Public libraries promote digital transformation: Connecting knowledge, serving lifelong learning

The year 2025 marks a drastic step forward in digital transformation in the public library system nationwide.

Implementing the Program "Digital transformation of the library sector by 2025, with a vision to 2030", many provincial and district libraries have proactively applied technology to digitize documents, build online services and connect digital resources, aiming to serve lifelong learning for all target groups.

At the local level, many practical application models have emerged and brought about practical results (Photo: bvhttdl.gov.vn)

Taking the lead in digitization and digital communication, the National Library of Vietnam continues to achieve many remarkable achievements. In the first six months of 2025, the unit digitized nearly 151,000 pages of documents, the number of online and on-site visits increased sharply, contributing to enriching the system's common resource base. These figures demonstrate the continuous efforts in transforming traditional resources into digital platforms.

At the local level, many practical application models have emerged and brought about practical results. Quang Ninh Provincial Library has strengthened its connection with university databases, expanding the ability to exploit resources for readers; at the same time, deploying digital services for geographical documents and electronic directories to serve the research and development of local cultural tourism . This is one of the typical examples showing that data connection and resource sharing are being deployed in the province, initially showing effectiveness.

In Hanoi , cultural centers and libraries have built a comprehensive digital transformation model, integrating library management platforms, digitizing specialized geographical documents and developing services specifically for target groups such as students, the elderly and the visually impaired (audiobooks). Organizing training courses on digital library skills for the community is a highlight to help increase the effectiveness of access to digital knowledge in urban areas.

The implementation work at the local level is specifically guided by the Ministry and the Department of Libraries; in 2025, the Department of Libraries issued a guidance framework and plan for implementing professional tasks, creating conditions for public libraries to accelerate the process of digitization, interconnection and development of services for lifelong learning. At the same time, projects to train digital transformation human resources for libraries are also being accepted and implemented, to ensure that library staff have the capacity to operate digital systems.

However, digital transformation in public libraries still faces challenges: the rate of digitization and connectivity is different between provinces and districts; infrastructure capacity and human resources in rural areas are limited; some places do not have effective socialization and resource mobilization mechanisms. Therefore, sharing platforms, standardizing data and enhancing training are urgent requirements to ensure real digital transformation, not just "digitizing records".

Entering the next phase, the goal is for 100% of provincial libraries to have lifelong learning services and for the proportion of district and commune libraries to gradually increase digital services; at the same time, promoting the model of resource sharing between provincial and central libraries, between school and community libraries. At that time, public libraries will truly become a "knowledge bridge" in the digital age, contributing to building a learning society and digital citizens.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/thu-vien-cong-cong-day-manh-chuyen-doi-so-ket-noi-tri-thuc-phuc-vu-hoc-tap-suot-doi-20251006103119581.htm