Smart library themes and elements: A systematic literature review

Abstract

In recent years, libraries worldwide have been pushing to undergo drastic changes. These transformations impact library functions from traditional to electronic, digital, hybrid, virtual and smart libraries. However, there need to be more studies that systematically examine the elements that contribute to a smart library. Therefore, this article conducted a systematic literature review on the elements contributing to the smart library as a whole rather than focusing on one particular aspect. This study aims to explore the concept of smart libraries, including their essential elements, characteristics and theoretical foundations, to contribute to a deeper understanding of their role in transforming libraries. The review for this study was based on the publication standard and integrated multiple research designs using the review protocol RepOrting standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses (ROSES). For this study, articles were selected from two major databases, Scopus and Web of Science, and a supporting database, Google Scholar. In these databases, 19 related studies were found on elements that comprise a smart library. The study’s search strings excluded publication years to focus on identifying discussions about smart library elements. Results indicated publication dates spanning 2018–2022. Six major themes emerged from the thematic analysis of this review, including smart technology, smart services, smart people, smart governance, smart places and smart buildings. The study makes several significant contributions to practical purposes and the body of knowledge. The results explain how the elements can contribute to a smart library. The influence of ethical values in smart library elements and their contribution to library sustainability should be the subject of future research.