**5. Extended library services powered by technology**

The Library Consultant, Garland John in his online article listed diverse range of new technology powered services offered in libraries for the betterment of education in the western world. Most of which have been adopted and implemented in the developed countries to include coding clubs, digital storytelling, digital maker laboratories, and virtual reality. These technologies support learning, reading and research in different areas of endeavor.

#### **5.1 Coding clubs**

In this club domiciled in libraries, children and young adults are taught the rudiments and technicalities in using technology for coding in any format using *microbits.* The *microbits* are computers programmed with software to learn coding, do design thinking, for ideation and to solve human related problem. These *microbits* are currently in Plymouth Libraries, England and can be borrowed for free [31].

#### **5.2 Digital storytelling**

One of the vital information stored in libraries are written stories in microfilms, web pages or print media. The introduction of technology has made it possible for writers and coders to build new stories with an interactive design to immerse reader into a virtual reality of the depicted fiction. These writers and coders are also allowed to manipulate the narrative pattern and the systematic flow of the story line to make more meaningful realistic backdrop. Some of such libraries that have ventured into this line of thought are the Guildford Libraries in Surrey where a Gothic Story Jam was carried out to depict and embolden the interest of people on the creative art/fiction of Frankenstein and Emily Bronte [31].

#### **5.3 Digital maker laboratories**

Libraries especially in the United Kingdom have started offering 3D and 2D printing and help small business to develop prototypes for their products to enhance market visibility. The digital maker laboratories domiciled in libraries allow customers to learn cutting-edge technology for designs on print media, fashion and instructional materials [31].

#### **5.4 Virtual reality (VR)**

Libraries today enhance the learning performance of customers by incorporating virtual reality technology to encourage library patronage [32], learning and playing. Virtual (augmented and mixed) reality is an experience for which a physical user is made to enter a three dimensional virtual world using a headset, computer-powered imaging or mobile device [33]. Several virtual reality devices are now available in academic libraries, e.g. the Sony developed PlayStation VR, VIVE by HTC, Cardboard by Google, Oculus Rift by Facebook, and GearVR by Samsung [34]. These devices are used in teaching students information literacy, used for storytelling, virtual travel tours, gaming and the development of new skillset. The Ryerson University Library, Toronto currently uses the Oculus Rift. The University of Utah Library offers workshops once a week on the use of VR. VR is already been used for training medical students in University of New England and others on

different types of surgical procedure inside the library through a virtually seemingly real experience [35–38].

Library users can visit a new universe right in the comfort of their local libraries. Library guide or tours have been built into virtual reality for library users and increasingly used for workshops and training in educational institutions e.g. California State Library and the Wonder Laboratory inside the Fergusson Library of Stamford, Connecticut teaches students to code their own virtual reality games from the start point. Frost et al. [39] conducted a survey on the expanded use of virtual reality services in Harold B. Lee Libraries in Brigham Young University Idaho, United States with data showing overwhelming positive perception on the importance of virtual reality for learning inside the library. In their survey, they found that 81% love it for the sound fun, 9% personal learning, 5% for research, 2% do assignments with it, while 6% for other purposes and students and staff prepare using VR for experimentation.

#### **5.5 Artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries**

In September 2018, the University of Rhode hosted that first cross disciplinary AI facility (laboratory) in their main library and it was made open to all students and staff of the institution. The laboratory was hosted in the library to facilitate research into robotics, and ethics in technology. The Cambridge Public Library, Harvard metaLAB and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Library also partnered to install an AI enabled "*Laughing Room*" where students play different laugh tracks once the algorithm perceives any statement to be comic. The MIT library is already on the plan to building a collection of information resources that is readable by robots through a voice prompt for students to easily locate and access scholarly articles. A text-to-text or text-to-speech software called Chatbot is been used at the University of Oklahoma Library to assist students to find subject specific databases [40].

#### **5.6 Telephony in libraries**

The Cumberland Public Library has a server called the Windows NT 2012 R2 server for the sharing of printers, documents and other files between libraries or with the public for any academic or research purpose. Their telephone system was upgraded to Voice-over Internet protocol (VOiP) technology and a Nook HD+ tablet to allow patrons access e-books if they do not have a smart device of their own [41].

#### **5.7 Social media in libraries**

A recent technology based change that have occurred in libraries is the use of social media (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Blogs, etc.) for easy and prompt communication with library users in academic environments [42]. This promotes immediate use of information when requested, induces participatory activities of students, create an atmosphere of openness and bridging the gap in decision making of library managements. Book and focal discussion groups using Blogs is made possible, and update on product and services can be noticed timely. Social media at libraries also helps in building the information literacy or train students on information seeking competence.

#### **5.8 Libraries-ready-to-code initiative**

In partnership with technology giants like Google, one of the achievements of the American public libraries is to build and promote 21st century skills in a

*Globalization, Technological Advancement and the Traditional Library System: Implications… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.94047*

Libraries-Ready-to-Code Initiative [40]. This initiative with others at the United States has help to bridge the digital literacy divide among students (teens and young adults). For example, the Hinsdale Public Library has developed a system where teens, junior grades and new adult new books are delivered in boxes at residential address through subscription economy technology. Each month those who have subscribed to this service in the library pick up their books.

#### **5.9 Support for entrepreneurial activities**

Libraries have been part of enterprising network facilitating innovation and creativity among young one. The State Library of Victoria has become an information hub for innovators [23]. The Pattee and Paterno Library in recent times have started students with patentable ideas through the technology driven information services available at their disposal [43].

## **6. Challenges with the use of trending technology in libraries**

Apart from the enormous benefits that came with the intersection of technology in libraries, there are several complimentary. These include the lack of technical know-how, frequent break down of technical infrastructure, cost of maintenance [12], poor electrical power supply in developing countries, cybercrime (e.g. computer systems hacking), digital rights management strangulating information dissemination, and forced placement of paraprofessional librarians on redundancy list. Fortune [15] mentioned that the lack of basic technical skills to utilize technology powered services is a major threat that accompanied the emergence of technology in libraries. Vijayakumar and Vijayan [19] opined that lack of funding, inadequate staff with ICT skills, high annual operational costs hinder the disadvantageous use of technology as well as its potentials in creating unemployment. Khan [9] listed poor funding technological infrastructure, inadequate electrical power supply in developing and underdeveloped countries, high cost of bandwidth and the recent digital and intellectual property rights issues pose threat to the effective use of technology in libraries. There is also the issue of library patrons privacy where data is breached, identity is revealed or stolen with trending technology. However, McAndrew [44] has suggested the use of a library virtual privacy network (VPN) to protect online users of library resources using an encrypted tunnel in the library user devices, although, this may come with paid charges. Okiy [18] highlighted that training and re-tooling of library staff and inclusively, the government has a role to play in funding libraries to appropriate the full specifications that comes with globalization of libraries through technological empowerment. She complained of poor communication infrastructure, low technical skill, and lack of collaboration between libraries, government and non-governmental agencies has a blockade to the sustainable use of technology in libraries. In [45], it is submitted that globalization has led to decline in budgeting for research libraries in Australia, hence, technology and globalization is known to be caused some form of unemployment, and under funding for librarians and information professional, although some authors do not agree with this fact. It is clear from several authors that these challenges are uniform and universal and needs urgent attention.

#### **7. Conclusion and recommendation**

Today, due to the effect of globalization, teaching curricula have been standardized, methods in practical courses optimized and unified and access to information available in other organizations made possible. The libraries now serve as a repository for information resources in parent institution and others. Although, as perceived by some authors and information professionals, the emergence of technology is currently in the process of making libraries and librarians obsolete by cutting down on the relevance of human resources in the management and distribution of library resources. The availability of e-books, repositories, archives and digitized information has spurred creativity in the management of libraries, library services are still been shaped by innovative technology. These former traditional bookstores with dusty card files have been rebranded by the technology powered globe. Since the introduction of technology into library, learning with library resources have had a touch of dynamism, 'psychologically and environmentally friendly' for example the availability of free e-books and databases. Libraries across the globe have increasingly demanded for computers and smart devices to offer customer friendly services to users which are mostly students. Today libraries offer wireless Internet services in their digital library (popular known as e-library) section.

It is very true that technology and globalization has come to stay in the education sector, but as regards libraries and information collection centers, the role of librarians and libraries cannot be over emphasized. Technology in itself, undoubtedly has been of immerse help to learning and libraries. The authenticity of information from technological platforms cannot be guaranteed as misinformation has become a leading problem in recent times. Access to technological device also poses a threat to education. With the speed at which technology is transforming libraries and information management in higher educations, developing countries are yet to imbibe this new culture of learning. The use of technology has brought about privacy concerns for both libraries and its main patrons (students). Efforts and collaborations to solve these issues need to be place for a smooth sailing of educational activities in institutions of learning where libraries are resident.
