The Capabilities of a Research Library to Enhance Cultural and Leisure Activities in the Digital Environment: Foreign Experience and Domestic Reality

Abstract

This paper describes the process by which cultural and leisure activities at research libraries are being modified under the ongoing digital transformation. The paper introduces the idea of intellectual development and educational outreach (IDEO) at research libraries. It elaborates on key components of IDEO at research and academic libraries such as virtual reality, augmented reality, popular science movies, robotic design, 3D-printing, and digital storytelling, as well as various makerspaces and media zones. Examples from international and Russian practices are given. The authors reach the conclusion that IDEO is desirable for research libraries and is conducive to meeting demands of research and academic library patrons for modern digital technologies.