INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIBRARIANSHIP, 8(1), 134-135 

ISSN: 2474-3542 

 

Smart Libraries and Information Management in Digital Environment. Eds. Neena Singh & 
Sewa Singh, B R Publishing Corporation, New Delhi, 2022, ISBN 9789391123581  
 
 
“It is always good to look out of the box"  

Smart Libraries and Information Management in Digital Environment is a two-volume 
anthology with 36 essays that deal with various aspects of theory, equipment and perspectives as 
well as the technical, social and political significance of the smart library from an expert point of 
view.  

Both volumes provide a comprehensive overview of concepts and practical applications 
in a "Smart Library". Some things still seem visionary, other essays point to concrete practical 
tools, already used in many libraries.  

The anthology has been edited and compiled by Dr. Neena Singh, Heading the University 
Library of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and by Dr. Sewa Singh, a retired 
professor and expert in library science. It is published by B R Publishing Corporation, New 
Delhi, 2022, ISBN 9789391123581  

More than 50 academics and librarian experts have contributed to this anthology. They 
mainly are from India, but also librarians and academics from Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania, Sri 
Lanka, Canada, Uganda, Nepal, Estonia and Kenya have also contributed.  

The first volume deals with the definition of a "smart" managed and well-stocked library 
from different perspectives. What tasks need to be considered in a technical and an economic 
sense and although in relation to a country's educational cooperation?  

What makes a library smart? Who is involved and how does it affect users and staff? 
What technical requirements and what software and hardware are necessary to cover the 
spectrum of a smart library?  

The authors describe which technical offers the market makes, e.g. how QR codes are 
used. How savings can be achieved despite the extension of opening hours, e.g. via a kiosk 
solution using RFID technology, what advantages students and scientists have via remote access 
to their library, and the more or less visionary idea of delivering books by drone in regions that 
are difficult to reach in terms of transport.  

There is a wide range of ideas, which are here presented and discussed.  
Several essays deal intensively with the technical requirements for setting up a “smart 

library”, examine the use by pupils, students and scientific staff, point out the economic 
advantages of a technically well-equipped library, both from the point of view of management 
and staff as well as also from the point of view of the user. Being a “smart library” means 
establishing new services and new internal work processes, adapting the distributions of 
resources and finding new way to introduce and support them, for example, within the 
framework of certified quality management.  

Especially in the first volume, it becomes clear that a user-friendly, technically well-
equipped and networked library serves society and that smartly designed academic libraries are 
also important for universities.  

The second volume deals primarily with specific applications, with the effects on 
employees and users, with the organization and changes in work processes in a smart library. 



 Krompholz-Roehl / International Journal of Librarianship 8(1) 135 

What advantages does a virtual information desk offer, for example? How does the inclusion of 
social media in public relations work? What does the support of the scientific staff through open 
access and publication platforms mean for the media offer?  

What tools and apps are there that users can use to get access to their libraries at any 
time? 

Using the example of a school library network in Nigeria shows the possibilities offered 
by cloud use and networking with other libraries. 

Thinking outside the box is important. 
It is necessary in order to give libraries all over the world an impression of the prospects 

opened up by technical developments. 
The changes caused by the pandemic, war and climate events, higher energy prices or 

inflation have an impact on the economic situation of the library operators and that means on the 
entire library system and its users. 

As a professional one has to think forward, let oneself be inspired. 
Both volumes should find their place in library educational institutions, should be 

accessible to students, educators and scholars involved in library development. 
This anthology shows decision-makers in politics and education the potential that Smart 

Libraries offer for a free and worldwide access to information, for the educational opportunities 
of students and for the economic operation of a university. 
 
 
--- Brigitte Krompholz-Roehl (retired Head of the Public Liberary Göttingen), Germany