Managing Library Changes through deployment of Technology and Emotional Intelligence

Abstract

This study investigates the emotional intelligence and advanced technology: a tool for managing changes in libraries. A review of existing literature and empirical findings reveals that emotional intelligence and advanced technology are eminent tools for managing changes in libraries, especially in this century. Relevant literature was identified through searches of major scholarly databases and information resources, including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Taylor & Francis, and relevant library and information science journals. The search focused primarily on recent literature published between 2020 and 202. This position paper examines the role of technology and emotional intelligence in managing change in libraries and argues that their strategic application remains relatively low among libraries and library professionals. Challenges including inadequate technological competencies, limited professional training, resistance to change, insufficient funding, poor organisational support, and inadequate emotional-intelligence skills hinder effective change management. The paper further highlights emotional intelligence as essential for enabling library professionals to manage stress, communicate effectively, adapt to technological disruption, build positive workplace relationships, and support colleagues during organisational transitions. It advocates an integrated approach that combines technological innovation with emotional-intelligence development, continuous professional development, supportive leadership, adequate funding, and effective change-management strategies. The paper concludes that libraries can strengthen their capacity to manage technological and organisational change by investing simultaneously in appropriate technologies and the human competencies required to implement, sustain, and maximise the benefits of technological transformation in contemporary library environments.

Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Advanced Technology, Changes, Libraries.