Unveiling Smart Libraries: Professional Perspectives on IoT Adoption in Indian Premier Institutions

Abstract

This study examines the importance of Internet of Things (IoT) as perceived by Indian library professionals working in Institutes of National Importance (INIs). It aims to assess their current awareness, perceived importance of IoT in various library activities and services along with limitations and initiatives required to integrate new technologies. A quantitative survey was conducted with library professionals from 18 INIs located in South India, from where 146 valid responses were received out of 153 questionnaires distributed. The survey achieved a response rate of 95.42% with data collected via physical questionnaires and Google Forms. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical tests were used to draw the inferences. IoT awareness was high (92.5%), with 78.5% reporting implementation. Essential services such as self-transactions, surveillance, and shelf management showed strong perceptions to adopt IoT (M ≥4.55), while advanced tools like drones and robotics remained limited (M ≤2.20). Benefits, including accuracy, service quality and time efficiency, were widely endorsed. Major barriers included high cost and technical skill gaps. Statistically significant differences were not observed (p > .05) majorly across gender, institutional types, and management levels. High support was noted for training, collaboration, and incentive systems with ns = ≥0.85. This is the first attempt to focus on perceptions of library professionals on IoT adoption in Indian elite academic institutions as a pilot study, providing empirical insights that inform policy, planning, and future comprehensive research on smart library transformation.