Fourth industrial revolution (4IR): librarians' perceptions encompass the art of thinking skill
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 29 September 2022
Issue publication date: 25 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The world is moving toward a new industrial revolution period where digital technology has achieved unprecedented developments. The industrial revolution (IR) is a subcategory of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). This paper aims to discuss the 4IR technologies from the perspective of librarians. It investigates the perceptions of librarians about the 4IR.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted in the Malaysian academic libraries. A set of eight open-ended questions were designed to investigate the challenges, barriers and business case to encompass the art of thinking skills in information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). The participants were a group of librarians' working in the 4IR with a glimpse of the transformation toward smart libraries. Four librarians' answered the blurred line and fill the gap between life as a librarian and technology as the cutting edge of industry development.
Findings
The findings of this study on the 4IR as a global business–library industry exposed that the technological advancements and development process of information system (IS) has incorporated the most advanced and innovative technologies which have influenced librarians' perceptions, thinking skill and mindset. This study proposes IS enablers and librarians to take measures to cope with the 4IR.
Originality/value
This study is unique in the sense that it is the foremost research on 4IR from the perspective of Malaysian librarians'.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The principal author wants to thank the Malaysian Library, at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for regularly supporting and contributing to her fieldwork for International Federation Library Association (IFLA). This study is ostensibly supported by the Information Technology Section IFLA. The author has given talks based on it before and after then. A webinar session was also conducted on the 30th of October 2020 in which a total of 274 participants took part. This session introduced the 4IR and the adaptability of the librarians in the fourth industrial revolution.
Thanks to Dr. Kiran Kaur, Associate Professor from University of Malaya (UM) for her impressive point of view and support toward this research. A special thanks to Madam Sukmawati Muhamad for her round-the-clock support since the author’s Doctorate journey. Finally, a dedication to the experts in digital transformation and smart library librarians; including Mr. Muhammad Akmal Ahmat, Mustaqeem Abdullah, Madam Hasniza Amno and Madam Wan Emilin W Mat Alli for their valuable input on the librarians' perceptions that encompass the art of thinking skill on the 4IR.
Thanks to, Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Director Centre for Knowledge, Communication and Technology (CKCT) for the support that leads to the successful completion of this research. Last but not the least, Mr. Arslan Sheikh is also acknowledged for his valuable contribution and for extending his expertise in publishing this manuscript.
Citation
Mohideen, Z.A., Sheikh, A., Kaur, K. and Sukmawatid, M. (2022), "Fourth industrial revolution (4IR): librarians' perceptions encompass the art of thinking skill", Library Management, Vol. 43 No. 8-9, pp. 521-535. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-06-2022-0055
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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