Innovative Technologies and Their Application in Academic Libraries

The aim of the article is to research and critically analyse the use of innovative technologies in academic libraries of foreign countries. Research methods used in the study. To achieve the goal, a systematic approach, scientific analysis, synthesis, generalisation and systematisation was used. The methodology of the article was formed by a complex of approaches to scientific knowledge – objectivity, connection between theory and practice, cognitive, structural and functional. The scientific novelty consists in revealing the specifics of the application of innovative technologies in academic libraries of foreign countries, performing a critical analysis, the advantages and disadvantages of the introduction of new technological trends, namely: artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics and automation systems, virtual reality and immersion technologies, the Internet of Things. Main conclusions: The discussion in this article demonstrates that there are risks and limitations of in applying technology in the library. User privacy, information security, financial and human resources, and the creation or reinforcement of social injustice all deserve careful consideration in the process of selecting and implementing new technology in the library. With that awareness and consideration, information professionals can then move beyond accessing new products, to advocating for equity-diversity-inclusion (EDI) -oriented design practices. Before fully embracing a technology, information experts may critically explore the social justice concerns and empower user with their findings in their digital literacy programs.