Digital Environment in Academic Libraries: Leveraging on Advanced Information Communication Technologies for Better Service Delivery

Abstract

The advancement in technologies coupled with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and its associated technologies such as artificial intelligence, AI, robotic technology, virtual/augmented reality, big data, blockchain, cloud computing, and the likes have entered into the academic and other types of libraries have all brought changes into the digital environment of academic libraries. In light of this, this chapter examined the current digital environment of academic libraries. The chapter discusses the concept of the digital environment and academic libraries, describes digital components in academic libraries (old versus new), describes the impact of the digital environment on academic libraries, identify the new knowledge and skills required for academic libraries users’ and librarians’ functionality in the digital environment of academic libraries, and identifies changing formats ofthe environment of information material; the technological issue; the changing role of librarians; a collection of virtual information, archiving or preserving the virtual information; accessing of virtual information; special skills needed for librarians in building a virtual library; the cost factor of information technology; and the likelihood of job loss by the librarians as current challenges associated with the digital environment of academic libraries. The chapter recommends based on the findings that Academic librarians and studentsshould work to develop in-demand skills and continuously learn to use tools that reveal their capabilities and expertise to function in the digital environment of academic libraries and to provide efficient and effective information service. The academic librarians should anticipate and integrate new technologies to redesign access and delivery mechanisms to maximise utilisation of information and to minimise the costs of supporting such services. Keywords: Academic libraries, Digital environment, Digital literacy, Digital skills, Advanced technologies, Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.