Fourth industrial revolution and university libraries; a nexus of skills and training readiness in Nigeria

This study examined the readiness of university libraries in Nigeria for the fourth industrial revolution from skills and training perspective. Literature was reviewed on the current digital skills possessed, existing digital skills training programs and the challenges of training and skill for Nigerian university library staff in the fourth industrial revolution. Findings revealed that there is a low level of digital skills and competence to function in this era. The training available is to enhance basic digital skill and no available training or sign of preparation for the advance digital skills required in the fourth industrial epoch and some of the challenges found were poor funding of libraries which further cascades into poor staff development programs and poor ICT infrastructure. Also, obsolete library schools’ curriculum and lack of skilled staff to teach new skills on the emerging technology was identified. The study concluded that university libraries in Nigeria are at the level of preparedness in terms of awareness and skills assessment towards the fourth industrial revolution and there is a need to learn new competencies and engage in continual training to acquire the new skills required. The following recommendations were made, Information professionals and university library management should improve staff training and continuing professional development. The Nigerian library schools should revise the curriculum and encourage inter-faculty collaborations where there is skill and competency deficits.