A study on awareness and adoption of smart technologies in libraries of engineering colleges in Karnataka

Latest technologies have always caught the attention of library professionals as such technologies have been considered as potential platforms to offer improved library services. In addition, library professionals have also kept in mind that such technologies can offer a good number of flexible options for library users. Many such technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Electronic resource management (ERM), Data mining, Artificial intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technology and Augmented Reality etc. are beginning to make an entry into library space. Such ultra-modern, cutting edge technologies are grouped under the category ‘smart technologies’. Libraries of engineering colleges have always had first exposure to latest technologies due to easy access. With this premise in mind, this research is done to investigate the extent of awareness about smart technologies among library professionals working engineering colleges of Karnataka and consequent adoption of such technologies by them. Survey method was used for data collection and collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for various parameters with findings that majority of the library professionals belonging to engineering colleges in Karnataka are already familiar with the term “smart libraries” and are using smart technologies for library purposes. Keywords: Smart libraries, Smart technologies, Internet of things (IOT), RFID, Library services, Web based services.