A Review of Fifth Industrial Revolution as an Opportunity for Rebranding Libraries and Librarians in Nigeria (Published)
In recent time, the centre of discussion on global development and environmental sustainability hedges on the fifth Industrial revolution (5IR) that aims at seeing man working with machine as partners without a dent on the environment. To the developed nations of the world, their libraries are already navigating the landscape of this revolution but same cannot be said of developing countries like Nigeria. This paper therefore a review of Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) as an opportunity for total rebranding of libraries and librarians in Nigeria. The paper based on its objectives, employed interpretive content and document analysis method. This was adopted as it aided the author to carry out a comprehensive literature review of the topic discussed and to completely analyze materials collected from different sources ranging from journal articles, databases to different websites. Apart from the conceptualization of 5IR to the understanding of libraries and librarians in Nigeria, the paper through the reviewed literature, identified skills to be acquired by the librarians if they are to successfully navigate the landscape of the revolution in ever evolving world of technology which include skills that can facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and the cross-fertilization of ideas; impact of 5IR on libraries as well as the conundrums ahead of libraries and librarians in Nigeria as they navigate the landscape of the 5IR and the implication of the revolution for librarians of which the issue of transition to full Digital Libraries is one. While the implications among others include that librarians must embrace entirely new roles such as data management, digital preservation, and technology training in this digital era. The conclusion inter-alia is that 5IR has set aside an era that brings reconciliation between man and machine putting into consideration environmental sustainability. In that man and machine are seen as partners in progress therefore should work in unison for the wellbeing of man and the global digital ecosystem without endangering any specie.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Library, Technology, fifth industrial revolution, librarian, technological development
Evolution of Synthetic Intelligence Against Artificial Intelligence: What Librarians Should Know (Published)
In recent time, there is this scientific thought that the intelligence of machine needs not to be artificial rather superficial and genuine form of intelligence. In this regard, the need to come with a machine that operates under the claim of “genuine intelligence” arose, given rise to the evolution of what is in recent time traded as ‘Synthetic Intelligence (SI). This paper therefore takes a look at this term synthetic intelligence, conceptualizing the similarities and differences between it and AI as well as areas librarians can leverage on to enhance effective and efficient library services. The paper which was guided by three main objectives, adopted interpretive content and document analysis method aimed at conducting an all-embracing review and analysis of collated literature from different databases. Based on analyzed literature, the paper identified that there exist, some similarities and differences between SI and AI. In terms of similarities, it identified that both AI and synthetic intelligence involve the use of computers and algorithms to create intelligent systems among others whereas, their differences include that while AI is the development of computer systems that can perform tasks and make decisions that would typically require human intelligence, synthetic intelligence goes a step further by creating computer programs or systems that are not just imitating human intelligence, but are designed to possess an entirely synthetic or manufactured form of intelligence but in all, both are computer based intelligence. It was also realized that SI, inter-alia can assist librarians with back-office duties in that computers can now complete regular tasks, such as inventory and catalogue management, holds and reservation management, circulation and check-out and fine notifications and fee collection. Based on the analyzed literature, the suggestion is that librarians as digital literacy advocates and custodians of knowledge should tailor their minds towards understanding SI principles, applications, and ethical considerations, as it will help them better navigate the future landscape of intelligent systems and their integration into theglobal digital ecosystem as well as having it at the back of their minds, that SI and AI are one and same thing but the differences are their approaches and goals.
Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Librarians, Technology, synthetic intelligence
A Survey of Librarians’ Information Technology Literacy Level in Nigerian Academic Libraries (Published)
This article investigated the Information Technology (IT) literacy level of librarians in four tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. Questionnaire was used to collect data. Out of the thirty administered, twenty-four were returned and found useful. The response rate, therefore, was 80%. The study found that, generally, the literacy level was still low even though there was greater awareness. Thus, 29% of the librarians had never undergone formal training on computer. 79% did not have personal computer and only one librarian (4%) could design a database and create a website. Finally many of the sections in the libraries are without computer. It was recommended therefore, that librarians must utilize optimally every opportunity to develop their IT proficiency.
Keywords: Information, Literacy, Technology, communication, librarian
Digitization in a Nigerian University of Technology: Issues, Challenges And Way Forward (Published)
Digitization entails the conversion of traditional library materials such as printed books and papers into digital formats where they can be stored and manipulated by a computer. This paper discussed digitization of library resources, process, and challenges at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. The article outlined the advantages of digitization and further revealed some hurdles that prevent effective digitization in Nigerian academic libraries with particular reference to FUTO library. These challenges include among others: inadequate funding, erratic power supply, lack of modern infrastructure, lack of skilled staff and nonchalant attitude of departments. Also, the paper explored efforts made so far by the management of FUTO library in addressing the challenges of digitization.
Keywords: Digitization, Library, Technology, University, resources