Emerging Roles of Libraries in Creating Synergy between Service Delivery and Technology Integration in Academic Libraries: An Overview

Abstract

Libraries are undergoing significant transformations to adapt to the changing needs of their communities. Service delivery through emerging technology is a recent trend in library and information science. On this note, this study is carried out to ascertain the roles of libraries in creating synergy between library service delivery and technology integration in academic libraries. Roles of libraries in service delivery were highlighted and emerging technologies that can be adapted in libraries were also identified. It was discovered that in developing countries like Nigeria, awareness about applications of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Black-chain Technology, Cloud computing, IoT are not elaborating. Emerging technology and its development have given rise to the new roles of libraries to navigate the future, such as shifting the role of libraries from controlling access to information facilitating discovery; redefining the roles of libraries to inclusive services that cater to diverse user needs which include accessibility and language support; shifting the role of libraries from collection centered to user centered design and so on. These roles have greatly improved the accessibility of information, enhanced user experience and facilitated the efficient management of library services delivery. However, libraries also faced many challenges in implementing these new technologies, such as cyber-security threats, changing in information seeking behaviours, lack of technical expertise, lack of clear policies and lots more. To overcome these challenges requires a proactive approach, such as investment in staff training, collaboration with technology partners and development of active policies to ensure the effective and responsible use of technologies. With these, libraries can navigate the future, stay relevant and continue to provide vital services and support to their communities