Electronic library systems: Pathways for integration into the educational environment, monitoring and assessment methods of their usage efficiency in higher education institutions

Abstract

Background. The article examines the dynamics and effectiveness of the introduction of electronic library systems (ELS) into the electronic information and educational environment of Russian universities. The importance of ELS in the modern educational process is emphasized, their role in providing access to relevant educational and scientific materials, as well as advantages such as remote access, equal access for all students, convenient information search, etc. The methods of collecting and interpreting data on the use of ELS are analyzed, and the difficulties of implementation associated with the lack of integrated interaction between stakeholders are identified. The prospects of integrating ELS into learning management systems (LMS), such as Moodle, are being considered, which can improve the accessibility and efficiency of library resources. The article focuses on the need for educational institutions, technology developers, and regulatory authorities to work together to maximize the potential of ELS in the educational process.

The purpose of the study is to conduct an analysis of the methods for integrating electronic library systems into the educational environment of universities and to identify approaches to collecting and interpreting data on their usage.

Materials and methods include the analysis of regulatory documents, the study of statistical data on the usage of electronic library systems, the assessment of functionality of specialized plugins and tools, as well as statistical data obtained from administrative reports of the Moodle LMS.

Results. Despite the widely acknowledged role of electronic library systems (ELS) in providing access to modern educational and scientific resources, the study identified a number of challenges that hinder their effective integration into the educational environment of Russian higher education institutions. The main issues include: the lack of a unified methodology for collecting and interpreting statistical data; diversity in terminologies and approaches to calculating performance indicators across different ELS platforms; limited capacity for comparative analysis and data integration between systems; insufficient coordination among stakeholders involved in the educational process (librarians, instructors, IT specialists, and ELS developers).

An analysis of existing approaches to integrating ELS into learning management systems, such as Moodle, demonstrated their potential to enhance the accessibility and analytical value of digital library resources. However, the implementation of such integrations faces technical and organizational challenges, including the need to develop specialized plugins and APIs (Application Programming Interface), as well as the harmonization of data representation standards.

The study revealed that modern ELS offer extensive capabilities for tracking user behavior – including the number of accesses, reading time, frequency of transitions, and popularity of topics. Nevertheless, most universities face difficulties in interpreting this data due to the absence of standardized metrics and guidelines for its application in managing the educational process.

The analysis of obtained data enables a deeper understanding of how electronic library systems are used in educational practice and allows for the formulation of systemic recommendations aimed at further developing their integration into the digital educational environment. The practical significance of the research lies in identifying strategies to improve the effectiveness of ELS use in higher education, laying the foundation for designing comprehensive approaches to monitoring, analyzing, and integrating these systems into the educational process.

EDN: ZYOMGV