Society 5.0 and the Transformation of African Libraries: Opportunities, Challenges, And Strategic Pathways

Abstract

To explore the implications of society 5.0 for African libraries and propose a strategic framework for engagement. This conceptual paper is based on a comprehensive review and thematic analysis of literature on Industry 5.0, Society, and library and information science. The study identified key challenges relating to infrastructural deficits and skill gaps such as dearth of skilled and competent information professionals, reluctance in embracing technological changes, low level of innovative capacity, non-existence of digital-related policies; and outlines critical strategic priorities to include the procurement of digital infrastructures required for digital-related services, developing innovative and creative capacities, engaging in strong and reliable collaborative programmes, adoption of strategic leadership approach, formulation of viable digital-related policy and retraining of library and information science professionals. This paper advocated the need to systematically apply the Society 5.0 framework to the African LIS context, moving beyond descriptions of Industry 4.0 to propose a human-centric, sustainable pathway for library transformation. revolutionizing libraries and information centres within the context of society 5.0 is in consonance with fifth law of library science that the library is a growing organism. Revolutionizing library services requires a paradigm shift towards innovation, collaboration, and strategic investment in both technology and human capital.