This study explores the opportunities and challenges of integrating robotics technologies into science-hub libraries in Zanzibar, focusing on three hubs located on Unguja Island. The study population included staff working in the hubs and stakeholders dealing with robotics technologies in the country. A case study research design with a qualitative research approach was employed to collect, analyze, and interpret the data. Qualitative data was gathered through focus group discussions to gauge the respondents’ perceptions and experiences regarding educational robotics technologies in the hub settings. The findings highlight promising opportunities, including government support through infrastructure investments; grants for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education; a competence-based curriculum; and access to professional development such as online courses. However, key challenges persist, including limited robotics infrastructure, insufficient librarian training, and financial constraints. To address these issues, the study recommends securing long-term funding, advocating for the inclusion of robotics in Zanzibar's education curriculum, and introducing affordable mobile robotics kits.

There has been a rapid development of information and communications technologies and, with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning, massive disruption has been observed in various sectors, including education and libraries. These new technologies are interconnected and have revolutionized how electronic devices interact, exchange data, enable seamless automation, and provide exceptional user experiences by learning through user data. There is a huge market for IoT technologies, which has never been seen before with artificial intelligence integration. Despite this potential, the adoption of IoT in academic libraries faces several challenges, including high initial investment costs, a lack of standardized protocols, and security and privacy concerns. This study investigates the extent of adoption of IoT technologies and IoT-based services, and the challenges associated with their implementation and integration in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates. The study uses a descriptive quantitative research design with an online survey covering 66 university libraries. The findings reveal that there is a presence of all IoT technologies in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates, with radio-frequency identification and user-centric IoT applications such as self-checkout systems and mobile applications for various library services being widely used. On the otherhand, advanced technologies like artificial-intelligenceequipped IoT applications which includes augmented reality, virtual reality, drones, robots, and energy management systems are underutilized and are in a nascent stage. The key challenges identified include financial constraints, cybersecurity risks, organizational barriers, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The study provides various recommendations for policymakers and library administrators, including the need for a clear IoT adoption framework and policies, phased implementation, robust security measures, and staff training. By addressing these challenges, university libraries in the United Arab Emirates and other libraries in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and beyond can enhance their operational efficiency, users’ experiences, and sustainability with the adoption of IoT technologies.

This study explored how public libraries in Nigeria foster knowledge democratization and accessibility within the framework of the Fifth Industrial Revolution, with a particular emphasis on sustainability. Anchored in sustainable development theory, the research explores how libraries contribute to social inclusion, economic resilience and environmental responsibility in an era shaped by emerging technologies. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected through 190-minute virtual focus group discussions involving 15 purposively selected public librarians from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The analysis, guided by a narrative synthesis of the participants’ perspectives, revealed three key strategies driving progress: digital literacy initiatives, the integration of Fifth Industrial Revolution technologies (such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things) and efforts to expand open-access platforms. However, the findings also point to persistent barriers, including poor digital infrastructure, unreliable power supply, limited funding and skills gaps, which disproportionately affect libraries in underserved regions. The participants proposed context-specific solutions such as government investment in green infrastructure, local content development and stronger public–private partnerships. The study contributes original empirical insights to the literature on the Fifth Industrial Revolution in librarianship, especially in Africa, and emphasizes the need for sustainable, inclusive and innovation-driven public library practices that support equitable knowledge access and long-term sustainable goals.

The study examines the current state of compliance with existing local and international disability laws and the level of inclusivity practices in university libraries across the United Arab Emirates, focusing on digital and physical accessibility, policy compliance, staff competence, and the challenges associated with it. The study employs a quantitative approach, utilizing a structured survey that involves 68 library professionals from university libraries across the UAE. The study's findings suggest that university libraries in the UAE demonstrate strong compliance with both national and international disability laws. The libraries scored high in physical accessibility features such as elevators and ramps ( M = 4.16, SD = 0.84), accessible parking ( M = 4.19, SD = 0.82), and restrooms ( M = 4.00, SD = 0.96), indicating that more than 80% libraries showed compliance. However, several gaps were also identified in the area related to the provision of alternative formats for users with sensory disabilities and designated spaces for special needs users. Digital accessibility showed moderate advancement with an average mean score of 3.63 and 72.6% compliance observed with the presence of accessible digital content and platforms, but inconsistent availability of assistive tools and technologies for users. The study also found that there is a moderate level, with an average mean score of 3.44 and 68.8% of competency level among library and information science professionals observed while serving users with disabilities. The most significant challenge was the shortage of specialized staff, and there was a need for specialized training to cater to the needs of users with disabilities, while funding was at a moderate level. Other challenges identified included problems related to outreach and collaboration, and a lack of awareness among users about disability related library services. The findings of this study have implications for policymakers, librarians, and education administrators as they can identify the key gaps and address them. Regular policy reviews, increased investment in assistive technologies, enhanced collaboration with special needs organizations, and systematic staff development can ensure inclusive services and provide better services to users with disabilities.

This article examines the state of public libraries in India, focusing on a select state laws and their policies. It highlights the urgent need for action, revealing that inadequate funding and limited engagement with the diverse needs of communities are major barriers preventing public libraries from functioning effectively as vital social infrastructure. Key challenges identified include poor policy implementation, inconsistent data on the number and condition of public libraries, and the need for systemic revitalization. Notably, only six southern states currently levy a library tax, 13 states do not mandate one, and 17 states lack any library legislation altogether. To empower public libraries, the article proposes several policy interventions. These include formulating a Model Library Act accompanied by a national policy to guide state efforts, ensuring sustainable funding, integrating digital technologies, and promoting community-led services. Community development and advocacy are critical to making public libraries accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of communities.

This study explores a practical case study of the development and implementation of an automated news alert system by integrating Google News, Google Sheets, and LibGuides to optimize the dissemination of curated news to users at the Jio Institute Digital Library, India. This system currently delivers news updates for 287 companies and is scalable to include more, according to institutional needs. The development process was simplified with the help of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, which enables library professionals with limited technical expertise to build advanced automation frameworks. The technical workflow and challenges faced are examined in this article. Additionally, this study underlines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in modernizing library operations for an efficient future in library services. The study shares the meticulous deployment of open source as well as proprietary software; depicts the potential of scalable and cost-effective automation systems in modernizing libraries; and highlights the need for training programs to shape professionals to maximize the adoption of artificial intelligence in libraries.

This study assessed the accessibility of assistive technologies (AT) for patrons with visual impairments (VI) within academic libraries of Zimbabwe's Midlands Province. Employing a case study design with a subjectivist epistemology, the research explored the needs of patrons with VI and the current provision of AT in five libraries. Data generation used a combination of questerviews, interviews, focus groups and document analysis, involving library staff, patrons with VI, disability studies lecturers, student services staff and members of the Zimbabwe Library Association. The findings revealed a significant gap between the needed AT (including Braille, screen readers, accessibility software, book readers, reference services and Internet of Things [IoT] applications) and what libraries currently offer. Challenges identified included inadequate equipment, funding limitations and, at times, staff’s negative attitudes. To address these issues, the research suggests creative solutions like seeking donations, crowdfunding or establishing public–private partnerships. Additionally, the study recommends the creation of disability resource centres within the libraries and advocates national legislation, through the Zimbabwe Library Association, to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities in academic institutions.

Building on discussions in the Information Sciences on responsibility and decolonizing digitization, we emphasize how cultural context is key, not only for understanding mātauranga Māori [Māori Indigenous knowledge], but also for ethically and compassionately caring for such knowledges in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our kōrero [dialogues] with Māori archival users highlight the intricate ways digital knowledge collections are embedded within—and accessed through—webs of social practices, including those that support intergenerational knowledge transmission, whanaugatanga [kinship] and turangawaewae [one's connection to self through place]. We introduce the concept of “awhi”—meaning to support, cherish, or nurture—to frame the ethical archiving of mātauranga Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. We contend that awhi is an interpersonal invitation to center dynamic relational partnerships, guided in the Aotearoa context by the tikanga [customary practices or behaviors], kawa [protocols], and whanonga pono [values] that our communities find meaningful.

This study examined practices and collection development policies that reduce the environmental impacts of the adoption of information and communications technology (ICT) in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted a multiple-case-study research design. The findings showed that the available ICT facilities in the selected university libraries include computers, printers, scanners, projectors, photocopiers, CD-ROMs, servers and Internet facilities. The results showed that the ICT facilities that consume a high level of energy/power include printers, photocopiers and computer systems. The results showed that the libraries do not have stated collection development policies that consider the environmental impacts of the acquired ICT facilities, and the common practice of the selected university libraries is the adoption of solar energy to power ICT facilities. The findings showed that the challenges associated with the use of ICTs include technological upgrade, inadequate funding, inadequate management support, erratic power supply and difficulty in repairing faulty ICT facilities.

This study aims to explore and identify competency development needs among library and information science educators. A qualitative research methodology was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with lecturers from a Vietnamese library and information science faculty. Educators’ needs related to competencies and forms of development were analysed. The study identifies four main areas of competency requiring development: professional expertise, teaching skills, research capabilities, and support competencies such as soft skills and foreign language proficiency. Applying advanced technologies, attending formal and informal training activities, and self-learning, with the institution's support playing a vital role, were recognized as crucial for faculty development. Based on these findings, the study proposes flexible and continuing training programmes, personalized for each faculty group, while emphasizing the importance of technology integration in teaching within developing countries.