Adopting Internet of Things (IOT) In Smart Libraries to Increase Usability, Efficiency, And User Satisfaction

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and smart tools are invading every aspect of life. Now they are taking over libraries and academic institution in a new concept and approach. Current study hypothesized that internet of things (IoT) in smart libraries is able to positively influence usability, efficiency and user satisfaction within the library. We have developed a questionnaire for this matter, and (96) librarians within academic libraries in Jordan responded. SPSS was used to deal with collected primary data, results of analysis indicated that usability appeared to be highly influenced by IoT within academic libraries (R2 = 0.419), as the second result, user satisfaction (R2 = 0.327), and efficiency (R2 = 0.254) respectively. This trend indicates that the main effect of the IoT is increased ease of interaction between users with the library systems, which further increases their level of satisfaction. Though the efficiency increases are also important, they can be indirectly perceived by users in comparison with the usability improvements. In general, the results indicate that IoT is a very vital force in the process of converting conventional libraries into smart libraries. Study recommended that the implementation of IoT technologies in libraries should be user-focused by the library administrators. As usability exhibited the most significant influence (R2 = 0.419), libraries need to worry about creating easy-to-use interfaces, customized services, and ease of digital experiences, which will match the needs of the users. The libraries should also carry out regular user feedback evaluation to improve the IoT applications to increase satisfaction and service quality. Further recommendations were presented in the study.