam. According to Hoang Anh, the library's space is now youthful, friendly, and more suitable for the needs of students in the digital age. “I can easily search for materials on the electronic system, find books faster, and access many digital learning resources with just a few clicks. This saves a lot of time for studying and research,” Hoang Anh shared. The open space, scientific arrangement, and modern supporting equipment also create a comfortable feeling, encouraging young people to spend more time reading. Therefore, the library has not only changed its appearance to better serve its needs but also has the opportunity to bring reading culture closer to the younger generation.

In many libraries, technology also helps optimize the search process, supporting readers in accessing knowledge more quickly and efficiently. In a vast archive, finding the right book or subject matter is not always easy.

At the Army Library, this process has become more convenient thanks to the application of technology and artificial intelligence. With just a voice command or search, the AI Librarian software can respond within 5-7 seconds after retrieving over 200,000 documents from the system, and simultaneously suggest books that match the reader's needs. As a result, knowledge retrieval is faster, more accurate, and more user-friendly.

Reader-centric approach

Digital transformation is becoming an inevitable trend, creating a modern image and opening up new development directions for library systems. In fact, many institutions have proactively digitized millions of pages of documents, implemented online borrowing and returning applications, and built more creative and user-friendly learning spaces. However, this journey still faces many obstacles, especially in terms of physical facilities, technological infrastructure, and implementation resources.

According to Ms. Doan Quynh Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Grassroots Culture, Family and Libraries (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), infrastructure and technology are major challenges facing libraries today. The physical facilities, including the headquarters of many libraries, especially public and school libraries, do not meet the legal requirements for libraries. Equipment is limited, and most investments are still based on the criteria and standards of the traditional library model.

Meanwhile, for successful digital transformation, libraries must utilize many new devices, tools, software, and technical solutions. Supplementing and replacing outdated systems, and gradually transitioning to more suitable technological platforms, is an urgent requirement. These shortcomings indicate that the library system needs to be strengthened comprehensively in terms of awareness, infrastructure, human resources, and implementation mechanisms.

First and foremost, it is necessary to intensify communication efforts to raise awareness of the role, significance, and importance of digital transformation throughout the entire library system. As mindsets shift, library units and staff will become more proactive in preparing the necessary conditions, skills, and attitudes to adapt to the digital environment. Simultaneously, the implementation process requires decisive leadership from all levels of government, ministries, and agencies, while also continuing to refine the legal framework related to digital transformation and library interoperability. This is a crucial foundation for creating a synchronized and favorable legal framework for the future development of digital libraries.

Digital transformation in the library sector goes beyond simply putting materials online or applying new technologies. It is a comprehensive process of changing operational methods, organizational structures, and approaches to readers.

Libraries need to develop more flexible service models, expand their knowledge ecosystems, create personalized user experiences, and better connect with the open academic space. The current challenge lies not only in digitizing data, but also in bringing digital knowledge resources closer to users in an accessible, convenient, efficient, and truly valuable way.

With a user-centric approach, Deputy Director Doan Quynh Dung suggested that libraries should promote the development of applications on smart mobile devices, providing services that allow users to access information resources anytime, anywhere. Proactively receiving and integrating feedback from users will also help digital platforms become more intuitive, user-friendly, and relevant to community needs.

At the same time, it is necessary to build an open data system to enable citizens, businesses, community libraries, and private libraries to participate, gradually forming an open data ecosystem and a national library information network, contributing to the development of smart cities and a learning society.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/xuat-ban/chuyen-doi-so-mo-loi-cho-van-hoa-doc-228030.html