Digital technologies in the academic libraries: Challenges and opportunities

This article presents an evaluation of digital technologies in the Academic Libraries of academic library services. It begins with a brief overview of the historical development of academic libraries followed by a discussion of current challenges and opportunities for academic libraries. It also discusses innovative technological developments for learning, data management and the impact of these on the academic library sector, including the need for library staff to develop new skills and roles such as “embedded” librarian roles. The article concludes with reflections on future developments and the impact of digital technological utilities. The big challenge with digital technology is ‘how fast and how far should organizations go on their digital technology path’. Digital technology journey is complicated and involves varied objectives, complexities, and covers a vast area. It requires a coherent and well-organized digital strategy to effectively address technology and process transformation together with supporting governance and delivery models.