An assessment of the effect of the fourth industrial revolution on library services: a case of academic libraries in Lusaka province.
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Date
2025
Authors
Kuyela, Kadeyo Mutale
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), which is characterised by a fusion of physical, digital, and biological technologies, has profoundly influenced various sectors, including academic library services. This study assessed the effect of 4IR technologies on library operations within academic libraries in Lusaka Province. The study adopted the positivist philosophical approach and a descriptive survey design, data was collected from 106 librarians through stratified random sampling. Responses to closed-ended questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, and hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square test at a 0.05 significance level. The study revealed that libraries are becoming increasingly aware of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) tools, with technologies such as digital repositories accounting for 28.3% and artificial intelligence for 18.9% of the identified innovations The findings indicated that while several Library 4.0 (LIB4.0) technologies had been integrated into library services, the adoption remained low. Common technologies included AI-enhanced cataloguing systems were adopted by 37% respondents in their libraries while 21.7% of the
libraries were chatbots showing a disparity between the potential of these tools and their actual utilisation in daily library operations. This uneven adoption suggests that while libraries recognise the value of such technologies, challenges in full integration and effective usage persist. However, innovations like blockchain and robotic automation were minimally explored, accounting for only 18%. Data analytics, cloud computing, and big data were underutilised, with 63.2% of respondents reporting not using them in decision-making. The study also highlighted librarians' growing confidence and skill levels in leveraging emerging technologies. Approximately 85% of respondents reported confidence in using digital library management systems, with 51% frequently engaging in professional development. However, gaps in training and limited exposure to advanced tools like virtual
reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain persisted. These challenges emphasised the need for ongoing training programs to enhance librarians’ proficiency in 4IR technologies and bridge knowledge gaps in emerging areas. The results of the Chi-Square tests conducted on various factors influencing the adoption of 4IR technologies in academic libraries indicate significant relationships between these factors and adoption. In the first analysis, the perceived usefulness of 4IR technologies was found to have a significant impact on their adoption, as evidenced by a Chi-Square value of 11.376 (p = 0.000). Similarly, the perceived ease-of-use (PEOU) was also significantly related to adoption, with a Chi-Square statistic of 25.772 (p = 0.000), indicating that users' perceptions of ease-ofuse influenced their willingness to adopt 4IR technologies. The results from the attitude towards using 4IR technologies further confirmed this, with both the Pearson Chi-Square and Likelihood Ratio statistics (8.088 and 9.552, respectively, p = 0.000) showing a strong association between attitude and adoption. The study established that integration of 4IR technologies in academic libraries faced significant challenges, including financial constraints (44.3%), inadequate training programs (20.8%), and resistance to change. Additional obstacles, such as limited infrastructure and concerns about job displacement, further hindered adoption. These findings underscored the importance of a multifaceted approach to address technical and human resource challenges, ensuring effective implementation of transformative tools in academic library services. The study recommended that academic libraries should invest in continuous professional
development programs to equip librarians with the necessary skills to leverage 4IR technologies effectively. Since 85.8% of respondents acknowledged enhanced remote access, the study recommends that academic libraries should further develop and refine their digital collections to ensure seamless access for users. This could include improving the user interface of online databases, expanding open-access resources, and implementing stronger cybersecurity measures to protect digital assets. Academic libraries should prioritise budget allocations for the adoption of 4IR technologies in libraries. This could involve securing government grants, forming partnerships with technology companies, or exploring alternative
funding sources such as research grants and donor contributions.
Keywords: Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Librarians, Infrastructure, Ministry of Education, Blockchain Technology, Artificial intelligence and Service delivery
Description
Thesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science.