What is “Smart” About Smart Libraries?
Author(s): Sotonye Orji & Isaac Echezonam Anyira
Abstract – This is a review paper that focused on examining the components of smart libraries. The paper averred that the components of smart libraries are encapsulated in the acronym “S.M.A.R.T.” for “Service, Methods, Automation, Resources, and Technologies”. Being smart enables libraries to align with developmental trends and innovations in education delivery in the digital age. This paper argues that as users get more sophisticated in information seeking endeavours, libraries must respond positively by adopting methods and innovations to meet the needs of their users. Failure to meet up to users expectations would see them being by-passed for other information providers. This is what prompted smart libraries. The paper further identified the impediments to the implementation of smart libraries in Nigeria to include: lack of smart skills and technical know-how, poor funding, lack of ICT policy framework, unreliable power supply/ over-dependence on public power supply which is mostly unstable, poor internet connectivity and low bandwidth, lack of smart gadgets and devices, lack of digital literacy among library users, and dogmatism. The paper recommended improved funding of libraries, institutionalization of ICT, provision of alternative source of energy such as solar, training and retraining of library staff, and improved internet access and bandwidth.
Keywords – ICTs, Library Resource, Library Services, Smart Libraries.
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.26761/ijrls.7.4.2021.1482
Cite This Article As: Orji, S. & Anyira, I. E. (2021). What is “Smart” About Smart Libraries?. International Journal of Research in Library Science (IJRLS), 7(4) 265-271. www.ijrls.in
Copyright © 2021 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.
Paper ID: IJRLS-1482 Page: 265-271 Publication Date: 11 December 2021