The Impact of Big Data on libraries

Opportunities, risks, and the transformation of library services

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of Big Data on the library environment from a critical and multidisciplinary perspective. Through a documentary review of academic and technical sources, the main characteristics of Big Data, its evolution in different sectors, and its role in the knowledge society are explored. The study examines its practical applications in libraries (such as the analysis of user behavior, collection management, and data visualization) and evaluates how these tools can improve decision-making, anticipate needs, and optimize services.

In addition to its benefits, the article highlights the risks associated with the large-scale use of data: privacy violations, the reproduction of social inequalities, algorithmic risks, and the erosion of professional autonomy. In this context, we advocate for the integration of Big Data from a strategic, ethical, and community-centered perspective. Libraries, as trusted institutions, have the opportunity to lead a model of responsible innovation, always ensuring transparency, professional training, and the protection of users' rights. Ultimately, Big Data should not be an end in itself, but a tool to promote a more just, critical, and community-oriented library model.