MODERNIZING LIBRARY SERVICES IN THE DIGITAL ERA: NEW TRENDS AND USER-CENTRIC CHALLENGES

Purpose: The study is on modernizing library services in the digital era: new trends and user-centric challenges. Methodology/Design/Approach: Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a survey research approach. Data were collected from 120 respondents including 10 library professionals, and 30 library users each from Anambra, Ekiti and Kogi states. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The instrument was subjected to validity and Cronbach Alpha reliability test which gave a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Mean and standard deviation was used to analyze the data. Findings: The findings revealed a relatively high level of agreement among librarians regarding the impact of emerging technological trends on library services. There is a high level of consensus among librarians that emerging technological innovations are substantially reshaping user access to information. The users largely agree that they face significant user-centric challenges such as insufficient ICT skills, poor infrastructure including internet issues, and limited technical support for troubleshooting. Implication: The study concludes that investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building, and strategic partnerships are essential for the successful transformation of library services. Originality/Value: The originality of the paper lies in its recommendation that libraries should expand their digital literacy programs to help users effectively navigate and utilize new technologies to access information Keywords: Library Services, Digital Age, Emerging Trends, User Experience, Usercentric challenges