Content area
Purpose
This study examines academic librarians' perceptions and attitudes toward Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Hong Kong academic libraries and the problems and possible improvements in using IoT technologies to strengthen library services.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative research used video conferencing software for semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. Participants were given introductory material about the IoT and asked to complete an interview. The data were analyzed using inductive theme clustering for this study.
Findings
The analysis identified three themes: perception about applying IoT technology to the library, problems and improvements in using IoT. Participants were generally optimistic about the potential benefits of IoT for improving library operations and providing personalized services. However, they also expressed concerns about privacy and security, errors and extra efforts for information literacy training. They suggested improvements such as incorporating facial recognition technology, advanced RFID technology and collections identification technology to enhance user experience.
Originality/value
Most studies examined users' views rather than librarians' on IoT applications, which few studies cover, especially in East Asia.
Details
Software;
User training;
Libraries;
Internet of Things;
Smartphones;
Information literacy;
Books;
Integrated library systems-ILS;
Radio frequency identification;
Architecture;
User experience;
Automation;
Privacy;
Videoconferencing;
Collection management;
Technology;
Qualitative analysis;
User services;
Cameras;
Academic libraries;
Clustering;
Sensors;
Librarians;
Reference services;
Qualitative research;
Video conferencing;
Errors;
Internet;
Services;
Optimism;
Information technology;
Literacy;
Research methodology;
Attitudes;
Interviews;
Video recordings
; Chiu, Dickson KW 1
; Kong, Elaine WS 2
1 Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
2 Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA