From Electronic Library to Smart Library Ruslan A. Baryshev*, Olga I. Babina, Pavel A. Zakharov, Vera P. Kazantseva and Nikita O. Pikov Siberian Federal University 79 Svobodny, Krasnoyarsk, 660041, Russia Received 29.01.2015, received in revised form 16.03.2015, accepted 21.04.2015 The article proposes to discuss the main trends in the development of electronic libraries and prerequisites for the transition to a new level, to smart libraries. <...> The text presents a historical overview of the formation of the electronic library concept both in Russia and abroad. <...> Disambiguation of electronic library term is separately covered, as well as synonymous terms it has in Russia. <...> At the same time, they often stay within a common understanding of a digital library within the framework of western theorizing. <...> A wide range of electronic library problems is discussed in the context of multitasking understanding of the librarianship role in the public and university areas. <...> Approach reverses the paradigm of library consciousness, indicating that the primary role in the library is given to the reader that is at odds with most of the current thinking about the library as a space, funds and staff. <...> Electronic Introduction library (EL) development, which became possible with the advent of highperformance software and hardware systems, communication channels and specialized application software, caused explanatory activity in this area. <...> Theoretical studies and generalization of practical implementation of EL development projects contributed to the formation and © Siberian Federal University. <...> All rights reserved * Corresponding author E-mail address: r_baryshev@bk.ru # 1043 # development of conceptual construct , including the introduction of new terms and defi nitions. <...> Herein, the EL defi nition changes and updates in accordance with the evolution of the understanding of EL goals, its objects and purpose. <...> For more accurate and comprehensive defi nition of EL researchers employ a variety of approaches such as classifi cation and generalization of the known defi nitions [10], generalization of the various Ruslan A. Baryshev, Olga I. Babina… Electronic Library: Genesis, Trends. <...> From Electronic Library to Smart Library defi nitions, highlighting some of the key features of EL (technology, purpose, funds and others) [16], and also classifi cation of the most well-known EL defi nitions within functional, technological and resource-technological approaches [6]. <...> EL defi nitions <...>