Transforming Academic Library Services for At-risk Students in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Literature Review

Abstract

This paper examines academic library services to at-risk students in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). It aims to explore theoretical approaches that can direct more targeted support and service models as an intervention for students who are at risk of failure. The paper specifically analyses Nan Lin’s concept of social capital theory with its particular emphasis on social network analysis. The study which directed this paper, employed a conceptual analysis as a methodology by which the literature review was used as a basis for analysing the research questions of the paper. Outcomes from the analysis indicate that Lin’s concept of social capital theory has the potential to provide a method for measuring social capital that can be assessed against information seeking outcomes. Recommendations suggest the importance of the theory as a methodological tool for investigating relationships between individuals and their social contexts, which could also be adopted by academic libraries in higher education to enhance students’ learning outcomes and educational experience in the 4IR.