The Evolution of Libraries: From Traditional to Smart Digital Spaces in India

The modern-day conversion of libraries to digitally-enabled bureaus has assumed considerable prominence worldwide, especially in India. This paper reports the changes in library systems, databases, and service distribution of several modeled libraries: e., Delhi Library Association, Ravindra Kaushik e-Library in Belagavi Smart City, and the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Library. It outlines the major changes these libraries have faced in fitting into modern technology, from shifting physical collections to the development of digital resources, application of integrated library management systems (ILMS), and accommodation of new services such as virtual consultation and multimedia resources. The study looks at the government initiatives boosting such transitions, among them funding and now infrastructure and digitization. The results suggest that, despite the challenges such as infrastructural constraints, digital literacy, and resource management, the transformation of libraries into smart, digital hubs improves accessibility, user engagement, and resource preservation. This paper ends with recommendations for other libraries and government bodies on ways to further support this digital evolution in a way that would ensure even greater public access to information and societal connectivity.

Keywords - Library Transformation, Smart Libraries, Library Technology Integration, Academic Library Development