Library 4.0 and Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Given the speed at which technologies are reshaping economies and societies, libraries are called to embrace these changes while maintaining their role in the achievement sustainable development goals. This chapter aims to highlight how libraries can embrace the sustaining and disruptive technologies brought by the fourth industrial revolution on the library role in advancing sustainable development. The chapter highlights the role of libraries in sustainable development, and the unveils how the fourth industrial revolution technologies, that is, maker spaces, block chain technology, augmented reality, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence are used to enhance the library role in advancing sustainable development. Major challenges affecting libraries in embracing Library 4.0, that is, chronic financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, resistance to change, and technical skills deficiency and possible recommendations to overcome these challenges are highlighted. This chapter is based on desktop review of relevant literature and the authors' views.

Citation

Msauki, G. (2021), "Library 4.0 and Sustainable Development: Opportunities and Challenges", Chigwada, J.P. and Nwaohiri, N.M. (Ed.) Examining the impact of industry 4.0 on academic libraries, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 31-44. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-656-520201012