Utilisation of the internet of things in the management of information services at Polokwane municipality libraries in the Limpopo province of South Africa

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an emerging technology that enables a variety of smart devices to exchange information through machine-to-machine communication, computerisation connectivity and human interaction in libraries. In the context of libraries and information services, the IoT offers various functionalities, such as locating and protecting information resources through bases of devices such as Radio Frequency Identification Device and Library Automated Management Systems. This study investigated the utilisation of the IoT for managing information services at the libraries of the Polokwane Municipality in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A mixed methods research approach was employed, using convergent design and parallel sampling techniques. Data was collected by questionnaires, interviews, observations and document analysis. The study population consisted of library workers and information technology (IT) practitioners at the Polokwane Municipality Libraries. The research findings revealed that the Polokwane Municipality Libraries currently rely on a manual system for managing information services and resources, which results in slow check-in and check-out routines, human error, duplicate user records and theft. The study recommends the adoption and implementation of IoT to improve efficiency, accuracy and security of library operations at the Polokwane Municipality. The IoT has the potential to enhance resource availability through cloud-based storage; provide users with online database access; speed up the circulation processes; reduce human error; and strengthen encrypted security control. A framework is proposed for integrating the IoT into the management of library and information at the Polokwane Municipality Libraries in the Limpopo Province.