PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE DIGITAL ERA: STRATEGIES FOR RELEVANCE, ACCESS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

This research is to determine the current significance of public libraries especially within the ever-shifting technology and emerging challenges in the conservation of history and creation of knowledge and collaboration within the society. It is notable for stressing both threats and possibilities provided by the process of digitalisation. Some of them are the lack of connectivity between the possibilities offered by the digital environment and the problems occurring at certain stages of education, not receiving enough funding, and the change in users’ expectations. Public libraries play an all the more important role in the digitization of the local culture that includes making the historical documents and archives available to the public. They have the responsibility of promoting the culture of lifelong learning through provision of educational materials and services. Accordingly, the study advises that the development and policies that are formulated in the future must concentrate on the improvements of the physical infrastructure of the libraries, on the extension and the development of more services and products in the digital format, and the staff development