Promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study was to investigate factors promoting innovation and application of internet of things in academic and research information organizations. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research design involved survey of selected academic and research information organizations in public and private chartered institutions. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists that normally consume big data and technological resources were involved in the process of data collection using structured questionnaire and content analysis. Information organizations and information practitioners were selected from public and private academic and research institutions. Findings Innovation of internet of things has increasingly transformed and changed academic and research information organizations as the source of knowledge in addition to expanding access to education, data, information and communication anywhere anytime through hyperconnectivity and networking. Internet of things technologies such as mobile of things, web of things, digital information systems and personal devices are widely applied by digital natives in academic and research information organizations. Mobilization platform and devices is the single biggest provider of data, information and knowledge in academic and research organizations. Modern trends in education and knowledge practices in academic institutions and information organizations depends upon internet of things, digital repositories, electronic books and journals, social media interfaces, multimedia applications, information portal hubs and interactive websites, although challenges regarding inadequate information communication technology infrastructure and social computing facilities still persist. Research limitations/implications Information organizations in public and private chartered academic and research institutions were adopted in the study. Respondents handling and supporting information management, planning and decision-making provided the necessary data. Information professionals, digital content managers, information systems and technologists are proactively involved in data and information analytics. Practical implications Academic and research information organizations are powerhouses that provide knowledge to support research, teaching and learning for sustainable development and the betterment of humanity and society. Innovation of internet of things and associated technologies provides practical aspects of attaining sustainable information development practices in the contemporary knowledge society. Internet of things technologies, principles of economies of scale and investment and customer needs entail that information organizations and practitioners should provide appropriate and smart systems and solutions. Social implications Modern academic and research information organizations have the social corporate responsibility to offer technological innovations to heighten access to knowledge and learning in academic and research institutions. Economically, innovation and application of internet of things provide unlimited access to big data and information in organizations all the time anywhere anytime. Originality/value Data management is a growing phenomenon that information practitioners need to fully understand in the digital economies. Information professionals need to embrace and appreciate innovation and application of internet of things technologies whose role in sustainable development practices is critical in academic and research organizations.

The Internet of Things (IoT) in Information Agencies

“…IoT has transformed and changed the nature of data, information and knowledge management in IA with innovative technological systems and solutions that have expanded education, learning and competition. Most of information professionals may no longer think that IoT as a factor hindering access to knowledge (Makori, 2017). Therefore, it connects to the networks that create an opportunity to deploy differentiate services either in entertainment like television, data transfer and led to digital society.…”

“…Proper security management explains the need to have proper plan in providing confidence and clear feedback to the user on an ongoing basis. This is also supported by Makori (2017) that a comprehensive, security and control practices must also be put in place to ensure protection of data and information resources.…”

“…A study has been conducted by Makori (2017) found some factors that can supports innovation and application of IoT in academic and research IA. The empirical study results indicate that factors responsible for the development of the IoT in the contemporary knowledge economy and society were internet development (95%), computing revolution (95%), globalization (95%), mobile revolution (92%), technological innovation (90%), quality services (89%) and customer needs (85%).…”

Sustainable Information Development Practices and Societal Transformation in Kenya

“…The application of DSpace in creation of local content of projects and theses has fueled the open access movement and increased the research visibility of scholarly communication in academic institutions. Web and digital repositories have become the core resources for publishing quality academic and research papers and articles that reflect remarkable openness and excellence rankings globally for local content that were initially underutilized and untraceable (Makori, 2017). Information professionals and academicians in academic institutions have adopted innovative and business enterprise programs where clients pay for the services (binding of projects and theses) in addition to offering professional training programs.…”

The Status Quo of Information Security from the Perspective of Information Technology Staff in Jordanian University Libraries

“…These technologies and developments in the library and information sector have led to the emergence of challenges that pose a clear threat to information security in university libraries [5], and these developments have increased the possibility of information breaches and leaks, exposing it to the risk of change, forgery, and infringement on its digital holdings, whether intentionally or unintentionally [6]. It has become necessary to focus on information security in university libraries because libraries play an important role in dealing with information and communicating it to patrons, a result of technological changes such as the Internet of Things [7]. It is also important to make library departments aware of the challenges and risks related to information security [8].…”