REPOSITIONING THE ROLE OF LIBRARIANS IN PROMOTING DIGITAL INFORMATION LITERACY IN THE ERA OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

Introduction: The rapid pace of technological advancement in the 21st century has fundamentally changed how we create, access, and share information. As technology continues to advance, libraries are transitioning from conventional print-based repositories to innovative digital knowledge centers. Consequently, librarians must urgently champion Digital Information Literacy (DIL), the ability to locate, evaluates, ethically use, and communicate information through digital technologies. This shift positions librarians as critical agents in bridging the digital divide, supporting lifelong learning, and ensuring equitable participation in an increasingly digital society. Despite this evolving mandate, a significant gap persists between the demanded digital roles and the current realities faced by librarians, particularly in developing contexts like Nigeria. The core problem is that many librarians are ill-equipped to fulfill expanded responsibilities as digital educators, AI and data literacy advocates, and information ethics promoters due to a combination of systemic and skills-based challenges. Purpose: This paper sought to examine the concept of digital information literacy, explore technological developments and their impact on libraries, discuss the evolving roles of librarians, identify challenges facing librarians in promoting DIL, and suggest strategies for enhancing librarians' effectiveness in the digital era. Methodology: The paper is literature based Findings: The study revealed that technological development has fundamentally transformed librarianship, requiring a redefinition of librarians' professional identity. Librarians remain indispensable in promoting digital information literacy, bridging the digital divide, supporting lifelong learning, and empowering individuals to engage effectively, responsibly, and ethically in the digital environment. Practical Implications: The study highlights that the redefinition of librarians’ roles requires more than conceptual recognition; it demands coordinated efforts from librarians, institutions, and policymakers. Sustained investment in capacity building, infrastructure, and supportive policies is essential to translate these emerging roles into practice. Otherwise, the envisioned functions of librarians as digital educators, facilitators, AI advocates, and information ethics promoters may be difficult to achieve, especially in developing countries with limited resources. Originality/Value: This paper contributes to the growing discourse on digital transformation in librarianship by providing a comprehensive conceptual analysis of how librarians' roles must be redefined to support digital information literacy in the era of emerging technologies. Research Limitations: This paper is limited by its conceptual and literature-based approach, as it does not employ empirical methods such as surveys, interviews, observations, or case studies to validate the issues discussed. Consequently, the findings and conclusions are derived from existing scholarly literature and may not fully reflect the current realities and experiences of librarians across different library settings.