An assessment of the professional competencies necessary for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) era among library personnel in universities in Southwestern Nigeria

This study explored the competency gaps and development strategies necessary for librarians to remain relevant and effective within the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) context. Employing a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 127 library personnel from three selected universities: University of Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Covenant University. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire Findings revealed that while library staff rated themselves as proficient in areas such as digital library systems and the use of AI tools, significant gaps remained in data management, interdisciplinary research collaboration, and comprehensive understanding of 4IR-related competencies. A majority (54.3%) of respondents acknowledged a discrepancy between their current skill sets and the demands of 4IR, with 66.1% indicating a need for further training. Furthermore, only 44.1% perceived their institutions as supportive of continuous professional development. Notably, most library staff held lower academic qualifications (BLIS, HND), with relatively few possessing advanced degrees such as MLS or PhDs, thereby limiting their capacity to lead digital transformation efforts. The study concluded that academic librarians in Southwestern Nigeria must engage in strategic, ongoing upskilling to address competency gaps and meet the changing demands of the profession. It recommended institution-led initiatives including targeted training programmes, enhanced institutional support mechanisms, incentives for postgraduate education, mentorship schemes, and access to customised digital learning platforms. Such interventions are vital to aligning librarian competencies with the technological imperatives of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and to positioning academic libraries as active contributors to innovation in higher education.