Analyzing the Conceptualization of and Challenges to Adopt Smart Public Library in Indonesia

Abstract

A smart public library holds crucial roles in the current fast-moving smart environment. This study defines what constitutes a smart library and outlines the critical challenges affecting the readiness of the library to adopt a smart library in developing countries. Using a case study encompassing documentation analysis and in-depth interviews with 13 public officials at the Regency of Bojonegoro, Indonesia, this study demonstrates that expensive ICTs expenditures does not necessarily mean achieving a smart library. The findings showcase that a smart library started from the innovative and inventive programs and services that are progressively geared toward achieving the library as a place for the co-production of knowledge. The findings further demonstrate that technology per se is not the most critical challenge for a smart library. The findings highlight data awareness, organizational issues, insufficient policies and regulations, and public concerns as more significant challenges to the adoption of a smart library than technological capability and infrastructure.

The Determinants of Smart Public Library Roles in Promoting Open Government in Indonesia

“…In addition, public libraries' ability to create smart solutions through smart libraries depends on data and information (Shen, 2019). The limited capabilities of librarians to manage rapid-growth data (Shen, 2019;Cao, Liang, & Xi, 2018), the limited skills in innovatively use data (Miettinen, 2018;Shen, 2019), and lack of awareness on the importance of data (Sayogo & Yuli, 2019) are among the vital challenges in a smart library.…”

“…The existing structures for evaluating and funding public libraries mostly do not recognize the transformation to the smart library (Leorke et al, 2018). For instance, in a country like Indonesia, the budgeting structure is not yet altered to recognize spending for online literature and books (Sayogo & Yuli, 2019). The deficiency of funds is also considerably inhibiting public libraries' development into smarter libraries in India (Kulkarni & Dhanamjaya, 2017).…”

“…It becomes a significant challenge to change stakeholders' perceptions and attitudes to accept that public libraries have prominent values other than a place to lend books (Sabaratnam & Ong, 2013). The visibility of public libraries in public eyes is very low, especially in developing countries (Pyati, 2009;Sayogo & Yuli, 2019). Furthermore, in India, white-collar labor forces do not consider librarians a respectable profession (Pyati, 2009).…”

“…Furthermore, in India, white-collar labor forces do not consider librarians a respectable profession (Pyati, 2009). Public libraries are regarded as places to place troubled, unwanted public personnel in Indonesia (Sayogo & Yuli, 2019). To complicate the issues, varying political interests, rigid bureaucracy, and other socio-economic factors often make the library susceptible to political agenda (Leorke et al, 2018;Pyati, 2009;Sayogo & Yuli, 2019).…”

“…There are numerous challenges facing libraries in implementing smart libraries, particularly in developing countries (Chisita & Dick, 2018). These challenges emanate from the complexities of technological, organizational, and political issues (Chisita & Dick, 2018;Sayogo et al, 2020;Sayogo & Yuli, 2019). Data acquisition, data integration, data awareness, and data management significantly challenge smart public libraries in China (Cao et al, 2018).…”