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Digital libraries are considered a type of library that operates within the digital realm and uses digital technologies to serve users in the digital age. They serve diverse user communities and offer access to a wide range of scholarly and educational resources. Digital libraries can be viewed as extensions of traditional libraries, prioritize user-centered and personalized services, aim to provide equitable access to information, and function as a global knowledge network. They also embrace open access and open knowledge principles. This article explores various definitions and visions of digital libraries and highlights their role in facilitating access to information, promoting knowledge creation, and advancing research, education, and cultural enrichment in the digital age. The article also includes examples of the digital transformation taking place in digital libraries, such as improving accessibility for users with disabilities, integrating multimedia books into airline services, and adopting immersive technologies. It also discusses the adoption of big data analytics, the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the use of social media platforms like Twitter by libraries. The article concludes with an interview on cyber security for digital libraries. [Extracted from the article]

COVID 19 emergency has had a great impact on libraries and led to their closure. An investigation was carried out analyzing literature and online documentation together with administering a questionnaire to about 70 librarians. Italian libraries continued to offer online services during closure by giving access to digital libraries and reference. A renewed online communication, using different tools from the phone to video conference and social media, has been experimented with community engagement. Some critical issues related to libraries organization and policies were most evident during COVID. In conclusion, the COVID emergency pushes for a transformation of libraries and a new vision of service, which focuses on new relationships with communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]