Abstract:

The modern stage of the historical development of humankind is defined as an information society, a knowledge and innovation society. A number of authors such as A. Toffler, P. Drucker explore the processes of development and change in society and prove undoubtedly the emergence of a new civilisation – the information one. Information is recognised as the main resource for all areas – economy, politics, education, culture, health, etc. The process of change is ubiquitous and irreversible.

This phenomenon is determined by the great technological advances of the last decades of the twentieth century – the creation and rapid development of communication and computer technologies, the emergence and widespread use of the Internet, radically changing the communication between people in every country and social system, making vast amounts of information resources accessible to the public, ensuring globalisation of all areas of social practice. Major changes occurring in the development of modern society affect both the individual and the communities as well as public institutions.

Contemporary information environment is both a challenge and a source of limitless opportunities for libraries and their functioning. They should offer suitable to public demand access to knowledge and information.

This paper presents a new conceptual model of the Universal Contemporary Information Center and its role in supporting the individual progress as well as the sustainable development of society as a whole. A key role in the concept of the model is the active use of the new information and communication technologies providing a timely and appropriate response to the new information needs.

In order for libraries to be an inseparable part of the new information social environment a significant change in their activities and policies – technological processes, organisation and functional structure, etc., is required.

Today digital, information and communication literacy is crucial for the development of every active and successful person. Libraries as public institutions provide information adequate to the needs of society and contribute to the positive change of the world.

Keywords:

Libraries, Digital libraries, ICT, Information environment.