Smart libraries promote a reading culture.

In the powerful wave of digital transformation, many schools in Lao Cai province are gradually "renovating" their reading spaces. From traditional, once quiet libraries, the smart library model, supported by information technology, is breathing new life into these spaces. It not only modernizes library operations but also contributes to fostering a love of reading, developing self-learning habits among students, and spreading a reading culture throughout the community.

Ms. Ha Thi Hoe, a librarian at Bao Thang No. 2 High School, guides students in utilizing digital learning materials.

Bao Thang No. 2 High School is one of the pioneering institutions in developing the smart library model. The school has implemented the VietBiblio shared library system, integrating QR codes for document retrieval; attaching QR codes to each classroom, and introducing books and learning materials on the library website. Through a single personal account, students can access a rich digital learning resource library with diverse content, including lectures, reference books, and highly interactive educational games. Thanks to the effective application of digital technology, students' learning space is expanded and becomes more flexible, going beyond the confines of a traditional library.

Students can access the school library's digital resource library, which contains thousands of books, from anywhere.

During each lesson, teachers can flexibly innovate the classroom space, organizing lessons right in the library to effectively utilize digital resources and physical books. Even while sitting in the classroom, teachers and students can still access the library system online, using resources to support teaching and learning. This approach not only improves the quality of lessons but also fosters in students the habit of proactively searching for and exploiting knowledge.

Library lessons at the smart library help students effectively utilize digital resources and physical books.

Ms. Ha Thi Hoe, librarian at Bao Thang No. 2 High School, Lao Cai province.

"Applying technology helps make the library more attractive and accessible. With a beautiful space and friendly service, students will proactively seek out books more often," shared Ms. Ha Thi Hoe, a librarian at Bao Thang No. 2 High School.

The automated check-in and book borrowing/returning system makes it convenient for students and teachers when borrowing and returning books.

In particular, during the 2025-2026 school year, the school library implemented an automated check-in and book borrowing/returning system, making the service process quick and convenient for students. From this modern library environment, many students have become active contributors to the reading culture.

Vi Nguyen Thuy Nga, a student in class 11A1 and a representative Reading Culture Ambassador of Lao Cai province, reads a book at the library.

Vi Nguyen Thuy Nga, a student in class 11A1 and a representative Reading Culture Ambassador of Lao Cai province, said: "The smart library makes it easier for me to search for and access books. I have the opportunity to read more and improve my writing skills. Besides, sharing my feelings about books not only helps me develop my thinking and expression skills but also contributes to spreading the love of reading to my friends and the community."

Students at Bao Thang No. 2 High School in Lao Cai province are enthusiastically using the smart library.

The enthusiasm and active participation of students is the clearest and most objective measure of the smart library model. Mr. Pham Thanh Duong, Vice Principal of Bao Thang No. 2 High School, affirmed: “The school recognizes that reading plays a crucial role in developing personality, intellect, and improving the quality of teaching and learning. In the future, we will continue to invest in facilities and equipment, build open reading spaces, and promote the development of the digital library.”

Dong Cuong Primary and Secondary School in Dong Cuong commune uses Proshow Producer software to create videos introducing books.

Beyond focusing on management, many schools are also creative in promoting and spreading reading culture by using Proshow Producer software to create videos introducing books, as well as monthly and thematic reading programs. These short, lively films, harmoniously combining images, sound, and narration, have made books more accessible to students, especially those in primary and secondary school. From being hesitant about thick, text-heavy books, students gradually develop the habit of learning about content through videos, and then proactively borrow books to read more deeply and thoroughly.

Smart libraries contribute to promoting and spreading a reading culture in schools.

Ms. Truong Thi Kim Oanh, a librarian at Dong Cuong Primary and Secondary School in Dong Cuong commune, said: “Previously, the library only had a few dozen students reading each day. Since implementing the smart library and applying technology in book promotion, the number of readers has increased significantly. Students are more enthusiastic because they can access books in a new, accessible way, stimulating their curiosity and exploration, and igniting their passion for reading. Along with that, it helps students develop their creativity, improve their language expression skills, thinking skills, moral education, and life skills.”

Ms. Ha Thi Hoe (in a floral ao dai) and Ms. Truong Thi Kim Oanh (in a white ao dai) shared about the effective library operation model at their school.

In practice, the smart library model is particularly well-suited to the digital transformation direction in education in mountainous and highland areas. Technology not only shortens the gap in accessing knowledge but also motivates students to develop self-learning and self-reading skills, an important foundation for lifelong learning.

The smart library brings books to students anytime, anywhere.

In 2025, the Provincial Library organized 8 training courses on the implementation of the VietBiblio shared library management system for 200 libraries in educational institutions throughout the province. This activity contributed to the development of a more synchronized and modern network of smart and digital libraries in the province.

Ms. Dong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Lao Cai Provincial Library, affirmed: Developing smart and digital libraries is an inevitable direction to bring knowledge closer to the people, especially students in disadvantaged areas. In the coming time, the Lao Cai Provincial Library will continue to promote digital transformation, strengthen resource sharing, and provide professional support to schools, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency of library operations and spreading a reading culture in the community.

Ms. Dong Thi Hong Hanh - Director of Lao Cai Provincial Library

Despite remaining challenges regarding facilities, technological infrastructure, and the application capabilities of the staff, the initial results of the smart library model have shown positive and noteworthy signs. From these modern reading spaces, a reading culture is being nurtured and cultivated among the young generation of Lao Cai, contributing to the overall development of the homeland in the era of integration and digital transformation.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/thu-vien-thong-minh-thuc-day-van-hoa-doc-post889650.html