Editorial: “Redefining impact: digital libraries and their communities”

Citation

Tammaro, A.M. (2025), "Editorial: “Redefining impact: digital libraries and their communities”", Digital Library Perspectives, Vol. 41 No. 1, pp. 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-02-2025-153

Digital libraries have evolved to fulfill a mission that transcends mere access to information, becoming transformative platforms that actively engage and improve communities. This vision represents a significant shift from the traditional role of libraries as passive repositories, placing communities at the heart of their purpose.

Although the theoretical potential of digital libraries to foster participatory communities is widely acknowledged, there is a noticeable gap in the literature that addresses their real-world impact. Existing research highlights several impact indicators for digital library services, particularly for distance and remote users and digital library outreach efforts. These indicators encompass user-focused and institutional dimensions of assessment, emphasizing evaluation, enhancement and proactive engagement.

User-centered evaluation

Indicators in this category emphasize understanding and improving user experiences and perceptions. They assess how effectively remote and distance users interact with services and resources, aiming to meet user needs. Metrics such as usability and accessibility standards reflect efforts to provide an intuitive and inclusive experience for diverse users, while qualitative assessments delve into users’ lived experiences with digital library offerings. These evaluations seek to determine whether services are user-friendly, universally accessible and beneficial in achieving users’ educational or professional objectives.

Organizational engagement

This set of indicators focuses on the institution’s proactive role in community outreach and engagement. Organizational impact is demonstrated through strategies like promoting digital collections on social media, integrating resources into educational programs and forming partnerships with other institutions or community groups. The ability of digital libraries to adapt during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights their agility and responsiveness. Initiatives like digital humanities programs exemplify how cross-departmental collaboration can enhance the library’s role as a dynamic partner in scholarship and education.

Outcomes/impact evaluation

The evaluation of outcomes and impact measures the tangible and intangible benefits derived from digital library services. The distinction between outcomes and impact lies in their scope, duration and scale. Outcomes focus on immediate, measurable results, such as increased awareness and usage of resources, or achieving specific user goals. Impact, by contrast, refers to broader, long-term effects, such as systemic changes in education or sustained improvements in community engagement. Impact is inherently more complex to measure and encompasses the lasting significance of digital library interventions on individuals, communities or institutions.

Together, these indicators form a comprehensive framework for evaluating the multifaceted impact of digital libraries in modern contexts. By integrating user engagement, institutional initiatives and measurable results, digital libraries can ensure their relevance and success in serving their communities effectively.

Highlights from this issue

This issue brings together articles from diverse regions, showcasing cutting-edge research in digital libraries. Below is a summary of the nine papers in this issue:

“Evaluating the Progress and Impact of Shodhganga: Enhancements, Challenges, and Future Directions for India’s Centralized ETD Repository”

Panda, Saroja Kumar (Central University of Rajasthan – Central Library – India)

Dey, Somyajeet (Central University of Rajasthan – Central Library – India)

Bhatt, Atul (Gujarat University – Department of Library and Information Science – India)

Satapathy, Aparna (Central University of Rajasthan – Department of Education – India)

The study critically examines Shodhganga, India’s central repository for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), focusing on its development, challenges and future prospects. Key findings highlight improvements in infrastructure and user interface, increased contributions from academic institutions, and a significant representation of social science theses. Recommendations include upgrading technological infrastructure to meet evolving user needs and advancing sustainable development goals.

“Interweaving Academic Insights: Advancing University Knowledge Management Through a Strategic Data Fabric Framework”

Nguyen, Hoa N. (Vietnam National University – Library and Information Science – Vietnam)

Nguyen Thi Kim, Lan (Vietnam National University – Library and Digital Knowledge Center – Vietnam)

Nguyen, Son (Vietnam National University of Engineering and Technology – Faculty of Information Technology – Information Systems – Vietnam)

This research proposes a strategic data fabric framework using ontologies and knowledge graphs to enhance knowledge management at Vietnam National University. It demonstrates improved data integration, accessibility and decision-making processes while addressing the challenges of managing interdisciplinary academic data. The findings emphasize the potential of ontological approaches to optimize data governance and academic collaboration.

“Designing the Digital Transformation Model of Public University Libraries in Iran Based on the Delphi Method”

Noruzi, Alireza (University of Tehran Faculty of Management – Department of Information Science – Iran)

Khoeini, Soheila (University of Tehran Faculty of Management – Department of Information Science and Knowledge Management – Iran)

Naghshineh, Nader (University of Tehran Faculty of Management – Information Science and Knowledge Management – Iran)

Sheikhshoaei, Fatemeh (Tehran University of Medical Sciences Ringgold standard institution – Department of Medical Library and Information Science, School of Allied Medical Sciences – Iran)

This paper outlines a digital transformation model for Iranian university libraries, developed through expert consensus using the Delphi method. The proposed model encompasses various dimensions, such as data-oriented decision-making, digital literacy for librarians and advanced resource management strategies. It serves as a guide for library managers to navigate digital transformation effectively.

“Metadata Harvesting for Digital Library Integration in Ukraine: A Comparative Study of the OAI-PMH Protocol and VuFind’s Efficacy”

Novytskyi, Oleksandr (Institute of Software Systems of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine – Ukraine)

This study examines metadata integration challenges in digital libraries within the context of Ukraine’s Open Science initiatives. It highlights the limitations of the OAI-PMH protocol and explores the benefits of using VuFind for data aggregation. An experimental approach demonstrates how ontological methods can enhance semantic validation and streamline data management processes.

“The Potential Use of Immersive Virtual Environments for Collecting and Archiving Heritage Gameplay Activities in Digital Libraries”

Lau, Kung Wong (Hong Kong Shue Yan University – Applied Data Science – Hong Kong)

The paper explores how immersive virtual environments (IVEs) can be used to archive heritage gameplay activities, emphasizing their potential to create engaging and interactive digital library experiences. It discusses the role of IVEs in preserving cultural heritage, enhancing user immersion and supporting innovative library practices.

“Analysis of Content, Services, and Resources Available and Accessible on Websites of Academic Libraries in Ghana”

Dei, De-Graft Johnson (Dept of Information Studies, University of Ghana – Ghana)

The study reviews the websites of academic libraries in Ghana, highlighting significant disparities in content, resources and services. It identifies public universities as the most advanced, while colleges and specialized schools lag in providing electronic resources and navigational tools. Recommendations focus on enhancing web infrastructure to support teaching, learning and research.

“Librarians and Paraprofessionals’ Digital Literacy Competencies and Digital Programs in Western Visayas Public Libraries: A Mixed-Method Study”

Yap, Joseph (West Visayas State University – College of Information and Communications Technology – Philippines)

Ferro, Catleya (West Visayas State University – College of Information and Communications Technology – Philippines)

Pacardo, Melgie (West Visayas State University – College of Information and Communications Technology – Philippines)

Alayon, Stephen (West Visayas State University – College of Information and Communications Technology – Philippines)

This research investigates digital literacy competencies among librarians and paraprofessionals in public libraries in the Philippines. Findings indicate higher digital literacy levels among librarians, with content creation identified as a challenge. The study calls for targeted capacity-building programs to address competency gaps and enhance digital inclusion initiatives.

“Research Data Management in Institutional Repositories: An Architectural Approach Using Data Lakehouses”

Fang, Wei (Northwestern Polytechnical University Xi’an Shaanxi – China)

He, Zilong (Northwestern Polytechnical University Xi’an Shaanxi – China)

Addressing the complexities of research data management, this paper advocates for adopting data lakehouse architectures within institutional repositories. The proposed model enhances scalability, integration and data accessibility, offering a modernized approach to managing diverse and voluminous research data.

“The impact of Artificial intelligence on Sri Lanka libraries: An Interview with Premila Gamage”

Gamage, Premila (Consultant at Verité Research Institute – Sri Lanka)

Tammaro, Anna Maria (University of Parma – Italy)

Sri Lanka has approximately 1,176 libraries operating nationwide, reflecting the breadth of its library network. As the libraries continue to embrace digital tools and explore AI integration, they are positioning themselves as pivotal institutions for fostering knowledge, innovation and community engagement in Sri Lanka. We spoke with Premila Gamage to gain insights into the state of digital transformation in Sri Lanka, the challenges and opportunities of adopting artificial intelligence in libraries, and the potential of open-source tools and web-based innovations to advance library services.

These articles collectively underscore the evolving role of digital libraries in managing digital transformation, cultural heritage and academic knowledge in a globally connected environment.