Libraries look to the future

 

Vũ Dương Thúy Ngà

Are there any differences in the services offered between different types of libraries?

The rapid application of technology has helped more people access public information. Such a change has required libraries to adapt to the changed behaviours of library users. The traditional name “library” has been called by new names, like “electronic library”, "digital library”, “virtual library” and “online library”. Each library name reflects the service change offered by that library.

For example a digital library means all information is digitised and is accessible through computers only, whereas information is accessible through various electronic devices at an electronic library (e-library).

Despite the rapid development of modern technology, the traditional libraries still have a role to play.

What is the current status of electronic libraries in Việt Nam?

Electronic libraries first came into being in the early 1990s, particularly in major cities and in big university libraries. These universities received large sums of investment. By now most major public libraries and university libraries have been digitised with advanced library software.

What about the development of libraries in schools?

No doubt, it is an imperative need to have libraries in all schools ranging from primary to secondary schools. Libraries offer both teachers and students more chances to broaden their knowledge. Some primary and secondary schools have already applied high tech in their libraries to help students get the information they need.

What are the challenges the library sector in Việt Nam faces in developing an e-library system?

Our library technical infrastructure remains very modest while electronic materials are still poor and not many people have shown their interest in using the e-libraries either.

The most challenging issue is that our current Law on Intellectual Property Rights does not have any specific rules governing the library field.

What about the application of the Copyright Law for e-libraries?

Many breaches of the Copyright Law have been reported. In my opinion, the best way to deter such acts is to step up mass communication on intellectual property rights, copyright and other rights. We also need to give much stronger fines on any acts of violation. Parallel with that, all libraries, including e-libraries, have to strictly follow the Law on Intellectual Property Rights and the Library Law which was adopted by the National Assembly in early 2019.

Can you talk about the plan to link all libraries nationwide which was approved by the National Assembly in early 2019?

Linking libraries nationwide has been going on in Việt Nam for quite a few years. For example, libraries at the Hồ Chí Minh City National University and other universities have joined to help their readers look for the books they want or to facilitate loans of books between the libraries.

Meanwhile, the Hà Nội National University has collaborated with some 28 universities nationwide to form a library network to help students share books on science and technology.

Furthermore, a Việt Nam Library Alliance has been created to serve as a catalyst for book sharing among all Vietnamese universities.

Under the Library Law, which was approved on November 21, all libraries – be they private or public, have to abide by that law. Major libraries have to share their resources with small libraries._VNS

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