Libraries at the stage of transition from the “Guttenberg galaxy” to the “Internet galaxy”. Analytical Review

Abstract

The review examines the functional transformation and rethinking of the mission of libraries in the context of the modern societal changes and the development of information and communication technologies. On the one hand, the traditional role of libraries as «knowledge storages» is supplemented by such tasks as defense of human rights and creating space for public life. On the other hand, libraries are becoming significant actors in the digital communication space. Thus, in order to respond to the demands of the times, libraries develop and provide new digital services, change their space to be more open for public life, focus on social inclusion and even act as defenders of civil rights and freedom. These processes and the library itself as a sociocultural phenomenon can be analyzed in various theoretical perspectives. As far as the activities of libraries affect the social, digital and physical aspects of the interaction of people and objects, it is assumed that in the future libraries can be described as sociocyberphysical systems.