DIGITALEVALUATING TANZANIAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES' PREPAREDNESS FOR THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN TEACHING, LEARNING, RESEARCH AND CONSULTANCY
1 Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Science (TANZANIA)
2 University of Dodoma (TANZANIA)
2 University of Dodoma (TANZANIA)
About this paper:
Appears in: ICERI2024 Proceedings
Publication year: 2024
Pages: 6228-6237
ISBN: 978-84-09-63010-3
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2024.1508
Publication year: 2024
Pages: 6228-6237
ISBN: 978-84-09-63010-3
ISSN: 2340-1095
doi: 10.21125/iceri.2024.1508
Conference name: 17th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
Dates: 11-13 November, 2024
Location: Seville, Spain
Dates: 11-13 November, 2024
Location: Seville, Spain
Abstract:
Introduction:The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), driven by ICT advancements, has significantly transformed library processes, activities, and services. The 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Infrastructure (or Cloud Computing), Big Data Analytics, Nanotechnologies, Advanced Robotics, Sensors, Blockchain, and 3D printing, have been integrated into libraries worldwide. There are many uses of the Library, but the main ones are to provide information for teaching, learning, research and consultancy. Integrating 4IR technologies in libraries has improved library processes and enhanced service delivery. This underscores the need for libraries to embrace these technologies to keep pace with technological advancements and adapt their practices to the changing environment.
Objective:
The study evaluates Tanzania University libraries preparedness for Fourth Industrial Revolution in teaching, learning, research and consultancy. Specifically, the study explored the awareness of the university libraries to implement the 4IR industrial revolution.
Methodology:
The study utilized qualitative and quantitative approach to collect data from respondents. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview. A stratified sampling technique was employed to sample nine universities out of 20. The structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from 218 librarians from the selected Universities.
Results:
The findings show that despite being aware of the advantages of the 4IR, most of the surveyed university libraries did not use 4IR technologies. The university libraries that implemented 4IR technologies focused on the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Most university libraries did not have the necessary infrastructure to integrate 4IR technologies successfully.
Conclusion:
The study underscores the urgency for universities to priorities adopting 4IR technologies in libraries to support rapid technological advancements in teaching, learning, research and consultancy.