From traditional to emerging technologies in supporting smart libraries. A bibliometric and thematic approach from 2013 to 2022

Abstract

PurposeThe evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding and analyzing the significant changes, patterns and trends in the subject as they are represented in academic papers is the goal of this research.Design/methodology/approachUsing bibliometric methodologies, this study gathered and examined a large corpus of research papers, conference papers and related material from several academic databases.FindingsStarting with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data (BD), Augmentation Reality/Virtual Reality and Blockchain Technology (BT), the study discusses the advent of new technologies and their effects on libraries. Using bibliometric analysis, this study looks at the evolution of publications over time, the geographic distribution of research and the most active institutions and writers in the area. A thematic analysis is also carried out to pinpoint the critical areas of study and trends in emerging technologies and smart libraries. Some emerging themes are information retrieval, personalized recommendations, intelligent data analytics, connected library spaces, real-time information access, augmented reality/virtual reality applications in libraries and strategies, digital literacy and inclusivity.Originality/valueThis study offers a thorough overview of the research environment by combining bibliometric and thematic analysis, illustrating the development of theories and concepts during the last ten years. The results of this study helps in understanding the trends and future research directions in emerging technologies and smart libraries. This study is an excellent source of information for academics, practitioners and policymakers involved in developing and applying cutting-edge technology in library environments.

Editorial: Special selection on current bibliometrics and reviews

“…Hot topics include machine learning, large datasets, deep learning and high-level languages. Readers may also be interested in reading recent articles on AI library service innovation (Okunlaya et al , 2022), patterns of AI policies (Wang et al , 2023a), intelligent recommendations (Bokharaei Nia et al , 2023; Nawaz et al , 2023; Senthil Kumaran and Latha, 2023; Shi et al , 2023), library robotic process automation (Basumatary et al , 2023; Chin and Chiu, 2023; Lin et al , 2022; Wójcik, 2023), smart libraries (Khan et al , 2023; Wang, 2023b), AI awareness in libraries (Harisanty et al , 2022; Yoon et al , 2022), AI in library repositories (Nugroho et al , 2023) and ChatGPT (Afjal, 2023; Bin-Hady et al , 2023). Further, readers may be interested in our special section on smart cities (Chang and Abdel-Basset, 2022).…”

Emerging technologies and higher education libraries: a bibliometric analysis of the global literature

“…Emerging technologies in the form of data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, chatbots, gamification, robotics, digital literacy, research data management, assistive technologies, maker space, adaptive spaces, 3D printing, Internet of Things, mobile technology, augmented reality, virtual reality, digital preservation and storage underpinned through the Fourth Industrial Revolution are reimagining higher education libraries (Ajani et al, 2024;Anser et al, 2023;Asemi et al, 2021;Edwards et al, 2022;Gunapala et al, 2020;W ojcik, 2021;Zhou et al, 2022). Information access, information resources, services, facilities and most importantly human resources are precariously positioned as library management attempts to steer higher education libraries to a place of relevancy and sustainability through cutting-edge emerging technologies (Khan et al, 2023;Ocran and Afful-Arthur, 2022;Shahzad and Khan, 2023). This means for the first-time higher education libraries are navigating uncharted waters and are intensively engaged in dialogues with relevant stakeholders on a global scale.…”

“…Similar to the findings in Shahzad and Khan (2023), Hamad et al (2023), Okunlaya et al (2022), numerous other studies on emerging technologies reveal the changing landscape in higher education libraries across the globe (Bharti and Verma, 2021;Bouaamri et al, 2022;Cheung et al, 2023a, b;Jiang et al, 2022;Khan et al, 2022;Maceli, 2022;Nadi-Ravandi and Batooli, 2023;Nugroho et al, 2023;Senthil Kumaran and Latha, 2023;Yu et al, 2023a, b). Smart libraries, data mining, AI, robotics, virtual reality, machine learning, data analytics, assistive technologies, research data management, digital preservation, Internet of Things are rigorously being probed in the extant literature vis-a-vis higher education libraries and emerging technologies (Ajani et al, 2024;Hamad et al, 2023;Khan et al, 2023;Yoon et al, 2022). Consequently, emerging technologies is a niche area within higher education libraries that is topical and being explored extensively, worldwide.…”