October 24, 2019

Role of IoT in Library Services

Abid HussainAbid Hussain

https://dailytimes.com.pk/488476/role-of-iot-in-library-services/

Internet of things (IoT) technology has been implemented in different trades.

It is considered to be one of the easiest ways of doing things with smart
technology. A few well-known examples of the IoT are the Nest Thermostat,
with which an air conditioner is controlled from the phone via internet.
Smart lights are another example of IoT; a person can switch the lights on
and off using his phone. The Bluetooth tracker is another example of IoT
that can be used for car keys. Technology reshapes rapidly, and appliances
are now approached through smartphones. Smart Home appliances such as
Google Home, Amazone Echo and Apple Home Kit are popular examples of
IoT. Many people use Fitbits as a tool for health and exercise caretaker.
Smart buildings and smart cities are considered to be the larger extension of
the IoT.

According to Dictionary.com definition, Internet of Things is “a network of

everyday devices, appliances, and other objects equipped with computer chips
and sensors that can collect and transmit data through the Internet.”

The IoT has become widespread technology across the world at a rapid
speed. This technology makes human work faster, easier and more reliable.
Many educational institutions in developed and developing countries use IoT.
Radical changes occurred in education sector with the advent of advanced
and emerging technology innovations, government regulations and student
mobility. Manufacturing companies introduced applications to interconnect
people with applications for many reasons. Smartphones have made
everything easy and approachable. Customer software developers are
introducing new experiences, which help educational institutions to boost their
education system via smartphones.

Software developers provide tailored solutions to humans for educational

gains, which help students and faculty to solve their issues in less time. As
students use smartphones all the time, they would also like to use them
more in classrooms. The use of devices for an automated task is an example
for the IoT. We can use the IoT for an efficient teaching process and
special education for special children.

Libraries are hubs of educational institutions, and without the new splendid
technologies, libraries will be inadequate. According to a survey conducted
by the OCLC in 2015, theIoT is mostly related to intelligent uses of space
and facilities, and libraries should these services for their patrons. The
services would require the employment of the Radio Frequency Identification
(RFID) tags as aids for increased visibility and unique identification.

Some libraries are incorporating the IoT technology, such as the Smart
Building Technology, in their system. Modern library buildings are
interconnected with the IoTto keep the library temperature normal in summer
and winter seasons. These systems can be controlled through a smartphone
app. Some buildings also have security systems via mobile apps, another
good use of the IoT.

Customer software developers are introducing new experiences, which

help educational institutions to boost their education system via smartphones

RFID sensor is IoT technology and has been around for a while. The
Beacon Technology is a library-focused company service to modern library
buildings and is famous for its state of the art technology.

Also useful is a people counter-a Google analytics style dashboard through

which library staff measures the future through open hardware sensors for
identifications of different services, such as what patrons browsed, what parts
of the library were busy during which parts of the day etc. Such sensors
allow librarians to make strategic decisions for their patrons that create a
more efficient and a more effective experience.

Besides classrooms, libraries play an effective role in the learning process.

Previously, students had to borrow books, go to library and copy information
for classwork. Now students do the same stuff via their smartphones that
connect them with librarians. These services help in the strategic decisions of
the academia in a modern library setup.

Most libraries lack the appropriate technology to offer best services to their
patrons. Many libraries face several challenges, such as lack of cutting-edge
technologies and their appropriate usages. Libraries should be equipped with
the right technology infrastructure-sensors, readers, services and software.
Custom software is designed to links customer and supporters. Libraries deal
with customers and should also be connected with the Integrated Library
System for smooth functioning.

The existing technologies in libraries cannot be ignored or skipped. It is

encouraging that the IoT is maturing with more physical objects. The IoT in
library services may be wary of progress, but its usefulness is without a
doubt. As education is necessary for all, libraries are learning hubs and play
a nucleus role in educational institutions. IoT and software development tools
could make the experience a whole lot better.

The writer is a library officer at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad