Innovating in Libraries, Volume 1: Surviving Technological Lethargy in Times of Endless Transformation

The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by the transformative forces of the Integrated Industrial revolution (4^th-5^th Industrial Revolutions)―a new era where data, connectivity, and human-machine interaction define progress. For libraries, this revolution presents both challenges and opportunities, demanding innovation in services, technologies, and strategies.

Both Volume 1 and 2 of Innovating in Libraries explore how academic libraries can harness emerging technologies, integrate Human-Tech synergistic and reciprocal solutions, and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on education, industry innovation, and reducing inequality. Contributions from leading experts and practitioners―many drawn from across the globe and selections from the Zimbabwe University Library Consortium’s 5th Biennial International Conference―offer global insights into spatial design for digital libraries, platform capitalism, open science, ethics, change management, and more.

With an international perspective and forward-thinking approach, Innovating in Libraries is essential for library professionals, educators, and policymakers navigating the future of information access in an era of rapid change.

Blessing Chiparausha is the Library Director at Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Systems at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), South Africa.

Madeleine Fombad is a Professor in the Department of Information Science at The University of South Africa (UNISA).