Emerging Trends in Library Services: ONOS, Research Support Services, MOOC and ODL Platforms

Abstract

This research paper explores the latest developments in library services, focusing on four significant trends: Open Network Operating System (ONOS), Research Support Services, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) platforms. Libraries are no longer just repositories of books but are transforming into dynamic hubs that provide access to digital content, support for research and lifelong learning opportunities. This paper presents an overview of each trend, real-world examples and their impact on library users and professionals

Introduction

Libraries have significantly evolved in the digital age to meet new user needs driven by technology, internet access, and demand for flexible learning. Traditional services like book lending have expanded to include digital lending, database access, virtual reference, and e-learning support. Key innovations transforming libraries include:

• ONOS (Open Network Operating System): Enhances library network management, enabling faster and more reliable access to digital resources and smoother resource sharing across locations.

• Research Support Services: Assist researchers with data management, citation, plagiarism detection, and dissemination, improving research quality and confidence.

• MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses): Libraries facilitate access, registration, and learning support for free online courses, helping learners from diverse backgrounds.

• ODL (Open and Distance Learning) Platforms: Libraries support remote learners with digital resources, virtual help desks, and personalized guidance, bridging gaps between distance and traditional education.

Despite these advancements, libraries face challenges like limited digital infrastructure, lack of trained staff, budget constraints, resistance to change, and low user digital literacy. To overcome these, the text recommends continuous staff training, investment in IT infrastructure, and collaboration with academic and tech institutions to enhance service quality and accessibility.

Conclusion

The integration of these advanced services is driving a fundamental transformation within libraries, making them more adaptable, user-focused and integral to the broader educational and research ecosystem. Libraries are no longer just spaces for borrowing books; they are becoming dynamic learning hubs that provide more personalized and accessible services to a wide range of users, including researchers, students and lifelong learners.By using technologies like ONOS, libraries are enhancing their digital infrastructure and improving network connectivity, ensuring seamless access to resources across institutions. Research support services are helping scholars improve the quality of their work, ensuring proper citation, data management and research dissemination. Similarly, MOOCs and ODL platforms are democratizing education, providing learners of all ages and backgrounds with opportunities to learn at their own place and from anywhere. Libraries are not only expanding their service offerings but also solidifying their role as critical support systems in modern education and research. These emerging trends position libraries as essential pillars in the digital age, contributing significantly to the growth of online learning and collaborative research environments in the 21st century.

References

[1] National Digital Library of India (NDLI) – https://ndl.iitkgp.ac.in/ [2] edX – https://www.edx.org/ [3] SWAYAM – https://swayam.gov.in/ [4] Cambridge University Library – https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/ [5] UNISA Library – https://www.unisa.ac.za/ [6] YCMOU Digital Library – https://ycmou.ac.in/

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Sangita Gangaram Utekar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.