A mediação invisível

o setor de circulação e a subutilização de livros digitais em uma biblioteca universitária

Abstract

This article examines the underuse of digital books within the Library System of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (SISBI/UFRN), focusing on the perceptions of the Circulation/User Services sector. Grounded in authors such as Valentim, Evans and Saponaro, Rodrigues and Carvalho, and Magalhães, the theoretical framework discusses hybrid libraries, digital collection management, and challenges related to information mediation. The research follows a qualitative approach using a case study, bibliographic review, semi-structured clinical interview, and Bardin’s content analysis. Findings indicate that digital books remain largely invisible in daily service routines due to insufficient dissemination, lack of systematic mediation strategies, weak interdepartmental communication, and limited user awareness. Results also show that underuse hampers reliable assessment of the collection’s adequacy, compromising planning and development of digital resources. The study concludes that full integration of digital books requires coordinated institutional actions, stronger involvement of the circulation sector in decision-making processes, and expanded investments in active mediation and user training. The research contributes to understanding the challenges faced by university libraries in managing hybrid collections and highlights necessary strategies to expand the visibility and effective use of digital resources.