in this session, you would get an insight into the trends.
Good afternoon, everyone. This is Vasu Deshpande from Easylib Software Private Limited.
Today, I’m so happy to bring you a topic that is the trends of 2025 that are reshaping libraries. These trends are influencing and transforming the way libraries operate.
This topic has been prepared after extensive study, and I am excited to share this presentation with you.
The First Trend: Digital Content
The very first trend we see in libraries is the increasing prominence of digital content.
We all know that digital content has played a key role in libraries for over a decade. However, we are now seeing this trend accelerating. More and more libraries are replacing physical books and journals with their electronic equivalents.
Another key shift is the integration of physical and digital libraries. Earlier, libraries often managed their physical and digital resources separately. For instance, Easylib 4.4 was primarily for physical library management, while many libraries used DSpace for digital repositories. Now, the trend is shifting towards a single software platform that can manage both physical and digital content seamlessly.
However, this shift comes with a challenge. Traditionally, physical library materials are cataloged using the MARC 21 standard, while digital materials follow the Dublin Core standard. How do we present both within a unified system?
Another major trend within digital content is expanding access beyond the library’s collection. Users now expect libraries to show not just what is available within their collection but also external resources such as digital journals, books, and open-access materials. The demand is for a single search that provides comprehensive information, regardless of where the material is located.
How We Identify These Trends
Many people ask how we track these trends. At Easylib, we:
1. Analyze library tenders worldwide – Studying procurement documents gives us insight into global library trends, especially in the US, Europe, South America, East Asia, and India.
2. Engage with librarians, professors, and academic professionals – This allows us to understand real-world challenges and expectations.
How Easylib is Adapting
To align with this trend, we have made significant changes in Easylib 8.4.
• Integrated Digital Library Management: Previously, Easylib’s Digital Library module was a separate entity. Now, it is a core part of the software.
• Unified Search Experience: In the next version, users will be able to search for books, journals, digital subscriptions, and PDFs from a single platform.
The Second Trend: Increased Focus on End Users
Libraries are increasingly prioritizing user experience.
Dr. Ranganathan’s second law of library science states: “Save the time of the reader.”
This principle is now becoming even more significant.
User-driven acquisition is becoming the norm.
• Previously, users would submit purchase requests on paper, and libraries would process orders every few months.
• Now, users want the ability to request books online instantly and expect faster procurement cycles.
Changes in library layouts are also supporting this trend.
• Many new library designs place the chief librarian and core staff at the center of the building to enhance accessibility.
On-demand purchases are another emerging trend.
• Some corporate libraries have already implemented a policy where users can buy a book, read it, and submit the bill for reimbursement.
• The book is then cataloged and made available to other users.
Additionally, libraries are adopting service desk and grievance management systems.
• Users can log requests, complaints, and suggestions online.
• Automated notifications ensure transparency in request processing.
At Easylib, we have responded by:
1. Simplifying user-driven acquisitions in Easylib 8.4.
2. Integrating a service desk module to manage user requests efficiently.
The Third Trend: Cost Optimization and Analytics
Libraries are focusing on measuring and optimizing costs.
• Cost per user: If a library spends ₹1 crore annually and has 1 lakh visitors, then the cost per visit is ₹100.
• Cost per transaction: If circulation costs ₹1 lakh per month and handles 10,000 transactions, the cost per issue/return/renewal is ₹10 per transaction.
More libraries are now demanding software that helps track these metrics.
Budget benchmarking is also becoming important.
• Universities compare their library spending with peer institutions to determine if they are underfunded or overspending.
• This has led to more infrastructure investments, such as RFID-based automation and improved OPAC systems.
At Easylib, we have introduced:
1. Customized dashboards in Easylib 8.4 for easier measurement.
2. Task tracking features to help library staff optimize their time efficiently.
The Fourth Trend: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries
Libraries are increasingly exploring AI-powered solutions.
Some of the key questions libraries are asking:
• Can AI speed up cataloging and acquisitions?
• Can AI help improve data quality?
• Can AI ensure better vendor pricing and discounts?
At Easylib, we are working on:
1. Integrating AI-powered search in Web OPAC.
• Instead of traditional title/author searches, the OPAC will dynamically personalize recommendations.
2. Leveraging ChatGPT-like AI for complex queries.
• Example: “Show me books on [subject] with 10,000+ citations published in the last 30 years.”
We have already implemented basic AI features such as spell-checking and intelligent search suggestions. The next step is deeper AI integration into Easylib.
The Fifth Trend: Increasing Library Visibility
With more digital content available outside the library, footfall in physical libraries is declining. Libraries are now focusing on enhancing their visibility.
Key strategies include:
• Building institutional repositories for showcasing research publications.
• Hosting events and workshops to engage students and faculty.
• Publishing academic journals with built-in editorial workflows.
At Easylib, we support these initiatives through:
1. An event management module for planning and tracking library events.
2. A journal publication module for managing research publications.
3. API integrations to enable seamless communication between library systems and campus ERP platforms.
The Sixth Trend: Cloud-Based Library Infrastructure
The traditional approach of maintaining on-premise servers is shifting towards cloud adoption.
Libraries are now prioritizing:
• Focus on user services instead of IT maintenance.
• Outsourcing hosting and software management to reliable cloud providers.
At Easylib, we have migrated to a cloud-first approach, partnering with Iron Mountain Data Center—a facility used by tech giants like AWS, Microsoft, and Google.
Conclusion
These trends indicate a transformational shift in library management. Libraries must embrace:
• Integrated digital content
• User-driven services
• AI-powered automation
• Cost optimization
• Cloud-based infrastructure
At Easylib, we are committed to helping libraries adapt to these changes through continuous innovation.
Thank you for your time! I look forward to your questions and discussions.