The Influence of Emerging Technologies on Library Services: A Comparative Study of Public and Private University Libraries

Abstract

Purpose-This study aims to investigate the perception of university librarians towards the use of emerging technologies (Augmented/virtual reality, cloud computing, semantic web/linked data, Bibliographic Framework, current awareness services, Really Simple Syndication feed,Big Data, Radio Frequency Identification, and WeChat)in performing library services(user, technical, instructional, and managementservices). Design/methodology/approach- A survey research method was used to conduct the study. A quantitative research approach was applied with a structured questionnaire. The sample size of the study consisted of 218 library professionals (working in public and private sector universities)who were selected through convenient sampling.  The data was analyzed by using SPSS.

Findings- Results show that most of the respondents aremoderately aware of emerging technologies that are being used in libraries. The private university librarians are marginally better than their counterparts. However, there is no significant differencebetween public and private university librarians in terms of awareness of emerging technologies in performing user services, technical services, and management services. Conversely, there is a significant difference between both types of librariansin providing instructional services.

Originality/value-This paper tries to highlight the awareness of university librarians about emerging technologies in libraries.