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For the provision of smart library services to end users, tools of the Internet of Things (IoT) play a significant role. The study aims to discover the factors influencing the adoption of IoT in university libraries, investigate the impact of IoT on university library services and identify challenges to adopt IoT applications in university libraries.

A systematic literature review was carried out to address the objectives of the study. The 40 most relevant research papers published in the world’s leading digital databases were selected to conduct the study.

The findings illustrated that rapid growth in technology, perceived benefits, the networked world and the changing landscape of librarianship positively influenced the adoption of IoT in university libraries. The study also displayed that IoT supported library professionals to initiate smart library services, assisted in service efficiency, offered context-based library services, provided tracking facilities and delivered effective management of library systems. Results also revealed that a lack of technical infrastructure, security and privacy concerns, a lack of technological skills and unavailability of policy and strategic planning caused barriers to the successful adoption of IoT applications in university libraries.

The study has provided theoretical implications through a valuable addition to the current literature. It has also offered managerial implications for policymakers to construct productive policies for the implementation of IoT applications in university libraries for the attainment of fruitful outcomes. Finally, the study provides a baseline for understanding the adoption of IoT in academic libraries.

The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of emerging technologies in e-learning on university librarians and libraries. The study also intended to identify emerging technologies in e-learning and challenges being faced to implement e-learning technologies.

The preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analysis method was applied as the research methodology for conducting the study. A total of 25 core studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct a systematic literature review. The data were analysed through a thematic approach.

The results of the study revealed that e-learning technologies assist library professionals to strengthen their expertise and support them in initiating smart library services to deliver customer-focused services. A shortage of skilled manpower, the unavailability of adequate IT infrastructure, a lack of technical support, copyright issues, poor planning and ineffective library leadership are major challenges to implementing emerging technologies in e-learning.

The study offers theoretical implications by adding valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has a societal impact as it has offered recommendations and practical solutions for the successful adoption of emerging technologies in e-learning. The study also offers managerial implications to develop fruitful policies for implementing e-learning technologies for the innovative sustainable competence development of library manpower and implementation of smart library services.

The major objectives of this study are to explore the perceptions of library practitioners towards IoT and to suggest directions for its proper application in university libraries of Bangladesh.

The study conducted an online questionnaire-based survey of library practitioners working at university libraries in Bangladesh in addition to an email interview with ten librarians. A sample size of 310 library practitioners was obtained using the convenience sampling technique for the survey. Non-parametric tests were performed to examine the differences in demographics and perspectives on IoT, as well as the potential benefits and challenges of IoT deployment in libraries.

A total of 178 valid surveys were completed, and the results indicate that 147 (82.6%) library practitioners have varied degrees of IoT understanding and positive attitudes about IoT applications in libraries. The study identified RFID, wireless technologies, cloud computing, mobile apps, artificial intelligence and semantic search as major IoT enablers. Tracking, book reservation, circulation, user identification, service marketing, selection of resources, information networking and resource sharing, etc. are the main areas of a library where IoT may be applied. The integration of IoT has the potential to transform conventional libraries into smart libraries. However, there are some challenges that Bangladeshi university libraries must overcome to take use of the prospects emerged from IoT.

The study would encourage Bangladeshi librarians adopting IoT-based library and information services and provide guidelines for its successful implementation.

The study is a pioneering effort from Bangladesh’s perspective which portrays the original opinions and perceptions of library practitioners regarding IoT applications in university libraries of Bangladesh.

The purpose of this study Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the important emerging trends in information technology and is slowly being implemented in libraries. The researchers have presented a brief strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis of the application of AI in Pakistani university libraries.

This study uses an ethnographic approach for data retrieval. Five chief librarians were interviewed by phone, during which they were asked to identify one key strength, weakness, opportunity and threat in terms of introducing AI technologies. The researchers have used a standard SWOT matrix to report the respondents’ comments.

AI is already slowly being introduced into Pakistani university libraries. While commenting on ways in which AI could help their libraries deliver more innovative services and better meet user needs, respondents expressed concern about the investment required in funding, time and staff.

Further study is indicated to identify existing AI implementations in Pakistani university libraries and to assess relevant library users’ perspectives. This study is limited to brief, qualitative data; its main purpose is to validate the use of a SWOT analysis.

Given that AI-based tools are already being used in libraries to some degree regardless of location, now is an opportune time to develop strategies for implementing AI technologies more widely. A SWOT analysis can be used to identify and categorize challenges and risks specific to AI in a logical way to support strategic decision-making.

To date, no SWOT analysis has been conducted in the context of AI applications in libraries, let alone specifically university libraries in Pakistan.

This paper is intended to spark discourse on the impact of holograms and holographic technology on libraries and the possibility of their usage in Caribbean academic libraries for assisting users, especially those from the physically challenged community, as well as distance library users.

A thorough assessment of literature was done of all academic and higher institution libraries across the English-speaking Caribbean to determine the effective use of holograms and holographic technology in Caribbean libraries. Literature from several developed countries was studied, paying keen attention to the emerging holograms and holographic technology and the plausibility for inclusion and exploitation by academic libraries.

Revealing the possibilities for fostering great levels of efficacy, as well as saving time and reducing the possibility for inefficiencies in the system through smoother check-in and check-out while offering more accountability.

This research focused primarily on holograms and holographic technology that can assist libraries and their users in the near future. It further attested to the need for there to be greater consideration for physically challenged individuals and their access to material from the library.

This paper is the genesis for discussion surrounding holograms and holographic technology in the English-speaking Caribbean. It sought to bring awareness to the possible uses of holograms while exploring the practical implications of its use in libraries across the English-speaking Caribbean.

Following a crucial COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the coronavirus has affected every academic institution, particularly libraries and information centres. To address this unprecedented scenario, libraries’ staff has decided to provide their services via digital access while staying close to the users. To predict users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19, the authors combined the technology acceptance model (TAM), the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and perceived risk.

Data were collected via a paper-based questionnaire using a convenient sampling method which was distributed at two major libraries; Maulana Azad Library, Aligarh Muslim University and Dr Zakir Husain Library, Jamia Millia Islamia in India.

Empirical findings suggested that all the proposed hypotheses were supported, and the integrated model had strong explanation power as the proposed model explained a 74.5% variance in users’ intention to use digital libraries after COVID-19.

This study offers substantial information to librarians, digital libraries, universities, institutes and other stakeholders and sheds light on the potential for a developing nation to transition to an economy with a strong digital infrastructure. The scope of the study is constrained to the users in India only, hence, leading to the possibility that it may be challenging to generalize the findings.

According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is one of the few studies to predict users’ intentions for using digital libraries after COVID-19 by applying the integrated model of TPB and TAM in an emerging economy. It helped understand the users’ attitudes towards using the digital services and resources available at the respective libraries. It also contributed considerably to the argument that users have grown accustomed to harnessing digital libraries during the post-COVID-19 period.

This study aims to explore first-year engineering students’ perceptions of the engineering librarian as an instructor in multimodal environments related to Information Literacy (IL) topics, teaching strategy, content evaluation, organising, planning and support.

A quantitative approach was used through a survey instrument based on an online questionnaire. Questions were adopted and modified from a lecturer evaluation survey. A simple random sampling technique was used to collect data from first-year cohorts of engineering students in 2020 and 2022.

Respondents perception of the engineering librarian as an instructor in multimodal learning environment was good. Findings revealed students’ learning experiences were aligned with IL instruction even though the environment changed from blended to online. However, an emerging theme that continuously appeared was a lack of access to technology.

These findings may help in developing and strengthening the teaching identity of academic librarians as instructors in multimodal learning environments.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is novel in that it evaluates the teaching abilities of an academic librarian in multimodal environments through the lens of students.

This study aims to investigate whether students would accept augmented reality technology in Al Ain University (AAU) libraries as part of digital library services.

This study used a modified technology acceptance model–based survey instrument for data collection. Data was collected through an online questionnaire, which was sent to 400 students via email in March 2023. Out of the total participants, 176 students completed the questionnaire.

This study found that AAU students have a positive perception of augmented technology use in the library. They believe that augmented technology will be useful and easy to use, and students are willing to use it to access library resources and services.

This study contributes to the digital library perspectives in academic libraries.

The purpose of this paper is to explore library research that uses geographic information systems (GIS) as a tool to evaluate library services and resources to ascertain current trends and establish future directions for this growing research area.

The study searched full text for geographic information systems in two databases: Library and Information Science Source (LISS) and Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), replicating the method used in a prior literature review. The titles and abstracts of the search results were analyzed to gather only the research that used GIS as a tool to measure and analyze library services.

This study found growth in the last decade for library research using GIS. There remain two ways the tool is primarily used: to analyze service areas and to manage facilities and collections.

The findings are relevant for library and information science researchers and practitioners because they summarize a specific area of research that has grown and changed and that still has potential to be used more widely. Using GIS in practice and research could benefit all library users and nonusers because spatial analysis facilitates more precise and informed delivery of services and resources.

The paper provides future directions for use of GIS in library research and attempts to define subdivisions within this research area to clarify the area for researchers and practitioners.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age of information technology. This paper aims to highlight the use of AI in library operations. Several research has been undertaken on this subject, but that only address a few applications. AI and libraries have a substantial nexus; nevertheless, the use and awareness of AI in library services are still creating question marks addressed in this paper. This study will help the policy stakeholder, librarians and scholars in the field to address these issues before the deployment of AI in library services.

This study is based on a qualitative method using content analysis techniques. An extensive review of literature on “artificial intelligence”, “smart libraries” was carried to ascertain the emerging technologies in the smart library domain. Literature was searched against various keywords like artificial intelligence, smart technologies, Internet of Things, electronic resource management, data mining and ambient intelligence. This study highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services and its possible solutions.

The findings of this study show that AI is a vibrant technology that can be used in library services; however, some obstacles like adequate funds, the attitude of librarians and technical skills are a few obstacles that hamper AI in library operations. The findings also reveal that using AI in library operations will accelerate libraries in the right direction. Furthermore, this study highlights various applications that can be deployed without spending costs.

This paper may be of interest to academic, librarians, policymakers, researchers and the government to have a perspective on initiatives in the country on application of technology in library services. This study can introduce the current status and potential of this technology to bring the technology revolution in library and information center services.

This study will motivate library professionals to take advantage of AI in library services and further accelerate library operations in the right direction.

This study covers the understanding of AI in library services that will help the librarian’s and information professionals leverage AI in library scenarios. Furthermore, the practical implication of AI in library services will bring positive change in implementing AI.