Authors : Dr. Ozohu Omolola Mohammed Audu; Salawudeen Lawal; Moses James Okaku; Ramotu Husseini Ojochenemi; Hanatu Idris; Musa Halima Oziama; Raji Mustapha Muhammad; Umar Mustapha Muhammed

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3cehmkb7

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4adm9x8p

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jul1104

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Polytechnic libraries in North-Central Nigeria occupy a strategic position in the production of the technical and vocational manpower on which the region's development agenda depends, yet their capacity to harness emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, radio-frequency identification, and chatbot-mediated reference services remains constrained. This paper interrogates how emerging technologies can be deployed by polytechnic libraries to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to quality education, industry and innovation, and partnerships. Anchored on the Technology-Organisation-Environment framework and Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory, the paper adopts a desk-review methodology, synthesising recent empirical and conceptual literature on ICT and emerging technology adoption in Nigerian academic and polytechnic libraries. The discussion establishes that while emerging technologies hold considerable promise for expanding access, improving research support, and repositioning polytechnic libraries as knowledge hubs for sustainable development, adoption is impeded by epileptic power supply, weak internet infrastructure, inadequate funding, limited digital competence among library personnel, and institutional resistance to change. The paper argues that harnessing these technologies for sustainable development requires deliberate policy attention, sustained investment in infrastructure and staff capacity, and stronger collaboration between polytechnic management, government agencies, and development partners. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for library managers, polytechnic administrators, and policymakers in the sub-region.

Keywords : Emerging Technologies, Polytechnic Libraries, Sustainable Development, North-Central Nigeria, Technology Adoption.

References :

1. Adeoye, A. A., Oladokun, T. A., & Opalere, E. (2022). Readiness for digital reference services: A survey of libraries in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. International Information & Library Review, 53(4), 306–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/10572317.2020.1841526.
2. Adeyemi, I. O., Otaru, G. O., Fashola, O. D., Fasoroti, K. K., Fatai, F. A., Bakare, A., & Omopupa, T. K. (2025). Reducing the environmental impacts of ICT adoption with library practices and collection development policies in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. IFLA Journal. https://doi.org/10.1177/03400352251342514.
3. Adeyeye, S. B., & Oladokun, T. A. (2023). Application of emerging technologies for research support in Nigerian academic libraries: Trends, problems and prospects. IASSIST Quarterly, 47(3–4). https://doi.org/10.29173/iq1069.
4. Agbetuyi, P. A., & Olorunyomi, G. T. (2025). Digital technologies' adoption by academic libraries for sustainable development in an evolving technological age in South-west, Nigeria. Tropical Journal of Education, 7(1/2).
5. Agboke, A. L., & Oladokun, B. D. (2025). Emerging technologies in academic libraries: Prospects and challenges in Nigeria. Communicate: Journal of Library and Information Science.
6. Alabi, C. O., Omekwu, C. O., & Martins, O. Y. (2024). Adoption of cloud computing in Nigerian university libraries: Challenges and strategies. Niger Delta Journal of Library and Information Science, 5(1), 132–143.
7. Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.
8. Tornatzky, L. G., & Fleischer, M. (1990). The processes of technological innovation. Lexington Books.
9. United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations General Assembly.