Adoption of information and communication technologies by brazilian public libraries: diagnosis and trends

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1518-2924.2026.e107640

Keywords:

Public libraries, Technology, Information and Communication Technologies, Library automation

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to present a diagnostic overview of the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) by public libraries in Brazil, exploring the current concept of public libraries and their role in contemporary society. It analyzes and presents which ICTs are used to transmit, store, create, and share information, highlighting their impact on operational management and on the provision of informational resources and services to users. The study also identifies the perceived benefits and the challenges faced by library managers in implementing ICTs in Brazilian public libraries. Finally, it points to emerging trends in the use of ICTs by public libraries.

Method: The methodology adopted was exploratory in nature, based on a literature review and the inductive method. Data were collected through online questionnaires applied to public library managers, comprising a sample of 25 institutions, with five from each of the five macro-regions of Brazil. Library selection was based on population criteria, prioritizing the most populous cities to ensure greater representativeness. The questionnaire included closed-ended questions aimed at identifying the ICTs adopted, and open-ended questions designed to assess the perceived benefits and challenges in adopting these technologies.

Results: The findings confirm the adoption of ICTs, indicating the levels and categories in which this adoption occurs, the main perceived benefits, and the challenges faced by Brazilian public libraries in integrating these technologies into their operations and services. All libraries in the sample adopted at least one form of ICT. The most widely adopted technologies include: internet access for staff, staff computers, email communication, and provision of wireless internet access (wi-fi) for users. The least offered ICT-supported services (not offered at all) are: document exchange, video streaming, laptops, and tablets. The main benefits identified by managers in adopting ICTs were: improvement in service delivery, improved access to information, and increased library usage. The main challenges reported included: lack of financial resources, lack of trained professionals to operate ICTs, absence of public policies or incentives, and limited human resources within the team.

Conclusions: The study concludes that its findings have the potential to highlight ICTs that can be adopted or improved upon, contributing to the enhancement of public policies and the development of programs and initiatives that aim to strengthen the role of these institutions in society through the support of ICTs.

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Author Biographies

Michelângelo Mazzardo Marques Viana, Universidade de São Paulo

Holds a Bachelor's degree in Library Science (1998) and a Technical degree in Data Processing (1997) from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Systems Analysis from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS, 2008), and a Master's degree in Information Science from the University of São Paulo (USP, 2024). Works at the intersection of library science, information science, and technologies applied to libraries, with emphasis on innovation, system integration, and digital infrastructure. Currently serves as Director of Innovation in Software as a Service (SaaS) for Latin America and the Caribbean at EBSCO Information Services, contributing to the development and implementation of technological solutions aimed at the management and dissemination of information in academic and research environments. His professional background includes experience as a librarian, consultant, and trainer in areas such as digital and information literacy, library service automation, library management platforms and integrated systems, metadata, institutional repositories, discovery services, database integration, and emerging technologies for libraries. From 1999 to 2018, he worked at PUCRS, where he coordinated strategic projects such as the implementation of Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) technology and the adoption of the Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging standard. From 2009 to 2012, he collaborated with CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) as a consultant during the implementation of the current Periodicals Portal, contributing to the strengthening of the scientific information access infrastructure in Brazil. He publishes articles and other works in the field of technologies applied to libraries and information centers.

Giovana Deliberali Maimone, University of São Paulo

Professor at the University of São Paulo (USP), affiliated with the Department of Information and Culture (CBD) at the School of Communications and Arts (ECA), where she teaches courses in the Library Science program. Holds a PhD in Information Science from the School of Communications and Arts of the University of São Paulo (2013). Earned a Master’s degree in Information Science from the Pontifical Catholic University of Campinas (2007). Bachelor’s degree in Library and Information Science from the Federal University of São Carlos (2005). Her research focuses on Information Science, with an emphasis on Knowledge Organization and Information Representation, working primarily in the fields of Document Analysis, Linguistics, Terminology, and the Representation of Visual, Audio, and Cinematographic Documents. She collaborates with the following research groups certified by CNPq: “Information in Contemporary Society – UFRN” and “LEEMCI – Laboratory of Epistemological and Methodological Studies in Information Science – USP.” She has coordinated the international agreement between ECA and the University of Coimbra in the field of “Information Science” since March 2020. She is affiliated with the following research associations in the field of Information Science: ISKO, ABECIN, and ANCIB.

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Capa do periódico Académico Encontros Bibli, da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Volume 31, ano 2026 Nela se mostram as mãos de uma pessoa com a pele morena segurando um punhado de terra escura, na qual um pequeno broto verde com duas folhas está plantado. As mãos estão centralizadas na imagem e são enquadradas por um fundo que mostra um solo seco e rachado, sugerindo um ambiente de seca ou desértico. No topo da imagem, o título da publicação, ENCONTROS BIBLI, está em letras maiúsculas brancas. Abaixo, há uma citação entre aspas: "Ética e integridade informacional: a responsabilidade científica e socioambiental da Ciência da Informação diante da urgência climática". Na parte inferior da capa, há informações institucionais: No canto esquerdo, o logo da UFSC. Ao lado, o texto "Departamento de Ciência da Informação", "Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciência da Informação" e "Portal de Periódicos UFSC". Abaixo, a data "2026", o volume "V. 31" e o ISSN 1518-2924. No canto inferior direito, o logo da publicação, que consiste em um escudo roxo com as letras "EB" estilizadas em laranja. A capa utiliza as cores roxo, branco e laranja, com a maior parte da imagem ocupada pelo cenário do solo e as mãos. A arte visual e o tema do título da publicação sugerem um foco na interseção entre a ciência, a informação e as questões ambientais, como a crise climática.

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Published

2025-10-29

How to Cite

VIANA, Michelângelo Mazzardo Marques; MAIMONE, Giovana Deliberali. Adoption of information and communication technologies by brazilian public libraries: diagnosis and trends. Encontros Bibli: electronic journal of library science, archival science and information science, Florianópolis/SC, Brasil, v. 31, p. 1–19, 2025. DOI: 10.5007/1518-2924.2026.e107640. Disponível em: https://periodicos.ufsc.br/index.php/eb/article/view/107640. Acesso em: 5 dec. 2025.

Issue

Vol. 31 (2026): Ethics and informational integrity in the climate emergency: the socio-environmental responsibility of Information Science.

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Copyright (c) 2025 Michelângelo Mazzardo Marques Viana, Giovana Deliberali Maimone

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