Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze the existing literature on the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) and to give an overview of how libraries are adopting this emerging technology to make users feel more engaging with the library resources and service provision. Design/methodology/approach The basic architecture of IoT with its functionality has been enumerated and its different layers have been depicted. Findings A conceptual library IoT model, working on Message Queuing Telemetry Transport protocol, based on the fog-cloud computing layer of architecture has been proposed. This study also highlights the sensor-based current library services. Originality/value This study focuses on the existing practices of adoption of library IoT and discusses the possibilities of its future expansion in different areas.

Purpose The study demonstrates how libraries are incorporating photo-sharing applications into the collection development and service provision to encourage improved user participation around digital inclusion. Investigating the steps to increase accessibility to photo-sharing sites and current photo-sharing practices, the paper seeks to highlight the extent of implementation across the world. Design/methodology/approach Stratified sampling method was used to select libraries from four continents. Content analysis was used to collect data from 160 libraries along the lines of evaluation models prepared for the purpose. Findings With the comparative account of implementation of photo-sharing apps, the study showcases the relevance of different approaches adopted by libraries and also presents an overview of the implementation with supportive examples. Research limitations/implications The present investigation is limited to selected libraries of four continents and restricted to English websites only. The study may further be extended to include other types of libraries in different areas, including libraries using non-English websites, to get a fuller picture of implementation. Originality/value The paper makes an attempt to improve the understanding of the budding library professionals toward the usage pattern of photo-sharing sites. The guidelines, based on a brief synthesis of the functions/purposes of photo-sharing sites, will make a stronger case for the implications of this research to future photo-sharing practices.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the application of podcast in academic and public libraries, focusing on its purposes and characteristic features. It seeks to measure the degree of adoption of podcast in different types of libraries across the continents. Design/methodology/approach -A content analysis method was used for data collection. Convenience sampling method was followed to select four samples of population, one from each of the four continents. Data were collected along the checkpoints developed by Nguyen and Tripathi and Kumar, and subsequently modified by the researcher. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze data. Findings -The analysis revealed that library podcasts have some basic features and are implemented for specific purposes. It also revealed that adoption of podcast varies along the geographical regions. The study found that extension of implementation of podcast is high in North American libraries whereas intension of adoption of podcast is high in Australian libraries. However, the reason of disproportionate use of library podcast may be attributed to the differential internet penetration rate along the regions. The paper also identifies areas where podcast is being effectively used by libraries across the world.Research limitations/implications -The present study was limited to North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and the survey was completely internet-based, conducted on web sites available in English only. A combination of questionnaire and interview method may enable future researchers to measure the impact of podcast on users' and librarians' attitude and perception, which in turn, will determine the extent to which podcast is capable of motivating and engaging users to harness library facilities.Originality/value -Based on the research findings, the scope of the present study may potentially be expanded with the inclusion of different dimensions to gain a comprehensive understanding on the practicability and usefulness of podcast in different libraries belonging to diverse socio economical levels. The findings will also guide future librarians and web developers alike in designing library web pages so that traditional library services could be provided in an innovative way to meet the expectations and information needs of the users.

Purpose The study aims to focus on the present automation status of the college libraries with an objective to offer enhanced Web-based library service on an affordable virtualization on cloud computing model. Design/methodology/approach With Infrastructure as a Service (Infrastructure as a Service) delivery model, this study demonstrates how libraries of colleges/smaller institutes could be connected to cloud Library Management System infrastructure through internet or dedicated point-to-point WAN connectivity. The Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery model depicts how college libraries could form library consortium at its own private cloud environment with installation of the required LMS application, database, middleware and other prerequisites. Findings A cloud-based consortium approach for the college libraries will reduce the cost of purchasing hardware equipment and setting up of infrastructural facilities; relieve libraries of involving additional IT skilled manpower; foster collaborative approach with shared environment and minimise duplication in resource subscription. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first of its kind in the light of shifting of infrastructure, software and hardware requirements of smaller libraries for cooperative sharing in both IaaS and SaaS cloud platform. The study delineates step by step how college libraries could effectively leverage the cooperative cloud architecture for enhanced library services to reach wider user community.

Purpose The main purpose of this paper is to explore how robots are being used in the library to transform library services and what are the future possibilities of application of robots in libraries. Design/methodology/approach Analyzing various library websites and consulting literature relating to the use of robots in libraries, the current application of robots in libraries has been enumerated. Findings With the practical examples of libraries using different types of robots, this study summarizes diverse activities of artificial intelligence-mediated robots: managing the shelf, controlling circulation workflow, assisting in document retrieval, transporting articles, acting as subject guides, attending reference queries, etc. Originality/value This paper highlights how the introduction of robots in libraries improves the service productivity and creates a more engaging environment with the user group. The benefits and challenges of using robots in the library and the future possibilities are also discussed.