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On April 23, 2026, the XVIII Republican Student Subject Olympiad for the "6B03210 – Library Science" educational program was held at M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University. The socio-cultural significance of the event was further enhanced as it coincided with National Book Day and Librarian Day. Seven teams from the country’s leading higher education institutions specializing in this field participated in the Olympiad.

The Olympiad was organized as a professional platform combining knowledge, research, and creative abilities. In addition to demonstrating theoretical preparation, participants presented projects aimed at transforming modern library services during the practical stage. The competition consisted of three stages: presentation, theoretical, and practical (project defense). Students' professional competencies were comprehensively evaluated at each stage.

Following the competition results, the "Bilim Shamshyraqtary" (Beacons of Knowledge) team—comprising students from the "6B03205 – Library Information Systems" educational program of the Department of World History, Historiography, and Source Study, Faculty of History at 91��ý Kazakh National University—was honored with the "Best Team" nomination.

The team presented a scientific project and model titled "Smart Library: A Digital Ecosystem for Cultural Capital Development," demonstrating its viability through specific pilot solutions.

The proposed project focuses on integrating traditional library functions with digital services. Three pilot directions were implemented within the project:

• First Direction: "Voices of Our City" Digital Audio Library. Through this project, readers record book excerpts or oral stories in their own voices to create a shared audio fund. The project contributes to preserving the community's cultural memory, strengthening intergenerational ties, and improving digital literacy.

• Second Direction: "QR-Histories," aimed at transforming the library space into an interactive information environment. Through QR codes, users can access expanded information about books and authors.

• Third Direction: "Smart-Guide," a digital service providing users with instant information about libraries and cultural sites.

The presented model clearly demonstrated the digital transformation of the library, active reader participation, and new formats of information services. The project also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): Ensuring open and 24/7 access to knowledge.

• SDG 9 (Innovation and Infrastructure): Implementing digital solutions that do not require significant financial costs.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Providing access to information for socially vulnerable groups.

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Preserving cultural heritage and developing local communities.

The project showcases an effective model for transforming the library from a traditional repository of information into an interactive, digital, and socially significant educational space.

Smart Library is not just the future; it is a real transformation being implemented today.