In the Northwest will create uniform Info-Space of libraries based on technologies of Microsoft

In March, 2015 Microsoft announced plans for creation of a common information space of libraries of the Northwest together with Library of V.V. Mayakovsky in St. Petersburg. Based on the last, in particular, in March the Information and leisure center "M-86" which will offer citizens progressive model of modern library was open.

Microsoft notes that creation of a common information space of public libraries of St. Petersburg is the unique project for the first time implemented in Russia and which almost does not have analogs in the world which should change an appearance of libraries turn them into the modern centers of preserving of cultural heritage of the nation, information exchange, innovation and experiments.

It is expected that the single system will facilitate access for readers to information that will allow to expand possibilities of users by the remote order of editions in the centralized directory and to reading their in electronic form. Further it is going to equip libraries with devices on which it will be possible to read books in case of their absence on the shelf.

"The examination of Microsoft which integrated experience of creation of unified information systems in the different countries of the world will help us to implement this really unique initiative – to create the system of libraries of new type. They will turn into the innovation centers attractive to the young vigorous people who are keeping up to date. And here it is impossible for us without modern technologies in any way. For example, already now we hold recitals and meetings with interesting people and we give the chance to readers not only to be present personally, but to be connected to them on conference communication", – noted in the Central city public library of V.V. Mayakovsky.

The library added that could reduce the budget also seriously: use of a cloud of Microsoft gave to organization the chance to reduce costs more than by 100 times.

Project implementation in Library of V.V. Mayakovsky is conducted with direct participation of experts of Microsoft from the different countries of the world. As of March, 2015 library workers actively use Microsoft Office 365 for communication, including audio-both video conferences, and work with electronic copies of books.

The digitized directories are moved on a cloud platform of Microsoft Azure and are available to readers. Also in Microsoft Azure data backup which allowed to reduce costs for creation of IT infrastructure from planned for equipment procurement and software of 21 million rubles up to 200 thousand rubles a year is performed, speak in Microsoft. Thus, the budget should be enough for 100 years.

Further accession to the system of all public, and later and university libraries is planned. It is supposed that IT department of Library of V.V. Mayakovsky will undertake system management and IT support of the centralized library systems. Microsoft expects that use of Microsoft Azure, Intune and Active Directory will facilitate the solution of this task.