Management of academic library services in the 21st century digital dispensation

Abstract

Academic library services have undergone significant change since the development of ICT. Thus, managing academic library service in the digital age requires a strategic approach that incorporates technology, user engagement, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers. This study therefore, explores the role of ICT in the modern management of academic library services. This study specifically centers on identifying the challenges of managing academic libraries in digital environment and suggests strategies for effective management of academic libraries in digital era. The desk research approach and brainstorming with professional colleagues were combined to elicit the facts for the study and adopted content analysis of various literatures relating to the subject was used to draw inferences. The empathy of the paper is on how academic libraries can leverage ICT to enhance various services, including lending, circulation, and cataloguing. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of social media platforms to address the technological needs of library users. Various aspects of library services, such as Library Management, e-Libraries, online cataloguing, and social media services, digitization, Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) were examined in terms of how ICT has impacted them. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges associated with managing library services in the 21st century. To address these challenges, the study suggests incorporating ICT skills into library curricula and increasing funding for ICT infrastructure. Ultimately, the paper emphasized the necessity of embracing and integrating technology to meet the evolving needs of library users.