The authors discuss the results of the development of the new master version of the State Rubricator of Sci-tech Information (SRSTI, GRNTI) in part of updating and upgrading polyhierarchical links between the ubject headings and developing the rubricator's reference apparatus. New links between subject headings are established in SRSTI classification schedule to reflect the types of subject belonging to different thematic classes and subclasses in various structural locations; reference notes are updated to reveal and specify their subject contents; information on subject heading data maintenance is provided. In total, 1,211 changes are made to the current SRSTI version reference apparatus, including 921 new polyhierarchical links and 43 notes; 133 links and 4 notes removed, information on 99 links and 11 notes updated. Significantly, the link "see also" is the main type of new polyhierarchical links between the subject headings with the 65% share. This evidences on the increasing interdisciplinary component within the SRTSTI structure. The developed reference apparatus of SRTSTI 2025 master version supports the deeper structuring of polyhierarchical links between subject headings and the more clear delineation of their thematic aspects which increases the quality of indexing information resources with relevant subject headings. The study is accomplished under the Government Order to RNPLS&T for 2025 No. 075-00548-25-02 of November 5, 2025 theme No. 1024052200005-7-1.2.1; 5.8.2 (FNEG-2025-0008).
The author analyzes the approaches of RAE pedagogue researchers toward the phenomenon of reading: from reading as a primary school discipline to its social, cultural, psychological, socializing and other functions, as recognized, to a certain degree, through the efforts of the RAE Reading Research Council. The Council contains experts in many disciplines (sociologists, pedagogues, psychologists, neuropsychologists, bibliologists, library scientists, etc.) to study various aspects of reading. The author reviews the contributions by RAE Reading Research Council for 15 years (2010-2025).
In the recent period, several strategic federal and regional documents were adopted in the library field. On March 13, 2021, the RF Government adopted "The strategy for librarianship development in the Russian Federation for the period up to the year 2030"; subsequently, the experts of Sakhalin Regional Universal Library developed "The strategy for librarianship in Sakhalin Region up to the year 2030".with the further approval by the regional Ministry of Culture and Archival Services. Both documents provide a special status to research and methodological support of libraries. The methodological support of municipal libraries is increasingly demanded today with searching for and implementing innovative forms of support and their continuous upgrade. Based on the findings of the study of methodological support of Sakhalin region's public libraries, and their further analysis, the author offers her recommendations to meet the local needs and demand.
This article presents the findings of the study and comparative analysis of the leading trends in the development of academic libraries. The study is based on the content analysis of generalizing research publications of the recent eighteen months (2024-2025). The array of 28 works was selected from open scientific literature databases: Dimensions, Open Alex, GoogleScholar, and eLIBRARY.RU. The four-element library model developed by renowned Russian librarian Yu. N. Stolyarov served as the methodological basis for identifying categories in the content analysis. The library model elements served as the starting point for the analysis; the total of 32 semantic units were identified through categorization. The results of the content analysis are visualized in the tables, where each semantic unit is illustrated with corresponding citations from the selected publications. The comparison of categories and semantic units revealed eight relevant areas for the development of academic libraries today. The word cloud (Wordcloud.online) is used to visualize the results of content analysis. The findings evidence on the potential of Yu. N. Stolyarov's four-element model for the studies of academic libraries at the current stage of their evolution.
The author discusses the experience of Moscow State Institute of Culture (MSIC) in implementing the practice-oriented approach to the leaning activities within the course unit "Personal information culture" (PIC). The peculiarity is that the students reinforce the knowledge they obtain during lectures with practice. Since September 2023, the course "Personal information culture" has been taught to majority of the MSIC students, including the students of the Library and Information Department. The importance of this academic discipline in training specialists in the library and information sphere is emphasized. The focus is also made on the challenges of the practice-oriented approach to teaching PIC. The problems include, in particular, academic fraud, adapting the course for the students with special educational needs (in particular, visually impaired students), as well as psychological characteristics of the young generation. Possible solutions are examined. The author remarks that, in general, the library and information students demonstrate the highest PIC performance.
The authors examine the problems of strategic transformation of scitech libraries (STL) in the context of the national sci-tech policy (NSTP). Based on the register comprising 1,955 organizations, and the study of relevant trends, the authors introduce the unified integrated STI model-The Integrated Research Cycle Hub. The model incorporates four variable profiles (research analytical, technological innovative, educational, and service infrastructural) to be adapted to the specific nature of a university. They substantiate the need for changing the library role from passive information preservation to intensive support of the complete knowledge lifecycle (from idea generation to commercialization of findings). The focus is also made on the model SWOT-analysis and its implementation stages. The authors argue that their approach would empower system modernization of STLs and increase their contribution to the national scientific and innovative infrastructure.
Anatoly Nikolaevich Vaneev is an outstanding figure in the library science, who made significant contribution to the study of various aspects of the discipline. He is a theorist, methodologist, and founder of the history of library science. His works cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of the library science and its place in the system of sciences, methodological issues, library's social functions, library management, readers typologys, reading guidance, and the methodological support of library and information science. A. N. Vaneev contributed to the theory of reading guidance, which he viewed as the system comprising the most complete and high-quality satisfaction of readers' requests, as well as shaping new interests and needs. He proved that reading guidance was the libraries' inherent function. During different historical periods, the reading guidance has manifested itself in various ways, however its essence has always been to assist readers in choosing books and searching for optimum ways to acquire knowledge. Initially, it implied "guidance in reading", and later it redefined itself as a targeted impact upon readers along every vector of library work. As an essential principle, reading guidance has developed into one of the most effective tools within the librarian-reader interaction. The interrelation of reading guidance with the practice of slow reading, which is increasingly introduced into library activities, is shown. The theory of reading guidance developed by A. N. Vaneev is still popular which is evidenced by emerging concepts and studies.
The content of Digital Transformation (DT) as a factor of research library sustainability is discussed. In Part 2, the authors argue that the most significant vectors of digital transformation (DT) in this country are: exponential growth of remote users (readers); development of e-libraries; digital resources and specialized computerized systems; digital user services provided online; personification of library services in the digital environment; library collections digitalization, etc. Eventually, the digital space for collection development, storage and information retrieval emerges. The authors analyze the library digital space, its interior and exterior components. Building open digital information spaces on the basis of libraries induces sustainable development (SD) of residential settlements, attracts users to the libraries, provides specialists with the instrument for advocating and promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The authors describe the thematic collections in ecology and nature management acquired by Russian libraries, including RNPLST. They analyze the findings of the ecological movement survey of Russian regional libraries and discuss challenges and concerns related to the libraries digital transformation (LDT). The authors introduce the term (green ICT). They conclude that against the challenges of SDGs and conspicuous doubts of non-achieving these goals, the digital transformation may become a powerful instrument for achieving them. This is also important in the library and information sector. The authors insist that the digital transformations in the libraries support the SD principles.
The authors discuss digitalization of the Central Sci-Tech Library (CSTL) of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information in Donetsk People's Republic. They analyze the current trends in Russian library sphere digitalization, inclu ding regulative documents and regional strategies. They emphasize that digitalization is vital for ensuring access to information, client orientation and building the single space of scientific knowledge. They examine the approaches toward library modernization; specify the essential digitalization elements, e.g. library collection digitization, acquisition of databases and digital collections. They also discuss the problems of e-library acquisition and the experience of building integrated digital systems. The need to digitize the Central Sci-tech Library as Donbass' oldest multidiscipline specialized library is substantiated. Based on the analysis of current trends, six approaches to the library digitalization are specified. The genesis of the traditional library transformation into the electronic one is discussed. The CSTL digitalization process is detailed, i.e. implementation of IRBIS64 ALIS that enables to start library collection inventory and e-cataloguing; acquisition of the database "Guide to the Library's Depository" based on PostgreSQL DBMS that structures information on the collection, including rare and valuable publications, proceedings and serials on Donbass coal industry. The authors emphasize that SCTL modernization including collection digitalization is the key measure to preserve regional research and cultural legacy and to integrate it into the All-Russia library space. The paper is prepared within the framework of the Government Order No. 075-01624-23-01 theme No. 1023082300046-5-5.8.3 "Donbass coal industry in scitech documentation: Studies of depository and patent collection" (FRSE-2023-0004).
This paper presents the outcomes of the second scientific and practical conference organized by INION RAS, dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) in library activities. The essence of the presentations is summarized, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of using neural network applications in library practice in Russia and neighbor countries. Notably, whereas a year ago the tone of the presentations was set by information business, this year the majority of speakers were library professionals, clearly indicating AI expansion and deepening implementation into the library field. It is evident that library processes today are adapting to the realities of a new level of digital environment. Librarians are constantly addressing emerging technical, methodological, and organizational challenges. Significant progress has been made in cataloging, subject indexing, and high-quality recognition of documentary collections, which has enabled the introduction of substantial information resources into cultural circulation. Despite the high cost of implementing neural network solutions, they demonstrate their effectiveness and economic feasibility. By automating routine tasks, these technologies allow library specialists to focus on more complex and creative objectives. At the same time, the participants observed that the niche for libraries as information intermediaries was steadily shrinking due to the launch of intelligent systems that interact with users at the level of guiding researcher & ycy; or expert consultant & ycy;. This compels serious reflection on the role and functions of libraries in the near future. The conference participants expressed their strong belief that intensive AI use had to become the integral part of library profession. Its informed and knowledgable application can help the libraries to regain the role of active agents in the information sphere, providing services up to the latest standards.
The author discusses several aspects of analyzing publishing activities of young researchers. The study goal is to organize consistent engagement of young professionals into organizational research and development projects. She emphasizes that engagement of young scientists, support of their R&D and innovative projects are among the most significant priorities in the national strategy. The study subject is the data on publications authored or coauthored by young researchers analyzed by the organizational research vectors (reference groups). Both statistical methods and multicriterial analysis are applied; a method to accomplish positional assessment of publication activity is suggested. This methodology embraces the criteria and scales oriented toward automated data mining within existing database tables. The information bases of research organizations and exterior information resources comprising digital eLIBRARY, RISC's bibliographic science citation database & bcy; and The White List information complex will support the program modules to be developed. The test case of suggested algorithms and solutions is discussed. The article is prepared under the Government Order FFMN-2025-0020 "Theoretical and applied studies of modern information technologies. Development of methods and algorithms for visual analytics, intellectual solutions of computer graphics on hybrid architecture and embedded systems, text information and multidimensional data processing".
The author analyzes the results of the All-Russian educational campaign "The Library Dictation" for 2019-2024. The study is based on the campaign organized by Novosibirsk Regional Youth Library. It applies qualitative, quantitative and comparative analysis methods. The findings evidence on the tenfold increase in the number of participants (6,000 in 2024), with the coverage of 76 Russian regions. The author emphasizes that the contest has transformed from the youth into the intergenerational one. He specifies the most challenging tasks and provides the examples. The most difficult questions deal with the foreign library experiences and modern practices. The author offers recommendations for the project development: to adapt the content for different age groups, to exclude local speciality questions for the geographically extended audience, and to focus on the young professionals while keeping the project attractive for older age groups. Within the conceptual framework, the author recommends to generate the thesaurus of key competences for test programming, to implement the system of question cross-validation by extended expert team, and to introduce multilevel assessment system and test tasks for different proficiency levels.
The article summarizes the practical experience of the Scientific Library of the Belarusian National Technical University (BNTU) in building a full-featured digital collection within the institutional repository with generative artificial intelligence (AI). The relevance of the study is determined by the need to master new technologies and to expand the range of library services and acquiring the unique digital content. The authors analyze and detail into the proven technique of building the digital illustrated collection << 105-infinity >>, applied in the BNTU Repository. The presented methodology covers all stages of the project: from concept development and selection of AI tools (ChatGPT, DALL-E 3) to generation of textual and visual content, document formation and allocation in the repository. The fo cus is made on the practical aspects of prompt engineering, metadata management, as well as ethical and copyright issues in the context of placing AI-generated materials. The result of the study is not only the acquired collection, but also the scalable methodology, demonstrating the key advantages (automation, creation of innovative content) and limitations (the need for verification, adherence to ethical standards) of using AI. The accomplished case study is of practical significance, as other libraries and repositories can use its findings.
The authors discuss RNPLS&T organizational and technological ap proaches toward designing “Methodological chatbot for libraries”. They substantiate the relevance of chatbot as a digital service intended to develop diverse professional competences. The system of building library professional competences is multicomponent, multilevel and polythematic, including using and designing various automated interaction systems. The authors suggest which library competences can be built with methodological chatbot, i. e. the basic, event-driven, analytical, digital, and technological. Correspondingly the RNPLS&T’s chatbot architecture was structured and designed, and further trial and implementation took place. The authors describe the functionality of the virtual assistant, its target audience, architecture, navigation system and content oriented toward logical algorithms of librarians’ queries. The functions of the methodological chatbot (educational, navigational, corrective, controlling) can be detailed based on the subject matter. The authors substantiate the choice of Telegram for the methodological and programming decisions and of @BotFather and @Manybot and their basic functionality. They demonstrate the structure hierarchy of the chatbot and content navigation sequence.
The author explores the role of the Library of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in the educational and research processes. She analyzes the library's key functions including providing students and faculty with the access to relevant learning and scientific resources, educating information literacy, and support of research initiatives. She also emphasizes the role of the library in the dynamic academic environment, e. g. book displays, poetry club, webinars, multimedia projects, etc. The author also accentuates that the library is a key element in effective educational process and university's scientific authority.
The article is dedicated to the memory of the outst anding Russian scholar Rujero Sergeevich Gilyarevsky (1929–2025). The author applies the classical methods of historical research. She emphasizes R. S. Gilyarevsky's contribution to the library and information sciences and his influence on the middle-aged generation of researchers. The author also analyzes the scholar's views on the role of the book in the transient world. The article comprises the author's personal memories of R. S. Gilyarevsky.
The article is dedicated to the memory of late Rujero Sergeevich Gilayrevsky. For the first time, the author attempts to analyze the scholar's contribution to the theory and methodology of information management, She offers the chronology of Gilarevsky's studies of evolution, structure, methods and instruments of information management as reflected in his papers delivered at conferences, published in professional serials, scientific discussions, encyclopedic entries, and in monographs.
The authors discuss the challenges of AI technologies implementation in libraries. The validity of the study is determined by onrush of AI technologies and AI introduction into every sphere of life. The study of AI practical application in libraries is very important for the analysis of changes in the library sphere in the 21st century. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration of AI developers and libraries when implementing AI. The authors discuss the related cases of AI implementation in the libraries of Russia, India, Jordan, Oman, Turkey, and South Africa and analyze advantages and drawbacks of AI application in other spheres.
The author reviews research and bibliographic legacy of Rujero Gilyarevsky, a prominent scholar (1929–2025), and introduces the concept of Gilyarevsky’s school. The author also recollects his personal discussions with Gilyarevsky.
Rujero S. Gilyarevsky is a prominent Russian scholar, doctor of science in philology, professor, founder of information science, well-known professional in librarianship and information sector, and RF Honored Worker of Science. For many years, R. S. Gilyarevsky headed the RAS VINITI Division of Theoretical and Applied Information Studies, and was the editor-in-chief of leading journals on information technologies, processes and systems. Professor V. V. Skvortsov called Gilyarevsky science classic, founder and leader. In the fall 2024, the Russian State Archive of Scientific and Engineering Documentation started depositing Gilyarevsky's personal archive.
