AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SMART TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED PRIVATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1007-4899Keywords:
Smart libraries, Artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, Big data analytics, Blockchain, Academic libraries, Digital transformationAbstract
This study examines the adoption and implementation of smart technologies in academic libraries, with a focus on identifying key benefits, challenges, and institutional factors influencing their integration within a developing country context. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Survey data were obtained from 79 respondents across academic libraries, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, while open-ended responses were examined through thematic analysis to identify emerging patterns and insights. The findings reveal that smart technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics, significantly enhance library service delivery, accessibility, and user experience. However, major challenges such as high implementation costs (77.9%), poor infrastructure (53.2%), and limited technical expertise (45.5%) hinder effective adoption. Qualitative results further highlight issues related to user awareness, staff training, and resistance to change. This study is limited by its sample size and geographic focus, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand the scope to include comparative studies across regions and incorporate longitudinal data to assess the long-term impacts of smart technology adoption. It provides actionable insights for academic library managers and policymakers by emphasizing the need for strategic investment, capacity building, and infrastructure development. It also highlights the importance of change management and user engagement in ensuring successful implementation and contributes to the growing body of knowledge on smart libraries by providing empirical evidence from a developing country perspective and integrating quantitative and qualitative insights to offer a comprehensive understanding of adoption dynamics
References
Adhikari, H., & Paswan, P. K. (2024). Smart library systems: Innovations and challenges in the Internet of Things era. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 27(5S), 1163–1168. https://doi.org/10.53555/AJBR.v27i5S.8121
Asemi, A., Safari, A., & Zavareh, A. A. (2021). Artificial intelligence application in libraries: A systematic review. Library Hi Tech, 39(2), 412–427. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-02-2020-0037
Atzori, L., Iera, A., & Morabito, G. (2010). The Internet of Things: A survey. Computer Networks, 54(15), 2787–2805. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2010.05.010
Ayinde, L., Ebiefung, R., & Oladokun, B. D. (2026). Adoption of artificial intelligence in academic libraries: A systematic review of current practices, challenges, and research opportunities. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 52(1), Article 103185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2025.103185
Borges, A., Singh, R., & Davis, L. (2020). Artificial intelligence in academic libraries: Enhancing research and user experience. Journal of Library Technology, 12(3), 45-60.
Bostrom, R. P., & Heinen, J. S. (1977). MIS problems and failures: A socio-technical perspective. MIS Quarterly, 1(3), 17–32. https://doi.org/10.2307/249019
Casino, F., Dasaklis, T. K., & Patsakis, C. (2019). A systematic literature review of blockchain-based applications. Telematics and Informatics, 36, 55–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tele.2018.11.006
Cox, A. M., Pinfield, S., & Rutter, S. (2019). The intelligent library: Thought leaders’ views on the likely impact of AI on academic libraries. Library Hi Tech, 37(3), 418–435. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-08-2018-0105
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340. https://doi.org/10.2307/249008
Floridi, L., Cowls, J., Beltrametti, M., Chatila, R., Chazerand, P., Dignum, V., Luetge, C., Madelin, R., Pagallo, U., Rossi, F., Schafer, B., Valcke, P., & Vayena, E. (2018). AI4People—An ethical framework for a good AI society. Minds and Machines, 28(4), 689–707. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11023-018-9482-5
Islam, M. N., Ahmad, S., Aqil, M., Hu, G., Ashiq, M., Abusharhah, M. M., & Saky, S. A. T. M. (2025). Application of artificial intelligence in academic libraries: A bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping. Discover Artificial Intelligence, 5(1), 59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44163-025-00295-9
Kitchin, R. (2014). The data revolution: Big data, open data, data infrastructures and their consequences. Sage.
Kumar, S., Patel, T., & Singh, V. (2021). Blockchain applications in academic record management: A systematic review. Digital Library Trends, 10(4), 78-95.
Neupane, B. (2021). The role of IoT in modern libraries: A case study approach. Journal of Information Management, 9(1), 55-70.
Rahman, F. A., Anuar, A., Ramadhan, S. Y., & Ghazali, A. M. (2025). Innovative technologies in libraries under Industry 4.0: A review of challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(9), 7916–7926. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000645
Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
Salaam, M. O., Akinwale, A. A., & Sodiya, A. S. (2023). Digital transformation in African academic libraries: Challenges and opportunities. The Electronic Library, 41(2), 123–138. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2023-0005
Salman, R., Zhao, L., & Chen, H. (2022). Big data analytics and personalization in digital libraries. Journal of Academic Information Science, 15(3), 189-205.
Smith, J., & Wong, K. (2023). Security and transparency in digital libraries: The role of blockchain technology. Journal of Digital Archives, 11(2), 90-112.
Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington Books.
Venkatesh, V., & Davis, F. D. (2000). A theoretical extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four longitudinal field studies. MIS Quarterly, 24(2), 186–204. https://doi.org/10.2307/3250961
Zhang, Y., Liu, X., & Mathews, E. (2022). Smart libraries: Concepts, systems, and technologies. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), 102570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2022.102570
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
Categories
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Ndukwe Eke, Ogechi Ndukwe, Ibrahim Salihu, Chandrashekhar Uppin, Asmau Usman
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
