Reading and technology go hand in hand.

Types of books such as ebooks, audiobooks, and videobooks are becoming increasingly common in the Vietnamese publishing market. Furthermore, the emergence of electronic libraries and community digital libraries opens up more opportunities to access books in the digital environment.

Community digital library in Ban Thach ward. Photo: PHAN VINH

As part of the activities for Vietnam's National Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21st) this year, An Hai ward became the first ward in Da Nang to pioneer the complete "digitization" of reading culture for its residents by launching an "electronic library" model. Accordingly, the library operates as a free website exclusively for the community. Residents only need to register an account to borrow and read books anytime, anywhere.

Mr. Hoang Cong Thanh, Chairman of the An Hai Ward People's Committee, said that the launch of the electronic library aims to open up a modern knowledge space to spread a love of books to the younger generation - those who hold the future of the digital age.

Developing a reading culture in the digital age and building reading habits within the community is one of the key messages of the 2026 National Book and Reading Culture Day. Currently, the need for reading manifests itself in many different forms. Reading physical books, reading through computers and smartphones, audiobooks, etc., all present different demands in adapting to technology to stimulate a reading culture.

In 2022, the library system in the former Da Nang city began a comprehensive upgrade of its digital infrastructure, according to the project "Development of the Da Nang City Public Library System giai đoạn 2021 - 2025 and orientation to 2030". Accordingly, the Da Nang Library applied RFID technology - used in the 24/7 automated book return system - to develop and supplement digital information resources; equipped itself with technological infrastructure and machinery; and established a digital library with more than 4,000 electronic documents.

Students read books at the Da Nang Library. Photo: TVDN

At Ly Thuong Kiet Secondary School (Quang Phu Ward) and Tran Quoc Toan Primary School (Tam Ky Ward), the school's digital library is operating strongly with a complete digital infrastructure. The digital library has a system of laptops, tablets, and touch screens for searching library information; the materials are digitized. Equipment and software for evaluating the effectiveness of developing reading skills and reading culture among students and teachers are also provided. Mr. Tran Anh Hai, Principal of Ly Thuong Kiet Secondary School, said that the library is organized in a way that is both modern and accessible to students. Currently, the library has more than 9,000 books organized scientifically into different sections, combined with a management software system... creating conditions for students to access various forms of electronic materials.

Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of Vietnamese culture in the new period and Directive No. 04-CT/TW of the Party Central Committee on strengthening the Party's leadership over publishing activities in the new situation clearly state the task of developing age-friendly digital libraries. Accordingly, in the context of deep international integration and the strong development of digital technology, the need to develop a reading culture is becoming increasingly urgent, linked to the goal of building a learning society, improving the quality of human resources and national competitiveness.

According to a representative from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Da Nang has identified digital transformation as a key task, aiming for all publishing houses to participate in e-publishing by 2030, applying digital technology and artificial intelligence throughout their entire operational process.

According to experts, digital libraries need to be expanded and designed as open, accessible knowledge spaces suitable for children, young people, the elderly, and even vulnerable groups. Through this, these libraries will not only foster reading habits in modern society but also contribute to cultivating intellect and character, building well-rounded Vietnamese individuals in the digital age.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/song-hanh-doc-va-cong-nghe-3333314.html