THE CHANGING ROLES OF LIBRARIANS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES USING WEB 3.0 IN JOHN HARRIS LIBRARY

ABSTRACT

Academic libraries have been affected by the rapid changes in Information and communication technologies(ICT) and this has resulted in in changing the roles librarians play in ensuring information is acquired, organized, stored and disseminated. With Web 3.0 invention, academic libraries are expected to explore the cumbersome web content. This research explores the changing roles of librarians in academic libraries in the context of Web 3.0 technology, focusing on John Harris Library at the University of Benin, Nigeria. It examines the impact of Web 3.0 technology on librarians’ roles, the skills and competences required, the familiarity with Web 3.0 and its influence on library services. A descriptive survey design and utilizes structured questionnaires for data collection with a population of 100 librarians and staff in John Harris Library. The findings in this study revealed that librarians and staff are familiar with Web 3.0 technologies and are knowledgeable about the advantages that Web 3.0 technologies can bring to academic library services. Findings also reveal that librarians must acquire new technological skills and competencies to adapt to Web 3.0, which has expanded their roles to encompass technology-oriented tasks. However, librarians face challenges such as resource constraints and rapid pace in technological innovation. This study provides valuable insights into the changing landscape of academic libraries and offer recommendations for librarians to better adapt to Web 3.0 technology and improve library services.