This last blog post will examine and analyse Msauki’s chapter in Library 4.0 and sustainable development, focusing on the opportunities and challenges for both information professionals and organisations in a changing technological world. Throughout the composing of the previous 5 blog posts, it has become even clearer to me that social networking in the information and library profession is extremely important and incredibly fast-paced and intrinsic. 

The organisation used to compare this question to is my local public library, as well as public libraries in general. The potential for public libraries in the future is exponential and limitless if social media, Web 2.0 and technology is embraced. The emergence of these things has meant libraries and information professionals must rise to meet and welcome these opportunities, or risk remaining stuck within the more traditional barriers of an old fashioned library. Public libraries must introduce measures like manual handling procedures, self service, free internet services, and focus on transforming the physical library from a book and shelving dominated facility to a place of communication, talking and teaching (Evans & Baker, 2011, p. 342).  As mentioned in Msauki, public libraries must also adapt to not only helpful technologies, but potentially disruptive technologies, such as artificial intelligence and automation (2021, p. 58). If both positive and negative technologies are not embraced, information professionals are at risk of being regarded as slow, unappealing, irrelevant and unfavourable (Msauki, 2021, p. 58). 

A positive example of technology adding to the potential of public libraries is the creation and additions of Maker Spaces. Focusing on collaboration, interest and learning, maker spaces give information professionals the opportunity to showcase to their users the very best that technology has to offer, and not just read or watch content, but in fact allow users create their own content (Msauki, 2021, p. 61). 

Another important point to note to ensure that future technologies have a positive impact on information professionals and their organisation is guaranteeing adequate training is put in place to ensure there are no skill deficiencies. The need for training to able to use, understand and teach users how to use new technologies is now a necessary role of the information professional, therefore compulsory trainings and work conferences must be undertaken to ensure staff understand and comprehend it themselves. Msauki agrees, and states that this training should start in universities and colleges for information studies students (Msauki, 2021, p. 66).

In conclusion, resistance to change as well as inadequate training can lead to the future having a negative impact on information professionals, as well as a limited and/or dangerous future for both local public libraries, as well as the organisation as a whole. However, implementing innovative technological tools into the library including internet access and maker spaces and transforming the traditional library into a place of communication, learning and fun, as well as effective planning for disruptive technologies will help to ensure the future of public libraries and information professionals is limitless. 

Photo by Elsevier

 

References 

Evans, W., & Baker, D. (2011). Libraries and society: Role, responsibility and future in an age of change. Elsevier.

Msauki, G. (2021) Library 4.0 and sustainable development: Opportunities and challenges. In, J. P. Chigwada &  N. M. Nwaohiri (Eds.), Examining the Impact of Industry 4.0 on Academic Libraries. Emerald Publishing Limited.