LIBRARIANS PERCEPTION OF FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TECHNOLOGY USE IN INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION: A CASE STUDY OF KASHIM IBRAHIM LIBRARY, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
LIBRARIANS PERCEPTION OF FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION TECHNOLOGY USE IN INFORMATION SERVICES PROVISION: A CASE STUDY OF KASHIM IBRAHIM LIBRARY, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
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Date
2026
Authors
EKOJA, Emmanuel
ADEDOKUN, Aderonke O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Library and Information Management Forum Vol. 28. No. 1 2026
Abstract
This study examined the perception of librarians on the use of Fourth Industrial
Revolution(4IR) technologies in information services provision at Kashim Ibrahim Library,
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The following objectives are used for this paper; 1) To
ascertain the challenges faced by Librarians in the use of 4IR technologies for information
services provision, in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 2) To
ascertain the perceived affordances on the use of 4IRtechnologies for Information Services
Provision in Kashim Ibrahim Library, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Affordances theory
provided the frame work for understanding how Librarians perceive and use the emerging
technologies in their professional activities. A qualitative research approach was adopted for
the study. Purposive sampling techniques was used to select 15 librarians with considerable
professional experience and familiarity with digital technologies. Semi- structured interviews
were used to collect data from professional librarians in the library. Data saturation occurred
after the seventh interview data was analyzed through qualitative content analysis. The findings
revealed that librarians perceive 4IR technologies as important tools for digital information
service provision and research support services. Despite these benefits, the study identified
several barriers affecting adoption and utilization, including knowledge gap, lack of 4IR use
policy, Infrastructural, financial and maintenance issues. The paper concludes that librarian’s
perception of the affordances embedded in 4IR technologies plays a significant role in their
adoption and use for information services provision. The paper recommends continuous staff
training, improved technological infrastructure, policy, support, and increased investment in
digital technologies to strengthen information services provision in Nigeria academic
Libraries.