Harnessing the Power of Digital Repositories for Knowledge Management: Challenges and Innovations in the Digital Transformation of Libraries

Abstract: The digital evolution of libraries is a continuous and complex endeavor aimed at improving the accessibility, safeguarding, and distribution of knowledge. As libraries shift from conventional, print-based systems to modern digital infrastructures, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and progressive strategies becomes essential. This paper delves into the incorporation of Knowledge Management (KM) methodologies within digital repositories, highlighting how processes like the systematic acquisition, classification, dissemination, and utilization of knowledge are becoming deeply integrated into library systems. Digital repositories function as pivotal platforms for curating diverse types of digital content, such as scholarly articles, research datasets, audiovisual materials, and institutional documentation. In this transformative landscape, libraries are transitioning from being static information storehouses to becoming dynamic, interactive centers for knowledge exchange. At the core of this transformation are digital repositories, which facilitate instant access to information, promote collaborative knowledge creation, and ensure the sustained preservation of digital resources. This study investigates the critical role of digital repositories in supporting KM practices, assesses the technological, institutional, and ethical obstacles encountered, and explores innovative solutions—including AI applications, data analytics, and open-access models—that empower libraries to navigate and excel in the digital era.