In the paper Part 1, the authors discuss the findings of the statistical review of ecological literature in Donetsk People’s Republic (before 2014 – Donetsk Oblast). The bibliographic data of 2000–2024 were processed. The authors substantiate the terms “profile” and “landscape” as applied to bibliographic data statistics. They tested the method of weighing ecological publications multifunctionality for identification of trends in the nature management sector and technological development of the Northern Azov Region. During the period under the study, the region worked the way of socioeconomic growth and development, as well as the deepest perturbations and double change of national affiliation. This affects the character of revealed publication profiles against the background of general ecological bibliographic landscape in Donbass. The purpose of the study is to summarize the accumulated bibliographic data pool using the statistical approach, i. e. definitive correlation of each publication with several subject headings. The bibliographic data were classified by 24 headings. For the first time, two indicators by special criteria were applied in the ecological field: 1) number of publications on environment optimization technologies; and 2) implemented methods of ecological information utilization in related educational activities. Through the correlation analysis, the distribution of the publications number by the subject headings for the 25-year period was examined for the first time. The obtained thermal map and dendrogram demonstrate the dependencies of headings by year, and enable to group some patterns in the character of ecological publications of the same period.

The content of Digital Transformation (DT) as a factor of research library sustainability is discussed. In Part 2, the authors argue that the most significant vectors of digital transformation (DT) in this country are: exponential growth of remote users (readers); development of e-libraries; digital resources and specialized computerized systems; digital user services provided online; personification of library services in the digital environment; library collections digitalization, etc. Eventually, the digital space for collection development, storage and information retrieval emerges. The authors analyze the library digital space, its interior and exterior components. Building open digital information spaces on the basis of libraries induces sustainable development (SD) of residential settlements, attracts users to the libraries, provides specialists with the instrument for advocating and promoting sustainable development goals (SDGs). The authors describe the thematic collections in ecology and nature management acquired by Russian libraries, including RNPLST. They analyze the findings of the ecological movement survey of Russian regional libraries and discuss challenges and concerns related to the libraries digital transformation (LDT). The authors introduce the term (green ICT). They conclude that against the challenges of SDGs and conspicuous doubts of non-achieving these goals, the digital transformation may become a powerful instrument for achieving them. This is also important in the library and information sector. The authors insist that the digital transformations in the libraries support the SD principles.

The authors examine the problems of strategic transformation of scitech libraries (STL) in the context of the national sci-tech policy (NSTP). Based on the register comprising 1,955 organizations, and the study of relevant trends, the authors introduce the unified integrated STI model – The Integrated Research Cycle Hub. The model incorporates four variable profiles (research analytical, technological innovative, educational, and service infrastructural) to be adapted to the specific nature of a university. They substantiate the need for changing the library role from passive information preservation to intensive support of the complete knowledge lifecycle (from idea generation to commercialization of findings). The focus is also made on the model SWOT-analysis and its implementation stages. The authors argue that their approach would empower system modernization of STLs and increase their contribution to the national scientific and innovative infrastructure.

Anatoly Nikolaevich Vaneev is an outstanding figure in the library science, who made significant contribution to the study of various aspects of the discipline. He is a theorist, methodologist, and founder of the history of library science. His works cover a wide range of topics, including the nature of the library science and its place in the system of sciences, methodological issues, library’s social functions, library management, readers typologys, reading guidance, and the methodological support of library and information science. A. N. Vaneev contributed to the theory of reading guidance, which he viewed as the system comprising the most complete and high-quality satisfaction of readers' requests, as well as shaping new interests and needs. He proved that reading guidance was the libraries’ inherent function. During different historical periods, the reading guidance has manifested itself in various ways, however its essence has always been to assist readers in choosing books and searching for optimum ways to acquire knowledge. Initially, it implied “guidance in reading”, and later it redefined itself as a targeted impact upon readers along every vector of library work. As an essential principle, reading guidance has developed into one of the most effective tools within the librarian-reader interaction. The interrelation of reading guidance with the practice of slow reading, which is increasingly introduced into library activities, is shown. The theory of reading guidance developed by A. N. Vaneev is still popular which is evidenced by emerging concepts and studies.

This paper presents the outcomes of the second scientific and practical conference organized by INION RAS, dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) in library activities. The essence of the presentations is summarized, covering both theoretical and practical aspects of using neural network applications in library practice in Russia and neighbor countries. Notably, whereas a year ago the tone of the presentations was set by information business, this year the majority of speakers were library professionals, clearly indicating AI expansion and deepening implementation into the library field.It is evident that library processes today are adapting to the realities of a new level of digital environment. Librarians are constantly addressing emerging technical, methodological, and organizational challenges. Significant progress has been made in cataloging, subject indexing, and high-quality recognition of documentary collections, which has enabled the introduction of substantial information resources into cultural circulation. Despite the high cost of implementing neural network solutions, they demonstrate their effectiveness and economic feasibility. By automating routine tasks, these technologies allow library specialists to focus on more complex and creative objectives.At the same time, the participants observed that the niche for libraries as information intermediaries was steadily shrinking due to the launch of intelligent systems that interact with users at the level of guiding researcherы or expert consultantы. This compels serious reflection on the role and functions of libraries in the near future.The conference participants expressed their strong belief that intensive AI use had to become the integral part of library profession. Its informed and knowledgable application can help the libraries to regain the role of active agents in the information sphere, providing services up to the latest standards.

Modeling is a common method of scientific knowledge, especially in the domains where conducting real experiments involves high financial costs or is physically impossible. This method enables researchers to create simplified models of complex systems, which makes it possible to analyze and study their behavior in various conditions. In a general sense, modeling can be described as an experimental approach to examining real-world systems based on their models. The diagram illustrates the modeling of the library user service process in a general way. The scheme includes the flows (incoming, outgoing, managing, and resource) to detail into the library operation. In addition, the author provides the generalized schemes of two models of higher education institution’s library, namely reactive and proactive ones. The service schemes are complemented with generalized schemes of modeling algorithm of the library user service process.

The authors discuss the challenges of AI technologies implementation in libraries. The validity of the study is determined by onrush of AI technologies and AI introduction into every sphere of life. The study of AI practical application in libraries is very important for the analysis of changes in the library sphere in the 21 st century. The authors emphasize the need for collaboration of AI developers and libraries when implementing AI. The authors discuss the related cases of AI implementation in the libraries of Russia, India, Jordan, Oman, Turkey, and South Africa and analyze advantages and drawbacks of AI application in other spheres

Building robust system of scientific (scientific and technical) expertise is vital in the context of growing science-driven and high-tech sectors of economy and against complicated geopolitical situation and sanctions imposed by foreign states. In this paper, the authors analyze the regulatory management of scientific (sci-tech) expertise in the Russian Federation and the CIS countries to identify common approaches and features of legal regulation in this sphere. The research findings enable to draw the overall picture and may be used to upgrade the system of legal regulation of scientific (sci-tech) expertise in the Russian Federation.

Robert Darnton’s communication circuit model, initially developed to analyze book publishing practices between 1500 and 1800, has long served as a key instrument in numerous historical book and media studies, enabling a comprehensive examination of the interactions among authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers in the historical context. However, with the advent of the digital age – characterized by extensive digitization, evolving online platforms, self-publishing, and social media – the traditional structure of roles and functions in book communication has undergone radical transformation. In the digital space, readers can interact directly with authors, shaping demand for texts even before their official publication, while platforms and algorithms increasingly act as intermediaries, influencing the promotion and availability of the content. This tends to the disintermediation of the classic interaction chain and the emergence of new agents offering a range of services to both authors and readers. The author discusses the main challenges and changes introduced by the digital era into Darnton’s model, highlighting the new roles played by platforms, social media, and algorithms. On this basis, the author examines various approaches to adapting Darnton’s model to new realities, emphasizing its heuristic value for interdisciplinary research and outlining prospects for its further development in the rapidly changing media landscape. It is underscored that, despite the radical restructuring of roles, Darnton’s model retains its methodological significance and remains a vital reference point for the study of contemporary book communication.

The two-stage study was conducted to analyze publication activity related to the use of the term “scientific legacy” in academic literature. The first stage focused on the theoretical conceptualization of scientific legacy as a key element of continuity in science and on the comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications containing this term, published in journals indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) database. The applied methodology includes metadata analysis of publications using bibliometric methods and statistical data processing. The authors identified the historical phases of publication activity, key semantic The two-stage study was conducted to analyze publication activity related to the use of the term “scientific legacy” in academic literature. The first stage focused on the theoretical conceptualization of scientific legacy as a key element of continuity in science and on the comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications containing this term, published in journals indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) database. The applied methodology includes metadata analysis of publications using bibliometric methods and statistical data processing. The authors identified the historical phases of publication activity, key semantic contexts of the term “scientific legacy”, and analyzed gender representation among authors and the individuals whose scientific legacy served as the subject of investigation in the selected materials. The findings revealed that most publications focused on personalized scientific legacy, reflecting the contributions of prominent scientists, while the systematic studies of scientific legacy as an independent phenomenon were scarce. The thematic analysis demonstrated increased interest in studying scientific legacy in the fields of history, law and governance, and pedagogy. Meanwhile, the significant gaps were identified in addressing the scientific legacy of female scientists and in exploring this phenomenon in several disciplines, including informatics, psychology, and biology. The authors emphasize the need for strategic initiatives to popularize, preserve, and enhance the accessibility of scientific legacy in the context of contemporary challenges. They also underscore the importance of deepening interdisciplinary approaches to its study and addressing gender and thematic imbalances in this scientific domain.