Bridging The Gap

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is challenging the skills, expertise, and knowledge of librarians. The growing interest in disruptive technologies among library patrons, coupled with the limited adoption of these technologies by Zimbabwean libraries, has highlighted a significant skills gap among library personnel. This study investigated the skills and knowledge of academic librarians in Zimbabwe in the context of the 4IR. A sample of academic librarians affiliated with the Zimbabwe Library Association was selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected through online questionnaires and analysed using frequency counts. Results show that while academic librarians in Zimbabwe exhibit strong competencies in several key areas, particularly in IT, leadership, and information management, there are notable gaps in specific skills such as website designing and grant writing. Moreover, the study reveals that librarians exhibit a relatively high awareness of 4IR technologies, including the Internet of Things and 3D printing. The findings of this study also highlight the complexities and challenges associated with the adoption of 4IR technologies in academic libraries in Zimbabwe. The adoption of these technologies is hindered by a lack of skills, knowledge, and expertise, as well as inadequate funding. Additionally, librarians' attitudes towards embracing 4IR technologies significantly impact their adoption. This study recommends that librarians develop a keen interest in technological innovations and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies through training, seminars, and conferences. Lastly, librarians should acquire and update their ICT skills to remain relevant in the 4IR era.