Abstract
This study examined librarians' perceptions of smart library spaces and their role in promoting inclusive service delivery in the libraries of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised all 72 professional librarians across NOUN study centres, and total enumeration (census sampling technique) was employed to include the entire population. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings revealed that librarians generally had positive perceptions of smart library spaces, recognizing their contribution to improved accessibility, enhanced service efficiency, increased user engagement, and inclusive service delivery. The study also identified inadequate technological infrastructure, limited funding, and insufficient training as the major barriers to the effective implementation of smart library spaces. The study concludes that smart library spaces have significant potential to improve inclusive service delivery in NOUN libraries; however, overcoming infrastructural, financial, and capacity-building challenges is critical to realizing their full benefits. The study recommends increased investment in smart library infrastructure, continuous capacity development for librarians, the adoption of inclusive smart technologies, and strengthened institutional policies to support sustainable implementation.
Keywords: Inclusive service delivery, librarians' perception, Smart library spaces, National Open University of Nigeria, academic libraries.
Publication Date: 2026-07-31