Libraries and Innovative Thinking in the Digital Age

Introduction

The days are long gone when a library can, passively, assume that it will be recognized as an asset without having to defend that proposition and prove its worth (Lubbe, 2016). This is the Information Age, which, according to Wikipedia is a historical period in the Twenty-First (21^st) century characterized by the rapid shift from traditional industry that resulted from Industrial Revolution through industrialization to an economy based on Information and Communications Technology (ICTs). The period is also referred to as Computer Age, Digital Age or New Media Age. This is a period when information is expected to be delivered at the doorsteps of every human since all decisions and actions are information driven (Nwalo, 2018).

Libraries are facing many challenges and threats due to Internet and digital revolution and globalization (Oketunji, 2018). Today, library resources are being made available in a variety of digital formats and media, thus filtering and choosing the right information at the right time from the ocean of raw information is a major challenge even to users. The speed and time demand from information users is another issue; information is now readily at the fingertip of everyone (both present and potential library users, young and old, etc.) so libraries and librarians must be able to meet up with this challenge.

Revolutionary change, the challenges of new technologies, a paradigm shift; these are words used to bring one’s attention to the need for adaptation and innovation by libraries. (Allen, 2011). Disruptive technologies that have driven the transition from manual to electronic library require new service models that challenge established organizations and the interests and expertise of the individuals within them. These changes are occurring in an environment of decreasing resources (human and financial) and increasing demands of users.

Librarianship is evolving very fast with the high rate of technological infusion in every aspect of the profession. Combined with social changes these developments have put great strains on libraries (of all types) and information professionals including librarians. Consequently, there has to be innovation in libraries and in the profession generally. There is an urgent necessity for librarianship to change with the times, embrace the new technologies and integrate them into its engagements with communities. The profession (and professionals) has to be strengthened and made more and more relevant in contemporary world.

Sweeney (2005), posited that in contemporary world, changing user expectations are more important than other trends that affect libraries, such as technology, organizational constraints, librarian expectations, library board expectations, building limitations, and traditional library services. Innovative technologies are extremely important and indeed support most of the new products, services, and improvements that are introduced in libraries. In the future, all organizations will have to meet these demands in order to sustain their own existence; libraries can, and certainly must, remain relevant to every new generation and its knowledge needs.