Digitalizing Central Sci-Tech Library of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information

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, including 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.