Digitisation of Library Services in Odesa Region: Experience and Prospects

The aim of the article is to identify scientifically grounded approaches to effective implementing of digital technologies in library services of Ukraine, particularly, of Odesa region, as well as to determine main challenges faced by libraries in the context of digitisation. Research methods. To achieve the set goal, scientific methods of analysis, synthesis and comparison are applied in this article. This makes it possible to comprehensively assess the state of digitisation of library services in Odesa region, and to identify main problems of implementation and outline prospects for the development of digital technologies in the library sector of the region. A generalisation method is used to systematise main approaches and models of library service digitisation, which allows to develop recommendations for the further development of digital services in Odesa region libraries. The scientific novelty consists in identifying main challenges and prospects for the development of digital library services in Odesa region, particularly, in elaborating recommendations for optimising the work of libraries in the digital environment, which will contribute to increasing of accessibility and efficiency of library services for remote users. Main conclusions. In the context of studying the features of digitisation of library services in Odesa region, the specific features of the library network of this area are researched, its basis is determined (Odesa National Scientific Library), and the main directions of digital transformation are analysed. It is established that at the current stage, Odesa National Scientific Library is actively implementing and developing virtual services aimed at prompt and high-quality satisfaction of users’ information and cultural needs with the help of digital technologies. The main directions of using information and communication technologies in the activity of Odesa region libraries are outlined. Libraries have become centres of digital education, offering free online courses and individual consultations with librarians. Therefore, digital transformation, in spite of the emergence of new tasks and challenges, opens new opportunities for strengthening the role and significance of libraries in the life of certain people and society in general.