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2024 LibTech: Library and Information Science Journal Vol 5 · 1 ISSN 2723-7605

Transformation: Traditional and Modern Library Services

Universitas Airlangga; Universitas Airlangga; Universitas Airlangga

Abstract

The development of information and communication technology has changed library services from traditional to modern. In the current era, digital libraries have utilized technologies such as barcoding to improve operational efficiency, speed up the process of borrowing, returning and collection data collection. Objective: to understand the differences between traditional and modern library services and the skills librarians need to manage these changes. Methods: Analysis, synthesis and comparison methods were used to understand library development services from various aspects. This involves historical, social, cultural and technological analysis. Results: that digital libraries are not just about collecting materials online, but also providing services, maintaining traditions, and providing access to accurate information. Comparison of traditional and modern library services shows significant changes in terms of functions, technologies used, and service efficiency. Recommendation: Librarians should develop new skills and utilize technology to improve library services.
Keywords: Transformation · Library Services · Information and Communication Technology

Introduction

The transformation of traditional library services into modern ones through the utilization of information and communication technology is becoming an increasingly interesting topic (Misbah, 2021) Traditional libraries are often associated with manual management processes, having printed collections, and being accessed on-site. In contrast, modern library services utilize the latest information technology to provide more appealing, innovative, and efficient information services. Modern libraries use technologies such as barcoding to enhance operational efficiency in the borrowing, returning, and cataloging processes, making these processes faster and time-saving (Husaini et al., n.d.). As access to information on the internet becomes easier, modern libraries are actually growing and facing new challenges (Mayega, n.d.). These challenges force librarians to adapt to changes, think creatively, and master new technologies. This is crucial so that their skills in managing information can be maximized to create innovative and appropriate modern library services. A library is a place where a certain community can access various information sources to meet their needs. Khode (2004) The internet has played a crucial role in this transformation, providing access to a variety of free information sources and services, such as electronic journals, e-books, and online databases. These information sources can be books, journals, articles, and other resources that can be accessed either physically or through digital platforms. A library can be a physical building or room that provides a collection of library materials, or it can also be a virtual space where access to digital resources is provided. In both forms, the library aims to provide easy and extensive access to the community to obtain relevant information and support learning, research, and general knowledge . Library collections typically consist of a variety of diverse materials, such as books, magazines, newspapers, manuscripts, films, maps, prints, CDs, microforms, tapes, video tapes, DVDs, e-books, audio books, databases, and other data storage formats. So, there are many choices of information sources that can be accessed in the library. The size of the library also varies, ranging from a few bookshelves to several million items. There are small libraries that only have a limited collection, and there are large libraries that store a lot of library materials. The larger the library, the more information sources that can be accessed by its visitors. Eka (2018) In Latin and Indonesian, the concept of a bookshelf is represented by the words "bibliotheca" and "perpustakaan". These terms are used to describe a place where a collection of library materials is stored and can be accessed by the public. In various modern languages, such as English, French, and others, similar terms are used to refer to institutions that provide access to various types of library materials. Moyo (2004) Modern libraries provide various types of services to users. These services include photocopying services, subscription services, provision of periodical publications, use of learning resource centers with online multimedia facilities, and research assistance. Libraries should also have leaflets that provide instructions to users, as well as professional staff ready to provide information and answer user questions. In addition, libraries provide scanning and printing services, reprographic services, new book services, newspaper archive services, and many more. In comparison to traditional libraries, the services provided are more limited. Traditional libraries generally only provide photocopying services, magazine publishing, reservations, staff support, and subscription services. Salama dan Case (2008;2012) modern libraries have undergone a paradigm shift in their services, resulting in a revolution in the way libraries operate. With more diverse and sophisticated services, modern libraries can better meet user needs. The services provided cover various aspects, such as access to digital information, research assistance, and multimedia facilities that help users gain knowledge. This is a significant change in the library world, following the development of technology and increasingly complex user needs. Libraries have a long history and serve as supporters of the information society in cultural and academic development. Public, academic, and special library systems play an important role in providing access to original works, archives, and other information sources. In its development, digital libraries are becoming increasingly important in the digital information era of the 21st century. Bailin (2011) Digital libraries not only provide close access to material sources, but also provide contextualization and additional resources that are not limited to the physical space of conventional libraries. Rockenbach (2013) Digital libraries have a dominant role in providing various resources such as books, scientific magazines, journals, manuscripts, archives, articles, and many more. Significant transformations in libraries occur through adaptation and utilization of the latest technology. Digital libraries allow scholars to participate in various activities that were previously difficult or even impossible to do. Sasongko (2015) Through these digital libraries, libraries, archives, and museums have managed to bring together high-quality original digital materials from various sources into one repository. Thus, researchers and students can now access collections of rare works stored in various institutions online, without having to make direct visits to these places. In addition, researchers conducting lexical psis also get the opportunity to count the number of occurrences of words/phrases or perform syntax analysis not only on one work individually, but also on the entire series of works. Koehler (2004) The existence of digital libraries also allows library staff to present different interpretations of a work, author, or idea simultaneously, which is an implementation of decentralized critical authority, one of the principles in postmodernist thinking. However, it should be remembered that misunderstandings will occur if we assume that digital libraries only function as a means to access materials more quickly and easily without having to visit physical storage facilities. Although digital technology has great potential in facilitating activities in various fields, including in libraries, the best results obtained are often opportunities to do something truly new and innovative. Digital libraries have great potential to open up new activity opportunities for future scientists that they never imagined before. On the other hand, advances in the education system are driven by information available in various forms, such as books, magazines, references, teaching manuals, and research, which provide access to new knowledge. In ancient libraries, information was collected in various forms, such as clay tablets and papyrus. With the invention of paper, knowledge was disseminated through the medium of books (Kousoulis & Lazaridis, n.d.). Over time, manuscript libraries turned into print libraries. Currently, libraries provide useful reference services for users in both traditional and digital forms. Hunter (2010) With easy and fast access to diverse sources of knowledge, digital libraries provide opportunities for them to continue developing their research and scientific exploration. Through digital libraries, scientists and researchers can access thousands of scientific journals, books, and other resources online, without being limited by geographical or time constraints (Byrne, n.d.). In addition, digital libraries also play an important role in supporting the education system. access to new knowledge in various forms, such as e-books, scientific articles, and online databases, digital libraries make it easy for students and learners to get reading materials and references relevant to their studies. This allows them to complete their academic tasks more efficiently and in depth. Digital libraries also play a role in the development of the culture and academics of today's information society (Ember, n.d.). With easy and wide access to knowledge, individuals can continue to learn and develop themselves in various fields, both academic and non academic. Digital libraries allow us to keep up with the latest developments in the fields of science, technology, arts, and culture, so that we can stay relevant and adapt to the changing times. Therefore, The aim of this research will be explain superiority of modern library services. Where is modern librarys is identity with digital library. Digital libraries have great potential in supporting the development of the culture and academics of today's information society. With easy, fast, and wide access to new knowledge, digital libraries become an important means for scientists, researchers, students, and the general public to continue learning, developing themselves, and keeping up with the times.

Method

This research approach is library research, library research is a series of related activities using library data collection methods, reading and taking notes as well processing research materials (Zed, 2014). The research methodology adopted in this study is the scientific method commonly used in research, which includes analysis, synthesis, and comparison. The first analys on development and transformation of traditional library services into modern library services. Initially, analysis is used to gain a deep understanding of traditional library services. In this stage, the researcher will collect data and information on how traditional libraries operate, including the process of borrowing and returning books, cataloging, and storing collections. Maurya (2019) The analysis in this study will involve an extensive and in-depth literature study on the development and transformation of traditional library services into modern ones. This literature study will involve references from various sources such as scientific journals, books, research reports, and related articles. Synthesis is used to combine and analyze the data that has been collected (Toronto & Remington, n.d.) The researcher will look for patterns and trends in the development of traditional library services, as well as identify weaknesses and challenges faced in the context of technology and societal changes. At this stage, the researcher will also involve comparison with modern library services to see the differences and changes that have occurred. Finally, the researcher will make a comparison between traditional and modern library services. In this stage, the researcher will identify how modern library services have adopted technology and innovation to improve efficiency and accessibility. Indrák & Pokorná (2021) The researcher will also look at how modern libraries are able to provide digital services. This comparison will provide a better understanding of the transformation that has occurred in library services and its impact on users and society. By using this scientific method, this study will provide a comprehensive insight into the development and transformation of traditional library services into modern library services. The results of this study are expected to provide a better understanding of the importance of adopting technology and innovation in library services, as well as its implications and benefits for users and society as a whole.

Result & Discussion

Reade (2017) The era of traditional libraries began with the preservation of information written on clay tablets, stones, and cloth. Libraries have always been crucial for the development of civilization. Their transformation occurred: from the old system, where mentors orally imparted knowledge to students, before recording and storing information in various media. The first recorded library in Indonesia was a church library in Batavia, initiated in 1624 and inaugurated on April 27, 1643 (-Basuki, n.d.). Printing, which emerged in Europe in the mid-15th century, significantly increased the circulation of printed information sources, and therefore the number of public, university, and academic libraries increased. Subsequently, criteria were established for library staff, their jobs, functions, working conditions, wages, etc. The development of library efforts is associated with the name M. Dewey. Miksa, (1988) In 1883, he became a librarian at Columbia College, and the following year he founded the School of Library Economics, the first institution in history to train librarians. In academic institutions, new fields of study were introduced, information for their study was found in libraries. To meet the needs of library users, libraries began to provide information through books, periodicals, journals, handbooks, maps, articles, and standards. So the information spread all over the world. Libraries are typically considered as warehouses of knowledge used by researchers, teachers, students, practitioners, such as lawyers and doctors. The information provided by traditional libraries was printed with catalog references and indexes. In the era of globalization and the influence of information and communication technology, there has been an explosion of information and the spread of Internet technology. Information is now available in electronic form, especially in the form of electronic books, which are gradually changing the role of libraries from traditional to digital (Vijaya12_144-152 (1), n.d.). In the 21st century, digital information can be accessed worldwide, so librarians face new challenges in distributing it, such as through cloud storage. Under any circumstances, library personnel are a crucial factor in managing and providing services to users. Traditionally, libraries are not just about collections, but also about serving users, being accountable for collections, finding and processing information sources, and upholding ethical traditions, such as freedom of speech, confidentiality, and equal access to information for everyone (Lewis, n.d.). However, in the last decade of the 20th century, technological changes and public sector funding cuts have brought significant changes to libraries. For the first time, the physical aspect of the library can be separated from the digital access and services provided by the library (Blandford et al., n.d.). This has sparked much discussion about the role of libraries in the past and possibly in the future, as well as speculation about whether libraries still have a future. In the digital age, librarians continue to play an important role in administering and offering services to users. Modern libraries are more than simply book collections; they are also about serving users, being accountable for collections, locating and processing information sources, and supporting ethical traditions like free speech, confidentiality, and equitable access to information for all (Hernon, 2019). Library staff must adapt to new technology and changing user needs, ensuring that both physical and digital resources are accessible and efficiently used. However, technological advancements and public-sector funding decreases in recent decades have resulted in considerable changes to libraries. These changes have resulted in the creation of digital libraries, in which a library's physical area is isolated from the digital access and services it offers. This transition has allowed libraries to reach a larger audience and provide a greater range of services, such as online databases, e-books, and virtual reference services (Xu et al., 2022). The move to digital materials has spurred significant debate about libraries' shifting function. While some fear that traditional libraries will become obsolete, others believe that libraries are more vital than ever as hubs for digital literacy, information access, and community participation. Libraries' future depends on their ability to blend traditional functions with new digital opportunities, ensuring that they continue to serve as crucial educational and information resources. In the discussion about why physical libraries will not disappear just because of the existence of online collections, Houghton (2013) states that the role of a physical library is to "select, collect, organize, store, and provide access to information for many user communities". Sarasvathy, (2012) identifies four main characteristics of a public library: it must be a physical place, it serves as a center for ongoing educational development, it fulfills the mission of serving the poor, and it ensures smooth access to information for the public. Thus, libraries still play a crucial role in providing access and information services to the public. Pandian (2008) argues that although technological changes have brought significant changes, libraries can continue to adapt and play a relevant role in providing quality and equitable access to information for everyone. Almost all public libraries have a good service component. In this regard, almost all libraries, except the smallest, have a significant "user services" department. This department is usually run by librarians who are trained to assist users in properly utilising the library's facilities and resources. Barry (2017) These librarians have usually attended courses such as "civil service" or "reference interview" to acquire the necessary skills. People generally regard librarians as people who help them and can fulfil their needs in finding information. Many libraries also provide information to patrons who have different levels of expertise in using the same collection. Prianggita & Meliyawati, (2022) The library caters to a variety of different user groups, including those with diverse learning and interaction modalities, levels of expertise in various subjects, and so on. As a result, public libraries serve people of all ages and professional backgrounds. They cater from those with reading disabilities to leading scholars. Sandhu, (2018) Academic libraries cater to students with limited knowledge in a particular field, teachers who are experts in that field, and also non-native speakers who may understand detailed concepts in a particular field, but face difficulties in understanding the language used in those concepts. Reed-Scott (1984) Most libraries implement collection management components, for some of which the most important are reorganizing resources and controlling the arrival of new resources. However, for most libraries, maintaining the sustainability of their collections is a very serious function. Especially for research libraries and special collections, the preservation of materials is an important part of their primary responsibility. Although libraries sometimes experience temporary closures, they are generally social entities with a high degree of stability. Weinstein & Mcfarlane (2017) Although services may change over time, users rely on libraries to provide a stable set of services. When there is a change in service, there is usually a request for feedback from users of that service that lasts for a considerable period of time. Han & Goulding (2003) Another important component of libraries is that each library provides services to access information that is not physically available in the library. Each library becomes part of a global network of libraries that work together to provide information to users who only have physical access to one library. Tools such as shared catalogues and interlibrary loan services have created an interoperable network of libraries that are used to locate and transmit information resources from various places, even before the Internet. So, with this library network, users can access information remotely. Libraries also have a strong ethical tradition. Klinefelter Dan Noh, (2012) These traditions include protecting users' privacy with the utmost care, providing equal access to materials for everyone, valuing information diversity, and providing services for the underprivileged, among others. Librarians also act as custodians of public information and have great respect for ethical values. The library's tradition of maintaining privacy involves a policy of not disclosing individual data that can identify what a person has borrowed and their search history. Librarians are also committed to promoting fair access to information for everyone, including those who cannot afford to pay for it on the open market. In fact, the American Library Association once challenged the Access to Information Act in court because it prevented library users from accessing information that they could obtain from other sources outside the library. Librarians have been pioneers in fighting the privatization of government information in the United States, arguing that this would limit access to information for those who cannot afford it. In addition, librarians are also active in ensuring the diversity of information by collecting it intentionally. Collection development policies in libraries are often diverse, with different approaches. Librarians serve as the main defenders of ethical values. As guardians of information, they ensure that the richness and mission of the library is preserved. With the advancement of information in digital form, there is often a misconception that a large amount of online material can already be considered a "digital library". However, a true library, whether in digital or conventional form, does not consist of just a collection of online materials. Libraries, whether digital or conventional, have a broader role. They do not only provide services, but also practice ethical traditions that are an integral part of their function. A new digital collection can truly be categorized as a digital library when it not only presents online materials, but also involves a variety of services and upholds the ethical principles on which libraries are based. In this case, digital libraries are not just about storing and accessing online materials, but also involve various services that provide added value to users and ensure the continuity of the library's ethical traditions. It is important to understand that a true digital library does not only consist of online materials, but also involves diverse services and upholds the ethical traditions of libraries. The primary function of libraries and library staff is to provide users with accurate information from available resources. A comparison of the differences in traditional and modern library functions is presented in the following table: Table 1. Comparative Analysis Of Traditional And Modern Library Functions [Modern library functionality: Provides users with easy access to information available in a variety of electronic formats | Traditional library functionality: Library employees carry out their duties in the collection, cataloging, classification, periodicals and other sections as needed.][Modern library functionality: Determining needs and finding sources of information for users | Traditional library functionality: Determination and discovery of various methods of obtaining economical and quality books for libraries][Modern library functionality: Providing e-books, online magazines and other digital publications to users, according to their needs. | Traditional library functionality: Purchase of books, periodicals, magazines (through relevant sellers and on reader recommendations)][Modern library functionality: Registration of subscriptions to online magazines, e-books, databases and provision of Internet network capabilities to use resources. | Traditional library functionality: Distribution of publishing catalogs between faculties for book recommendations as needed][Modern library functionality: Library automation with the help of library software and providing fast access, reference services to users | Traditional library functionality: Communicate with teachers, for recommendations for various titles and print magazines required by the curriculum][Modern library functionality: Provides public access Internet directory services to users with networking capabilities and assistance in sharing resources | Traditional library functionality: Preparing a budget for purchasing new publications and library equipment][Modern library functionality: Development of a library website to receive information from various locations, providing links to resources | Traditional library functionality: Accounting for materials received, both print and digital][Modern library functionality: Libraries must have digital library software to access digital content | Traditional library functionality: Processing of materials for access based on cataloging and book classification, as well as preparation of indexes and organizing collections for effective use][Modern library functionality: Gives users access to previous issues of the online magazine | Traditional library functionality: Providing indexation; abstract; help desk; information services, etc][Modern library functionality: Acquire digital library support skills in addition to technical skills | Traditional library functionality: Provision of information from traditional sources, including access to digital resources][Modern library functionality: Library staff must have knowledge of hardware and software to provide traditional, digital, electronic, and virtual services to users using digital collections | Traditional library functionality: Providing information services and selective distribution services to users through various sources] Table 1 shows changes in the work organization of traditional and electronic libraries. In addition, it is important to compare traditional and modern library services Table 2. Table 2 [Service: Library infrastructure | Traditional library: Collection storage requires large space and buildings | Modern library: storing digital collections in a cloud space equipped with a usage system without the need for a large building][Service: Provide knowledge | Traditional library: Community, students, etc | Modern library: Students, academics, laboratories, researchers][Service: Libraries create | Traditional library: Traditional libraries provide access to physical materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, and special collections. Users must visit the library in person to access these resources. | Modern library: Digital libraries provide access to a wide array of electronic materials, including e-books, journals, databases, multimedia, and digital archives. Users can access these resources remotely from anywhere with an internet connection.][Service: Library processing | Traditional library: Traditionally, information about library materials is recorded in card catalogs. Each item has a physical card with details about its content and location. | Modern library: Information about digital materials is recorded in online catalog entries, which provide comprehensive details and links to the resources. This system enhances the efficiency of managing and retrieving information][Service: Library processing techniques | Traditional library: In the registry, all work is manual | Modern library: Automatic system application, ex: SliMs, etc][Service: Library services | Traditional library: All activities such as cataloging, collection maintenance and circulation recording are carried out manually | Modern library: using automation machines to make work easier and shorten time][Service: Software used | Traditional library: Manually. Software is not used | Modern library: The software like SliMs is mandatory][Service: Reference Tool | Traditional library: In manual mode like using catalog card, librarian expertise, etc. | Modern library: Just software like using OPAC, digital archives and repository, etc.][Service: User Transaction Protection Library | Traditional library: The index or catalog of library materials is not kept up-to-date or is incomplete | Modern library: Databases, electronic collections They support][Service: Late Reminder Return | Traditional library: Manual tasks, such as sending notes and notifications to users, are carried out. | Modern library: Remind users via email and telephone][Service: Educational qualifications | Traditional library: Not taken seriously, works on trust because the important thing is that librarians can carry out their duties, such as managing collections, providing services to visitors, and maintaining order. | Modern library: Users have the required qualifications because they manage digital information systems, ensure data security and privacy, and provide guidance to users in making effective use of electronic resources.][Service: Efficiency Time factor | Traditional library: Librarians complete all of the work manually, making it less efficient and time-consuming. | Modern library: Because software assists with the process, it is more efficient and takes less time.][Service: Required space | Traditional library: The collection is limited to physical collections and the major goal is to give a reading place, so it requires less room. | Modern library: Modern equipment demands extra room since technology necessitates additional area for installation, cooling, ventilation, and electrical wiring.] The scientific novelty of the work lies in the digital library concept which has revolutionized the library sector with the help of information and communication technologies. In this digital era, libraries are no longer limited to physical collections of books, but also have digital and electronic collections that can be accessed online. The transformational transformation of library services from traditional to modern is very important in improving library services. By understanding the characteristics of this transformational transformation, libraries can improve their services and provide a better experience for users. This proves that the transformation of libraries from traditional to modern has a significant positive impact in improving library services.

Conclusion

The conclusion is that a digital library is a means of collecting, storing, organizing and disseminating information systematically in digital form. Digital libraries use technology and networks to connect people with resources to ensure universal access to the information. The relationship between digital libraries and other information services tends to be transparent. In comparing traditional and modern library services, there are several important points that need to be considered in creating a modern library. First, librarians need to adapt to today's challenges. Today's librarians must have skills in compiling and organizing resources, but the future will require them to have skills that are oriented towards change, think creatively, and master new technological skills in creating information resources and services. Librarians who follow a traditional path need to be aware of modern trends and be able to adapt to the social and technological changes occurring in the library field. Additionally, because libraries are different from internet cafes, librarians are the right professionals to properly evaluate online resources and provide accurate information to scholars and the public. Second, improvements in traditional library services are needed and it is important to introduce new methods and equipment to overcome the gap between traditional and modern library services through the use of integrated library management software. Information technology has a very important role in the rapid growth of modern library services, as the internet and related technologies have opened up a new environment for providing better information resources and services to users. In improving traditional library services, efforts need to be made to adopt new methods and equipment that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of services. One important step is to use integrated library management software, which allows better management in terms of organization, storage and access to information. With this software, libraries can optimize the collection management process, make it easier to search and borrow books, and increase interaction with users through features such as chatbots or online help systems. The importance of information technology in the growth of modern library services cannot be overlooked. The Internet and related technologies have opened up new opportunities in providing broader access to information resources and services. Through digital libraries, users can access digital collections, e-books, electronic journals and online databases that provide a richer variety of resources. Apart from that, information technology also allows libraries to provide more interactive services, such as online discussion forums, webinars, or distance learning programs.