Higher Education Institution Libraries: Development at the Crossroads of Predicted Transformation and Turbulent Reality

Abstract

The authors of the articles in this issue of the journal, answering the question: ‘Can the future of HEI libraries be predicted, or will it remain turbulent and uncertain?’, undoubtedly add intrigue and interest for colleagues from different continents with their reflections, facts and predictions. A thematic analysis of the articles allows us to identify seven clusters with different content focuses: (1) Open science, open education and research data; (2) Digital transformation of libraries and infrastructures; (3) Libraries in times of war and crisis; (4) The educational and pedagogical role of higher education libraries; (5) Communications, social media and user behaviour; (6) Cultural heritage, collections and periodicals; (7) Management, policies and inter-institutional cooperation. An analysis of the publications presented in issue No. 10 of the journal ‘University Library at a new stage of social communications development’ (UniLibNSD 2025) suggests that the transformation of higher education libraries in different countries during this turbulent time of change is twofold. On the one hand, it is predictable: in terms of open science, digitisation, repository development, research data management, information and digital literacy. These areas are shaped by international policies, technological trends and the expectations of the academic community. On the other hand, the transformation is taking place in conditions of turbulent uncertainty caused by war, crises, resource inequality, the rapid development of artificial intelligence, and changes in users' information behaviour. Thus, the modern library of a higher education institution in any country is developing at the intersection of predictable transformation and turbulent reality, where its stability is determined by its ability to simultaneously: first, systematically implement changes and integrate them into the institutional model; second, respond quickly to unpredictable challenges.