2026/04/17 by Bolaji David Oladokun, Charity Ezinne Maxwell, Lawal Umar +3
Computer Science · Engineering · #AI in Service Interactions #Applications of artificial intelligence #Context (archaeology) #Curriculum #Outsourcing #Preparedness #Robot #Robotic Process Automation Applications #Robotics #Robotics and Automated Systems #Workforce
paper · doi:10.1177/18758789261443981
published in Information Services & Use 46(3), 47-57 (IOS Press)
crossref issued 2026/04/17 · crossref published 2026/04/17 · crossref published-online 2026/04/17 · openalex publication_date 2026/04/17 · crossref created 2026/04/17 · openalex created_date 2026/04/18 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21 · crossref published-print 2026/08/01 · crossref deposited 2026/08/06 · crossref indexed 2026/08/06
This study examines the rise of robotic technologies in libraries and the essential skills and knowledge required of librarians within the context of Industry 5.0. Guided by four objectives, the study adopted a systematic literature review design using the PRISMA framework. 59 records were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, and 27 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included for narrative analysis. The findings show that libraries are increasingly integrating both physical and software-based robotic systems, including shelf-reading robots, automated storage and retrieval systems, humanoid service robots, chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-driven intelligent systems. The review reveals that librarians require a hybrid competency profile combining technical and digital proficiency, AI literacy, ethical awareness, collaborative ability, and continuous professional development. Preparedness levels vary across contexts and are influenced by infrastructure, funding, institutional support, and training opportunities. Financial constraints, technical compatibility challenges, ethical concerns, and workforce anxieties remain significant barriers. The study concludes that robotics in libraries is an emerging yet operational area that requires deliberate curriculum reform, sustained institutional investment, and clear policy direction to support effective human–robot collaboration and sustainable service delivery in Industry 5.0 environments.