Keepers of knowledge in the digital age – Pioneering librarians in digital transformation

In the journey of digital transformation of the library industry, behind the electronic data systems, document digitization platforms or online reading applications are the silent efforts of thousands of librarians across the country.

Librarians across the country are not only managers of knowledge, but also “fire keepers”, quietly transmitting energy and passion for reading to the community, contributing to bringing reading culture into a new era – the era of digital libraries, digital citizens and lifelong learning.

From traditional librarian to "tech guru"

While in the past, librarians mainly worked on cataloging, classifying, and lending books, now they are gradually becoming data administrators and designers of digital knowledge experiences. The digital transformation process requires them to learn more about information technology, data security, operating library management software, and interacting with readers through the online environment.

Many initiatives have brought knowledge closer to readers through digital transformation (Photo: bvhttdl.gov.vn)

At Hanoi Library, the conversion of the entire document collection to electronic format initially encountered many difficulties, but the staff of the digitization department made constant efforts to help people, especially students, to read books and look up documents online. To date, the library has digitized more than 200,000 pages of documents, integrated online search and developed support services for readers on social networks, attracting tens of thousands of visits each month.

At the Thua Thien - Hue General Library, young staff have proactively researched and applied virtual reality (VR) technology to recreate Hue's cultural heritage in 3D space. The model "Open reading space - heritage experience" is loved by many young people, helping the library become an attractive cultural destination. Not only stopping at digitizing documents, this is also the way that librarians bring Hue culture closer to the public in the language of the times.

The spirit of innovation is not only found in big cities. In Ho Chi Minh City, librarians have implemented a model of “remote reader guidance” through online platforms and social networks Zalo and Facebook. They not only answer questions, but also guide people on how to use e-book reading software, register for library cards, and find suitable learning information. This model helps libraries expand their service capacity, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities who cannot come to the library directly.

In Son La , where infrastructure conditions are still difficult, district library staff are still diligently "putting books online" by self-studying office computer skills and designing simple electronic bookcases to serve the community. They go to each highland school to guide students on how to access documents on tablets.

Not only stopping at applying technology, many librarians also create practical initiatives. In Bac Ninh, the model of "Community Digital Bookcase" built by a group of young staff has attracted more than thousands of readers after a few months.

These seemingly simple initiatives have great significance. They demonstrate the initiative, responsibility and love for the profession of librarians – those who quietly stick to knowledge, not only preserving but also renewing that treasure every day.

The "human infrastructure" of digital transformation

It can be said that the success of digital transformation in the library industry does not only come from technology, but also from “human infrastructure” – a team of dedicated staff, ready to learn and innovate. They are both the inspiration and the bridge between technology and readers. Each digitized e-book, each updated data, bears the imprint of their hands, minds and hearts.

Librarians are the "human infrastructure" of digital transformation.

According to the plan, in 2025, the Department of Libraries, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to organize training programs on digital skills, communication skills and modern reader services for public library staff. The goal is not only to equip them with technological knowledge, but also to help them become “digital knowledge ambassadors” – people who know how to bring reading culture to citizens of the new era.

In the digital age, machines can replace humans in organizing data, but they cannot replace the love of knowledge and social responsibility - the qualities that make up a librarian. In any library, from the capital Hanoi to the mountainous region of Son La, there are still people who silently keep the fire burning, persistently sowing the seeds of reading culture. They are the "guides" for the journey to build a learning society, the silent flowers that spread their lasting fragrance in the digital space of Vietnam today.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/nguoi-giu-lua-tri-thuc-thoi-dai-so-nhung-can-bo-thu-vien-tien-phong-chuyen-doi-so-20251020203639601.htm