Smart Libraries: Toward an Information Environment Based on the Internet of Things (IoT)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in developing and enhancing the efficiency of libraries, with a practical application conducted at the University of Babylon Library through the use of RFID technology and environmental sensors. The case study approach was adopted as the primary research methodology, with data collected through direct observation and interviews with staff members of the Central Library at the University of Babylon, which constituted the study sample.

The results demonstrated an increase in inventory accuracy from 90% to 98%, a reduction in the time required for circulation and inventory processes, and a significant improvement in user experience. The study also confirmed the effectiveness of smart environmental monitoring in protecting manuscripts and rare collections.

The study reached several findings and recommendations, the most important of which are as follows:

Findings:

1.The results revealed the effectiveness of RFID technology in reducing human and spatial errors, as accuracy increased from 91% prior to implementation to 97–98% after implementation, contributing significantly to improving inventory accuracy in the library.

2.Service delivery speed and daily operational efficiency improved markedly, as the RFID system and digital location mapping reduced the time required to access library materials, with the average retrieval time decreasing from 16.25 minutes to 5.5 minutes.

Recommendations:

1.Gradual implementation of RFID technology across all departments of the Central Library, followed by expanding the experience to include the libraries of the University of Babylon colleges.

2.Adoption of a permanent smart environmental monitoring system for manuscripts and rare collections, integrated with preservation and preventive maintenance plans.

Keywords: Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Libraries, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), Digital Transformation, University of Babylon.