Readiness of UKZN Librarians to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution

 

By Desmond Beharilal and Khethiwe Mnyandu

For many years, libraries were quiet spaces, which made them conducive for studying and reading purposes. Over the past few years, there have been many proposals to change the historical perceptions of libraries especially in academic libraries. Such proposals included the design of libraries architecturally, the introduction of technology and the division of spaces in the library for reading and studying and socialising sections. As this is a global phenomenon, we would focus on proposals regarding the UKZN libraries.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) continues to transform higher education by integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, data analytics, and automation into everyday academic and administrative processes. UKZN Libraries as central pillars of knowledge creation and dissemination, are redefining their roles to align with this rapidly evolving digital environment.

The Changing Role of Librarians

The space created for undergraduate students, which was once a collection of hardcover books, journals, and audio-visual materials, is barely the same anymore as most of these items are now produced electronically. This has led to the creation of LAN spaces, where undergraduate students can use computers to access library databases and find items they may require for their studies. This strategy also became very interactive, whereby undergrad students became very interactive by assisting one another on how to access the library databases.

As more resources shift to e-copy formats, librarians will find themselves with empty shelves and a pressing question: How do we use this space meaningfully? The answer has often involved creating flexible study zones, digital learning hubs, and collaborative areas that reflect the needs of modern students.

In the era of 4IR, the role of academic librarians extends beyond traditional information management. Librarians are increasingly becoming digital educators, researchers and technology facilitators. Their readiness to support the Fourth Industrial Revolution depends on continuous learning in developing technologies, digital literacy and ethical information management.

Academic librarians are equipping themselves with new competencies such as AI literacy, data management to remain relevant and responsive to institutional needs. This transformation is not merely technical but strategic, ensuring that libraries remain vital to teaching, learning and research excellence.

Conservatives would not agree that such changes would be beneficial for libraries to provide the intended purposes for study purposes, however, with the global trends in the creation of such in libraries one has no alternative but to adapt to such changes. Conservative, not in the political sense, but students who would prefer studying or focusing on their studies in a quiet environment will now have to adapt to available technologies in the Libraries.

These changes also impacted the library staff who have to perform extra tasks to ensure that the library still maintains part of its original character by ensuring a personalised service to all who require such assistance in the libraries.

Librarians Supporting Teaching and Learning Through AI Literacy

Librarians will play a crucial role in preparing students to engage with AI responsibly. Through structured workshops, training sessions and collaborative teaching initiatives. Librarians are embedding AI literacy and ethical awareness into the learning environment.

These programmes focus on:

• Using AI tools to enhance academic writing, research, and critical thinking while upholding principles of academic integrity.

Towards a Collaborative and Innovative Future

The teamwork between librarians, academics, and technologists (AI Trainers) will continue to shape innovative teaching and research systems.

As demonstrated by Robotic Thola’s presence in the UKZN libraries adds another layer of accessibility for students with disabilities to provide voice-activated or touch-screen support.  The future of librarianship is not about replacing human expertise with machines but about creating a mutual relationship where technology strengthens human intelligence, understanding and ethical reasoning.

UKZN Librarians affirm their commitment to lifelong learning, innovation and responsible information management. The Library therefore, remains not only a space for accessing knowledge but also a dynamic hub for digital empowerment and academic growth.

Budget

For many, the purchase of e-copy resources was regarded as a technological advance in the libraries without realising that the cost for such changes would largely impact the library budgets. Publishers were very innovative in their marketing strategies by providing information electronically, but differently priced especially by dividing books and journal articles into single and multi-user access, and further by providing pages and chapters separately. This strategy attracted the attention of librarians, which made the transition to electronic copies much easier as the processing of such items onto the library databases is also much easier.

While the focus is on the readiness of UKZN Librarians to support the 4IR not much attention was given to the library infrastructure. Unfortunately, the funds available for such projects require the input of other sections within the University, which becomes difficult to access due to the bureaucracy within academic institutions.

Please provide your views or comments on the topic.

References

·       Jason Griffey (2019). Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Libraries. ALA TechSource. Practical introduction to AI tools used in libraries.

·       Nicole Hennig (2017). Keeping Up with Emerging Technologies. ALA Editions. Includes AI trends and their impact on libraries.