Transformation of the Role of Libraries in the Digital Educational Environment

The purpose of the article is to analyze key trends and challenges driving the transformation of libraries in the digital age. The object of the research is modern libraries in the digital educational environment. The subject of research is the transformation processes affecting library roles, electronic information resources integration, and professional competencies of librarians. The relevance of the study stems from the urgent necessity to understand and address the convergence of traditional library functions with modern digital educational practices, ensuring libraries adapt effectively to the demands of contemporary society. The methodology of this theoretical analysis involves a comprehensive review and synthesis of scholarly literature, institutional case studies, and international best practices. Particular attention is given to the practical experiences of academic libraries, notably the Scientific and Technical Library of Lviv Polytechnic National University and the Vasyl Stefanyk Lviv National Scientific Library, which illustrate successful implementations of innovative digital services, including artificial intelligence, open science initiatives, and inclusive access strategies. The conceptual framework incorporates perspectives on information society, digital competencies, and inclusive access. The results. 1. Identification of key areas in which libraries undergo significant transformation, including the development of digital competencies among librarians, the adoption of AI technologies, and integration of electronic information resources such as institutional repositories and digital platforms. 2. Recognition of the changing professional profile of librarians, highlighting the transition from passive information intermediaries to active digital curators and advisors in research and academic integrity. 3. Analysis of the inclusivity of library services, addressing the adaptation of digital services to meet the needs of diverse user groups, including persons with disabilities, elderly individuals, and incarcerated students, thus promoting digital equity. 4. Discussion of the challenges related to technological compatibility, metadata standardization, and the lack of unified normative legal frameworks, which hinder the effective integration of Ukrainian libraries into global informational networks. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive analysis of transformational dynamics within libraries in the context of digital educational environments, particularly in relation to the implementation of AI-driven solutions and inclusive digital platforms. It also provides a comparative perspective on international and Ukrainian experiences in these transformative processes. The practical significance of the article includes identifying key phases and mechanisms of digital transformation, outlining professional development strategies for librarians, and suggesting pathways for harmonizing Ukrainian library standards with international best practices.