UNIFIED DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE MODERN SCIENTIFIC LIBRARY ON THE BASIS OF WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Purpose. Digitization, expansion of the scientific library infomedia and its integration into the global digital space require the creation of a full-fledges, multifunctional Web-oriented ecosystem. The work is aimed at researching rational ways and implementation of separate tools within the framework of an interactive library information system on the basis of Web-technologies, which includes a single API gateway (library site) and combines separate library management systems (LMS). Methodology. The research was conducted on the basis of the Scientific and Technical Library of the Dnipro National University of Railway Transport named after Academician V. Lazaryan (DNURT). We analysed the structure and condition of the existing out-of-dated library information system, based on the technologies of breaking up separate subsystems into separate services. We considered the possibilities and peculiarities of the transition to a single interactive system with the help of a central Web-application, which combines scattered services. This system is integrated into the system of «IRBIS-64» LMS (although any LMS can be used). Attention is focused on the reliability and protection of user data from unauthorized access. Findings. The ways, means and peculiarities of the transition to a full-fledged, multifunctional Web-oriented ecosystem of the DNURT library are explored. The system has its own API-based interface, which allows it to be easily scalable, thanks to the use of the current framework on the basis of Laravel – OctoberCMS. The system has an administrator and user panel. A subsystem – the DB «Publication Profile of University Science» – has been developed to provide the necessary functionality for plugins and applications: 1) for synchronization with Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar – in Pyhton language; 2) for automated reporting – in C# language for Windows. Originality. The researchers analysed the possibilities and suggested optimal and effective solutions for creating an interactive information system of the library based on Web-technologies, which includes a single API gateway (library site) and combines separate library automation systems. It is proved that the application of the increased level of abstraction using specialized PHP-frameworks and ORM instead of pure SQL allows the developer to focus on the development of a rather complex and at the same time a simple system from the point of view of development, which is sufficiently effective in the absence of time and material resources in the scientific libraries of Ukraine. The performed researches allow to assert about the partial implementation of the «Library 2.0» paradigm requirements in the library of DNURT. Practical value. The offered interactive information system of the scientific library allows to practically abandon the cumbersome and morally outdated IRBIS 64 system in the issues of service for readers (there is an opportunity even to execute orders of printed literature in a personal account, like in user accounts of modern courier services). The developed software that synchronizes with IRBIS in the C# language allows to unload data from the IRBIS LMS to any modern open-source LMS in the future. Realization of possibilities of the subsystem «Publication Profile of University Science» will allow receiving a statistically reliable picture of the publication activity and influence of scientists, departments, university as a whole.