In accordance with Decision No. 1503/QD-BVHTTDL dated May 23, 2025 by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, on November 27, 2025, in Lang Son Province, the National Library of Viet Nam (NLV) organized the Conference – Workshop “Library Services and Products in the Digital Environment.”
Participating in the Conference – Workshop were Ms. Doan Quynh Dung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Grassroots Culture, Family and Library; Ms. Le Hai Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lang Son Province; Mr. Nguyen Huu Gioi, President of the Vietnamese Library Association, along with representatives of leaders and staff from provincial/ municipal libraries, special libraries, libraries of the armed forces, university libraries, training institutions in the field of Library - Information sciences nationwide, and enterprises operating in this sector. Representing the National Library of Viet Nam (NLV), were Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, Director; Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Deputy Director, as well as management and professional staff from relevant operational divisions.
Overview of the Conference – Workshop
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dung, NLV Director, delivering the Opening speech
Ms. Le Hai Yen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Lang Son Province, delivering the Welcome remarks
Library services and products play a crucial role in determining the operational quality and social influence of any library. If a library is regarded as an institution that connects knowledge with the community, then its services and products are the direct tools ensuring that knowledge is delivered effectively, equitably, and sustainably to users. This also serves as a benchmark reflecting the library’s capacity to meet information needs, its level of innovation, and its adaptability within various developmental contexts.
Today, the rapid development of digital technology requires a comprehensive restructuring of library services and products. Digital transformation goes beyond merely digitizing documents or implementing online catalogs; it requires building a holistic service model based on data, technology, and user experience. Digital platforms, digital resource repositories, online learning systems, artificial intelligence, user data analytics, support Chabot, smart library models, and creative spaces are becoming fundamental components of the modern library ecosystem.
In this context, the Conference – Workshop entitled “Library Services and Products in the Digital Environment” was organized to provide an academic forum for managers, experts, researchers, and technology providers to share experiences, present research findings, identify new trends, assess current situation, and propose feasible solutions for the next development phase of Viet Nam’s library system.
Key thematic groups that delegates focused on discussing at the workshop included: Context and development trends of library services and products in the digital environment; Mechanisms and policies to support the development of digital library services and products; Applications of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in designing and operating library services; Collaboration, knowledge sharing and practical connectivity within the digital library ecosystem; Technological infrastructure and the response capacity of library systems; Development of smart libraries and user-centered service models; Innovation and creativity in service and product design; Human resource development to meet digital transformation requirements; and Orientations, solutions, and recommendations for management agencies, library units, and the entire sector.
With a scientific, practical, and open approach, the Conference – Workshop “Library Services and Products in the Digital Environment” brought together a lineup of prestigious speakers, including experts, lecturers, and business managers with deep expertise representing various fields in the Information – Library sector. The discussions focused on analyzing the impact of digital transformation on library operations, challenges related to resources and skills, and trends in developing modern digital products such as e-books, online databases, and open-access resources. In addition, the workshop also highlighted the role of emerging technologies—particularly Artificial Intelligence—in personalizing services, optimizing user experiences, and fostering creativity in library product design. The workshop is expected to contribute new insights, effective models, and valuable experiences to promote innovative and sustainable development of Viet Nam’s library services and products in the digital era.
Keynote Speaker Le Duc Thang, M.A. - Head of the IT Department (NLV) presenting paper “Redesigning Viet Nam library products and services in the context of innovation and digital transformation”
Panel Discussion - Session 1: Context and development trends of library services and products in the digital environment
Panel Discussion - Session 2: Emerging technologies and innovation in digital library services and products design
Case Study presentations at Session 3: Practical connectivity – Collaboration and knowledge sharing
Furthermore, the integration of modern digital tools such as Padlet and Menti significantly contributed to enhancing the interactivity and effectiveness of the entire program. Throughout the discussion sessions, Padlet served as an “open digital space” where delegates could submit questions, share opinions, contribute materials, or provide real-time feedback on each topic. These contributions were displayed instantly, creating a continuous and multi-dimensional exchange between speakers and attendees. Meanwhile, Menti was used to conduct quick surveys, polls, data collection, and real-time presentation of results. This not only allowed the Organizing Committee to promptly gauge delegates’ thoughts, interests, and information needs but also fostered a lively atmosphere, encouraging wide engagement. The combination of these two digital platforms demonstrated the NLV’s commitment to innovating the Conference – Workshop model toward a modern, participant-centered approach, while also reflecting the spirit of digital transformation applied directly in the professional activities of the library profession.
Participants engaging in direct discussions with speakers in Session 3
During the Workshop, in addition to the live discussions, the Organizing Committee received a large number of high-quality papers reflecting diverse perspectives from managers, scholars, lecturers, library science experts, and technology providers. These papers covered a wide range of aspects: development of specialized information products; applications of AI and Big Data; smart library models; building creative spaces; developing digital information resources; and enhancing digital literacy for library staff. These papers provide important scientific and practical foundations for policy-planning and operational innovation within Viet Nam’s library system.
After three sessions of serious, responsible, and effective work, the Conference - Workshop “Library Services and Products in the Digital Environment” achieved significant results. The success of the event was driven by the active participation of the library system nationwide, evidenced by the high attendance, quality paper submission and presentations, and constructive contributions and sharing. This solidarity and collaboration created the core value of the Workshop: an open knowledge forum where the entire sector collectively establishes a common direction to promote the sustainable development of Viet Nam’s library services and products in the digital era.
Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, NLV’s Deputy Director, delivering the Closing Remarks at the Conference – Workshop
Delegates in a commemorative group photo at the Conference – Workshop
Other event highlights:
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Article by Hong Van; Photos & Video by Do Lung, Ngoc Phuong.