Systems and methods are provided for dynamically selecting a locking strategy for a request by a source to use a stored data object in a computerized system. According to one implementation, a method is provided that comprises receiving, by a locking layer, a request from the source to use a stored data object, and determining, with the locking layer, a locking strategy for the request based on a set of locking configuration rules modifiable by a system administrator. The method also includes associating the request with the determined locking strategy. In some implementations, the request and locking strategy may be forwarded to a data management server, which obtains the physical locks on the data objects. The locking strategy may also be changed by the locking layer when the use of the object changes during runtime of the application.