The article discusses the transition to a new stage of civilization, the knowledge society. In the modern world, knowledge is one of the major socio-economic resources for both the individual and the state. Accordingly, the educational strategy of any higher educational institution should be refocused to ensure smooth transition from the traditional model to innovative in order to prepare the modern student for a life in the society where innovation and intellectual resources play the major role. The modern library can act as a control centre of knowledge, integrate with the world information resources and mediate for the user in global information space using the tools and mechanisms of the electronic library. In this regard, the e-library becomes a knowledge management centre focused on the development and maximum use of intellectual potential of library for the purpose of preservation, reproduction, building up and broadcasting of knowledge. The article analyses the opportunities which are given by electronic library for the University.

The authors constructed the scheme of interrelation of knowledge and information resources. The article considers the concept of proactive electronic library of the University as a system of information service of readers, the main purpose of which is to provide resources in any form and on any carrier using the classical and network forms of services based on the advanced inquiry services. The authors constructed the model of proactive University library, which is a complex system, incorporating elements of various properties and complexity. The proactive electronic library itself searches for information corresponding to the information needs of the user, without waiting for his request; that can influence the development of his information needs. Thus, the library transforms from a passive storage of information into an interaction partner. Information is automatically selected for the user, relevant to his educational and scientific interests, hobbies and preferred leisure.