CryptoBooks: next-generation library management with NFTs and blockchain technology

Purpose This study proposes CryptoBooks, a novel framework integrating cryptographic hashing and blockchain-based non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to ensure document authenticity, ownership and integrity in digital library environments. Design/methodology/approach A design science research approach is adopted to develop and demonstrate a prototype system combining SHA-512 hashing, InterPlanetary File System storage and Ethereum-based NFT minting. The workflow is implemented using Python scripting, decentralized storage and smart contract deployment via Remix Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Findings The prototype demonstrates that digital documents can be transformed into immutable, verifiable assets with embedded cryptographic fingerprints and decentralized ownership records. The system ensures tamper-evident verification, transparent provenance tracking and independent authentication without reliance on centralized authorities. Mapping the framework against established authenticity criteria shows that its three components correspond to the content, agent and time of creation of a record. Practical implications The framework supports digital preservation, forgery prevention and verifiable credentialing in academic libraries. Seven applications are identified, including provenance for special collections, priority claims in academic integrity disputes and mitigation of reference rot. A staged adoption roadmap is proposed whose first stage requires no distributed ledger and no expenditure. Originality/value While cryptographic hashing combined with token-based ownership is established in other sectors, this study is among the first to adapt the approach to document-level authentication in libraries and to map its components onto the conditions of authenticity codified in archival science.