Currently “Big Data” is an emerging field that presents several Information Technology challenges regarding the capture, storage search, structure, and visualization of this data. The real challenge for organizations is to find ways to extract value from it and provide better services to their clients. The data generated in academic and other institutions is vast and complex. Libraries face new challenges as they seek to determine their role in the handling of Big Data within their organization and use it to develop services. Thus, in most organizations, libraries will not have the knowledge to build new services unaided. Furthermore, libraries have always been information handlers and technology adopters; therefore, Big Data technologies will certainly affect their context. The purpose of this paper is to explore all these issues through a systematic literature review, unveiling the theories that underpin the paper’s argument. It attempts to answer several research questions, such as how librarians are involved in the Big Data era? And what are the future research developments of Big Data within the library context? The study considered only papers published between 2012 and 2018 in English and presents the collected literature by grouping them according to the type of library each paper refers to. Thus, it identifies new and evolving roles in the context of all types of libraries. In addition, the study presents several interesting tables, which aim to help librarians locate relevant articles that will inform their practice and guide service development for users of large and complex datasets.

The Semantic Web in general and the Linked Open Data Initiative, in particular, are a growing movement for organisations to make their existing data available in a machine-readable format. Thus, institutions are highly encouraged to publish, share and interlink their data publicly. The more data are opened on the Web (Open Data), the more integrated sets of data will be connected in the Semantic Web (Linked Open Data). Within this context, libraries can complement their data by linking it to other, external data sources. The purpose of this article is to identify papers that refer to linked data in libraries, emphasising the ways that linked data empower libraries to put their knowledge in the context of the open-world, thus enhancing semantic technology innovations. The study considered papers published between 2008 and 2019 in English and presents the collected literature by grouping it according to the topic each paper refers to. The results show that libraries are facing a period of continuing change which present several challenges and indicate that they are moving towards developing new practices, policies and services.

This study aims to explore the integration of ChatGPT and similar AI language models within library contexts, specifically focusing on their use by library professionals. It aims to understand the demographic profile of users, their awareness and usage of AI language models and the impact of these models on library services. A questionnaire was employed as the primary methodology for data collection. This method was preferred as it offers the advantage of reaching a larger and more diverse sample size, which is particularly beneficial in library research where the target population often includes a wide range of users with varying needs and backgrounds. The research begins with an analysis of the demographic profile of participants, followed by examining the awareness of AI language models and their usage using the chi-square test. The study further investigates encounters with AI models and prevalent AI-powered tools in libraries, highlighting their roles in enhancing various services. This study explores the geographic distribution and usage of AI language models among library professionals. Most participants are male aged 25-44 hold advanced degrees and are primarily from India. There is a significant link between awareness and usage of Artificial Intelligence tools like virtual assistants and automated cataloguing systems. ChatGPT is seen to enhance customer service (86.67%) and research assistance (58.67%) though privacy (65%) and ethical concerns (60%) are prevalent. Despite minimal concern about replacing librarians (8%) there is strong support (57%) for integrating Chat-GPT into next generation library services. Overall, this research highlights the high level of optimism toward the integration of AI in libraries while considering high-level ethical, privacy and practical concerns. This thorough analysis provides insightful information about the state of the art, awareness, attitudes, and implications around AI language models in libraries. It clarifies the advantages as well as the difficulties, encompassing ethical issues and real-world effects on library operations.

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between avatars, players, art and libraries in digital environments. Specifically, the paper investigates the artistic representation of avatars, the role of players in shaping avatar experiences and the integration of avatars and art in library settings. In addition, the paper seeks to examine the ethical implications of avatar representation, focusing on issues of diversity, privacy, authenticity, and accessibility. Design/methodology/approach: This paper uses a systematic review to harvest literature from different accredited databases, such as the Web of Science and Directory of Open Access Journals. The review encompasses a wide range of scholarly papers, books and research papers spanning various disciplines such as computer science, information science and engineering. Findings: The paper reveals that avatars serve as powerful tools for communication, self-expression and identity exploration in virtual environments. Avatars also play a significant role in facilitating social interaction, collaboration and engagement within digital communities, including libraries. Furthermore, the paper highlights the artistic potential of avatars as forms of creative expression and representation, showcasing how they can convey emotions, narratives and cultural symbolism in digital art spaces. However, the paper also identifies several ethical considerations associated with avatar representation, such as issues of diversity, privacy, authenticity and accessibility, which require careful attention and consideration by developers, designers and users. Originality/value: The findings have several implications for theory, practice and policy related to avatar representation in digital environments, particularly within library settings. From a theoretical perspective, the paper contributes to the understanding of the complex interplay between avatars, players, art and ethics in digital culture. From a practical standpoint, the paper offers insights and recommendations for developers, designers and librarians on how to create inclusive, engaging and ethically responsible avatar experiences in virtual libraries. In addition, the paper underscores the importance of considering diverse perspectives and promoting ethical awareness and accountability in the design and implementation of avatar-based interactions in digital spaces.

The idea that spurred the author’s interest in carrying out this study results from understanding a cashless society, where users of banking systems only move around with their ATM cards. With their ATM cards, they can access their money anywhere globally. This approach could resonate in libraries, where we now have a paperless society, having cost-benefit analysis in the era of the fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). The 5IR has to do with humans interacting between technology or machines either to solve individual and organizational societal problems from a general or specific perspective. The interaction between humans and technology would assist in recognizing the synergistic in addressing the support for task accomplishment. The methodology applied is in two stages, first, a systematic literature review and second, interpretive content analysis of literature harvested from the database of Scopus. Findings revealed that technological advancements have enabled paperless libraries such that on-screen reading is increasingly prevalent, rapid development support through mobile computing, software, and internet/connections/Wi-Fi, multifarious electronic information retrieval among others. Furthermore, other findings were anchored on the relevance of paperless libraries in the 5IR, the functionality of paperless library systems, enhanced accessibility, and inclusivity, collaboration and connectivity, and environmental impact. Meanwhile, certain challenges and mitigation strategies were proffered. The study concludes that as we navigate this transformative era, the emergence of paperless libraries stands as a testament to the harmonious integration of technological prowess and human aspirations. Therefore, envision human-machine interactions be encouraged to bring about paperless libraries, considering the significance of AI and human-centric innovation.