Improving library services and environments through Internet of Things-based applications: toward a smart library

Abstract

Objective. To identify Internet Applications of Things (IoT) applications that can be implemented for a library environment. Method. To search for IoT applications that are being thought and/or used in intelligent environments, both to compose the exhibition of applications in libraries, as well as to support a bibliographic survey about IoT, intelligent environment, sensors for IoT applications, and IoT technologies. Results. In the end, a total of 19 possibilities of applications in libraries considering the services (divided by area and by type of sensor) and the improvement of the library environments was proposed. Conclusions. The use in libraries of IoT-based applications is already a reality. There are a number of possibilities of configurations of equipment and sensors that allow the implementation of several IoT services, with the purpose of improving the service to the library final users. With a relatively low cost of equipment acquisition and the training of professionals and users, it is possible to more clearly visualize the effectiveness of the smart library scenario, through IoT applications.