Emerging Technologies and Service Delivery in Federal University Libraries in South-South Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose – This study examined the relationship between emerging technologies and library service delivery in federal university libraries in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the relationships between digital repositories, cloud computing, chatbots and library service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 135 librarians in ten federal university libraries in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Census sampling was used, and 124 completed copies of the questionnaire were returned and found usable for data analysis. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled Emerging Technology and Library Services Delivery (ETLSD), which was validated by experts for face and content validity. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) with SPSS version 25.

Findings – The findings revealed significant positive relationships between digital repositories and library service delivery, cloud computing and library service delivery, and chatbots and library service delivery. The study established that the application of these emerging technologies is associated with improved accessibility, efficiency, responsiveness and effectiveness of library service delivery in federal university libraries.

Practical implications – The study recommends that federal university libraries should strengthen their digital repositories, invest in reliable cloud computing infrastructure and integrate chatbot technology into library services

Originality/value – The study provides empirical evidence on the relationships between selected emerging technologies and library service delivery in federal university libraries in South-South Nigeria, thereby providing useful insights for library administrators, policymakers and librarians seeking to improve the quality and effectiveness of technology-driven library services.

Keywords: Emerging technologies, digital repositories, cloud computing, chatbots, library service delivery.