CHANGING ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF LIBRARIES IN THE DIGITAL ERA: A SECONDARY DATA-BASED STUDY

Abstract

Libraries have always played an important role in education, research, culture and access to information. However, the rapid growth of digital technology has changed the way libraries collect, organize, preserve and provide information. The modern library is no longer limited to printed books and physical reading spaces. It increasingly provides electronic books, online journals, databases, institutional repositories, internet facilities, remote access, digital literacy support, research assistance and technology-based services. The present study examines the changing role and continuing importance of libraries in the digital era through secondary data. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature. Data and evidence were collected from published research articles, professional reports and official sources, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), UNESCO, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), the National Digital Library of India (NDLI), the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and other scholarly sources. The analysis shows that digital technology has not reduced the importance of libraries; rather, it has widened their responsibilities. Libraries now work as hybrid learning spaces, digital access centres, research-support units, information-literacy centres, cultural repositories and community knowledge hubs. Current developments in artificial intelligence are further changing reference, discovery and information-management services. At the same time, libraries face challenges related to finance, digital infrastructure, staff skills, copyright, privacy, misinformation and unequal access to technology. The study concludes that the future library will remain important when it combines reliable information, professional guidance, inclusive digital access and human-centred services.