Digital Transformation and Service Delivery in Academic Libraries: a Post Covid-19 Approach

Abstract

In the library environment, digital transformation has revolutionised in-house routine and service delivery such that users can access adequate and current information promptly and remotely. This paper examined the digital readiness of academic libraries in Nigeria in relation to adoption of the major variables considered in the study as indices of digital transformation applicable to deploying library services. These are: kiosk technology; QR code technology; mobile technology; artificial intelligence and Radio Frequency Identification. Also, identifying library services that are being deployed using the listed digital technologies; assessing how digital transformation has impacted positively on library patronage and examining the challenges faced in adopting digital transformation were part of the objectives of the study. The study population was academic libraries in Nigeria and sample was drawn purposively from 18 universities in South-West Nigeria. Findings revealed that digital transformation is yet to be fully embraced in Nigerian university libraries. Also, there is no significant change in the use of digital technologies in the deployment of library services in Nigerian academic libraries pre and post Covid-19 era. Though the study established that digital transformation has impacted library patronage greatly and positively, the greatest challenges facing digital transformation is paucity of funds and lack of infrastructure. The study recommends that organisational policy that supports the adoption of digital technologies in libraries must be put in place. Also, since the annual subvention allocated to libraries is barely enough, library managers should adopt public private partnership to assist in meeting some of their financial obligations.