Academic libraries readiness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: a comparative study between Ghana and South Africa
| Date | 29 October 2024 |
| Pages | 581-596 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-03-2024-0034 |
| Published date | 29 October 2024 |
| Author | Noah Darko Adjei,Lizette King |
Academic libraries readiness in
the Fourth Industrial Revolution:
a comparative study between
Ghana and South Africa
Noah Darko Adjei
Department of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, and
Lizette King
Department of Library and Information Science, University of the Western Cape,
Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose –This study compares the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) preparedness of two advanced
academic libraries each in Ghana and South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach –The study utilized a conceptual framework that emanated from the
Socio-Technical Theory (STT) and Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) models. Employing convergent
parallel mixed methods, including questionnaires and interviews, 167 respondents, comprising librarians, IT
staff and directors, shared insights on challenges faced by academic libraries in adapting to 4IR.
Findings –Findings highlight a deficiency in Lib 4.0 skills crucial for survival in the 4IR, with South Africa
showing better readiness. Both countries lack Lib 4.0 policies and face budget constraints, inadequate ICT
infrastructure and limited support. The findings underscore the impact of relevant training on staff embracing
Lib 4.0 technologies.
Originality/value –The study then proposes a comprehensive model, highlighting the significance of
librarians adopting a growth mindset and priori V Btizing continuous learning, relearning, reskilling and
upskilling to effectively navigate the complexities posed by the 4IR.
Keywords Library 4.0, Fourth Industrial Revolution, Global Competitive Index (GCI),
Socio-Technical Theory (STT), Artificial intelligence (AI), Academic library in Africa
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
The evolution from the First Industrial Revolution to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
has given rise to Lib 4.0 in library and information science, profoundly impacting libraries
(Ahmat and Hanipah, 2018).
The 4IR is characterized by a fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the
physical, digital, and biological spheres (Schwab, 2016). Building on the digital revolution of
the Third Industrial Revolution, 4IR introduces novel technologies such as artificial
intelligence, complex sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), cognitive computing, virtual
reality, big data, 3D printing, cloud computing, and advanced robotics (Labangon and
Manabat 2018). Correspondingly, the concept of Library 4.0 (Lib 4.0) aligns withthe stages of
the industrial revolutions, evolving from Lib 1.0 to Lib 4.0 (Schwab, 2016). Lib 4.0 is marked
Library
Management
581
© Noah Darko Adjei and Lizette King. Published by Emerald Publishing Limited. This article is
published under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) licence. Anyone may reproduce,
distribute, translate and create derivative works of this article (for both commercial and non-commercial
purposes), subject to full attribution to the original publication and authors. The full terms of this licence
may be seen at http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
https://www.emerald.com/insight/0143-5124.htm
Received 6 March 2024
Revised 25 July 2024
Accepted 6 August 2024
Library Management
Vol. 45 No. 8/9, 2024
pp. 581-596
Emerald Publishing Limited
0143-5124
DOI 10.1108/LM-03-2024-0034
by the integration of 4IR technologies into library services to create smart libraries, including
the use of artificial intelligence, big data tools, virtual reality, IoT, and other advanced
technologies to enhance information provision and library services (Kamble et al., 2018;
Ayinde and Kirkwood (2020). Recent studies have highlighted the importance of Lib 4.0 in
preparing libraries for the challenges of the 4IR and the need for librarians to develop new
skills to effectively utilize emerging technologies (Band, 2024). Coined by Noh (2015), Lib 4.0
reflects the changing nature of the internet and attributes unique to libraries. Lib 4.0 involves
technological environments creating virtual spaces for intelligent libraries, where machines
analyze users’ information needs. In the 4IR era, librarians must acquire critical thinking and
creativity skills to meet evolving patron demands (Ahmat and Hanipah, 2018;Mauro et al.,
2017). While concerns about potential redundancy arise with 4IR technologies like AI and
robotics, Manda and Dhaou (2019) view it as an opportunity for substantial library growth,
noting a disparity in 4IR adoption between Western and developing countries (Moyo, 2019).
2. Problem statement
Studies such as Manda and Dhaou (2019), as well as Petrillo et al. (2018), reflect on the future,
challenges, and opportunities of Lib 4.0 focusing mostly on advanced countries. Limited
studies on the readiness of African academic libraries for 4IR exist. As this transition is
critical for Ghanaian and South African academic libraries, it would be important to know
the level of their preparedness. If readiness (or lack thereof) towards the digital
transformation in the 4IR can be determined and a holistic picture of the current situation
can be projected, necessary actions to be taken might be identified. This will enable academic
libraries to prepare adequately in diverse ways to face the disruptive changes of the 4IR
otherwise they will be in danger of becoming redundant. At the World Economic Forum in
Davos, Switzerland, Klaus Schwab explicitly divulged that the impact of 4IR will hit research
and libraries (Ocholla and Ocholla, 2020). Despite this assertion, limited research has been
done to reflect the true picture of how academic libraries are coping and preparing for the
disruption in Africa.
The selection of countries and cases in this comparative study was deliberate. Ghana and
South Africa were chosen as they are among the two most technologically advanced
countries in West and Southern Africa, respectively. This selection allows for exploration of
the impact of technological advancements on academic libraries in these regions.
The University of Ghana and the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, the University of
Johannesburg, and the University of Cape Town in South Africa were selected due to their strong
technological infrastructure and innovative library services. This selection enables examination
of the experiences of librarians in institutions at the forefront of technological adoption.
This study stands out by conducting cutting-edge research, directly engaging professional
academic library staff for practical insights distinguishing it from prevalent desktop research
in the literature. Addressing a gap in mixed-method approaches for African academic
libraries, the study provides detailed empirical evidence. It caters to academic library
management, information practitioners, policymakers, governments, and stakeholders,
aiming to inform them about the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s impact. Beyond assessing 4IR
readiness, the study lays the groundwork for investigating the potential 5th Industrial
Revolution, emphasizing staying relevant in the digital transformation era.
3. Research questions
The study was based on the following research questions.
(1) What Lib 4.0 skills and competencies are possessed by academic librarians in Ghana
and South Africa for the 4IR?
LM
45,8/9
582
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeStart Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting