Technology undeniably drives a number of changes and creates many new possibilities for academic libraries to improve their library services. In the future, as more new technologies emerge and become affordable, academic libraries have greater potential to adopt more new technological tools to enhance their existing services or implement new services in order to satisfy the ever-changing needs and demands of users.
In terms of boosting existing services, streaming media services can replace DVD borrowing service as this streaming service is very convenient for library users to watch movies and television programmes through their library account anywhere. They can stream ten films or episode per month through this technology (Hussain, 2020, p. 22). Besides, library can enhance printing, copying, and scanning services by providing cloud-based services which can facilitate patrons to use their smart phones, tablets and laptop to print, copy, and scan their work (Hussain, 2020, p. 22).
Moreover, advanced technologies such as robot technology, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) can be adopted to enhance library services such as information literacy training/workshops and library virtual tour which can attract more patrons to join (Hussain, 2020, p. 18). By incorporating AR in teaching library skills, users’ learning performance can be enhanced since it can help increase the users’ understanding more than traditional instruction of the librarian (Krippendorff, 2018; Okunlaya et al., 2020, p. 996).
Furthermore, by adopting mobile apps in library services, users can get access to online services including searching library catalogue, managing their library account, renewing and reserving books, downloading e-books and get notification of what new resources, services and facilities are available at library (Hussain, 2020, p. 19).
In terms of the new services, since our institute is offering a range of new programmes related to design, creative technology, film and media production, library can offer a new service called Library makerspace that provides a wide range of resources and tools such as computers, 3D printers, audio and video editing tools, and traditional arts and crafts supplies which allow library users to create intellectual and physical materials such as short films by implementing their intellectual skills (Hussain, 2020, p. 20). For 3D printing, library can provide access to appropriate modelling software along with staff support (Hussain, 2020, p. 19).
Emerging technologies undeniably bring many changes and challenges for the role and responsibility of library professionals. Therefore, we need to find ways to keep learning the knowledge of new software and new technologies through attending courses, workshops, conferences and other professional development programs (Wenborn, 2018). Besides, learning from colleague or taking free online courses are helpful for professional development (Wenborn, 2018).
Reference
Hussain, A. (2020). Cutting edge: Technology’s impact on library services. In J. Jesubright, & P. Saravanan (Eds.), Innovations in the designing and marketing of information services (pp. 16-27). IGI Global. https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.4018/978-1-7998-1482-5.ch002.
Krippendorff, K. (2018). Content analysis: An introduction to its methodology. Sage Publications.
Okunlaya, R., Syed Abdullah, N., Alias, R. A. (2020). Augmented reality in library services: A panacea to achieving education and learning 4.0. In F. Saeed, F. Mohammed, N. Gazem (Eds.), Emerging trends in Intelligent Computing and Informatics (pp. 991-998). https://doi-org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1007/978-3-030-33582-3_93.
Wenborn, C. (2018, April 13). 4 Professional Development Tips for Busy Librarians. https://www.wiley.com/network/librarians/library-impact/4-professional-development-tips-for-busy-librarians.