Emerging Roles of Libraries in Creating Synergy between Service Delivery and Technology Integrationin Academic Libraries: An Overview

Libraries are undergoing significant transformations to adapt to the changing needs of theircommunities. Service delivery through emerging technology is a recent trend in library andinformation science. On this note, this study is carried out to ascertain the roles of libraries increating synergy between library service delivery and technology integration in academiclibraries. Roles of libraries in service delivery were highlighted and emerging technologies thatcan be adapted in libraries were also identified. It was discovered that in developing countrieslike Nigeria, awareness about applications of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence,Virtual and Augmented Reality, Black-chain Technology, Cloud computing, IoT are notelaborating. Emerging technology and its development have given rise to the new roles oflibraries to navigate the future, such as shifting the role of libraries from controlling access toinformation facilitating discovery; redefining the roles of libraries to inclusive services thatcater to diverse user needs which include accessibility and language support; shifting the role oflibraries from collection centered to user centered design and so on. These roles have greatlyimproved the accessibility of information, enhanced user experience and facilitated the efficientmanagement of library services delivery. However, libraries also faced many challenges inimplementing these new technologies, such as cyber-security threats, changing in informationseeking behaviours, lack of technical expertise, lack of clear policies and lots more. Toovercome these challenges requires a proactive approach, such as investment in staff training,collaboration with technology partners and development of active policies to ensure the effectiveand responsible use of technologies. With these, libraries can navigate the future, stay relevantand continue to provide vital services and support to their communities.