What’s trending: technology in “left behind” libraries

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of technology in libraries that have been “left behind”, that is, libraries that are not technology compliant in terms of providing services with the latest digital tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review on libraries that are “left behind” in technology was done and the data gathered presented, of the latest trends in such libraries and their progress or regression.

Findings

Public and university libraries are mostly left behind depending on the environment and the prevailing circumstances in the environment. The COVID-19 pandemic, unrest and war situations have affected technology use in libraries and created different left behind scenarios in libraries. Recommendation is made for libraries, librarians and information specialists to remain dynamic and versatile to cope in the institutions where they work.

Originality/value

“Left behind” libraries are always trying to catch up, and therefore more attention ought to be paid to them, especially in the digital era of constant emerging technologies.

Citation

Oyelude, A.A. (2022), "What’s trending: technology in “left behind” libraries", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 39 No. 7, pp. 13-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-05-2022-0066