Dr Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita, Senior Lecturer in the Information Systems Department under the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, has shared insights into his newly published co-edited books which explore how libraries can adapt to rapid technological change by futurising their services in line with shifts in the Library and Information landscape.
Dr Chisita is a researcher in the social sciences, with a specific focus on Library and Information Sciences (LIS). This marks his tenth experience as an author and co-editor of books. He also supervises Masters and Doctoral research and is actively involved in mentorship and knowledge sharing across academic and professional spaces.
“This is a critical area that investigates human information behaviour, knowledge organisation, data, information, knowledge and wisdom architectures, and institutional practices and procedures,” said the National Research Foundation (NRF) C2 rated researcher.
He noted that libraries are critical institutions whose influence spans all areas of human endeavour across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. He added that such institutions have existed for over 5,000 years, with early collections dating back to around 3000 BCE in Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt and Timbuktu, reflecting Africa’s rich scholarly traditions.
Dr Chisita further explained that his research aligns with South Africa’s national development goals, SADC strategies on education, science, technology and innovation, African Union frameworks under the Education, Science, Technology and Innovation agenda, the Africa Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations introduced in 2023, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He emphasised that access to information and knowledge underpins all development goals at national, regional and international levels, reinforcing the indispensable role of libraries as a quiet but powerful force for transformation.
Dr Chisita’s book is a result of collaboration with Dr Blessing Chiparausha from Bindura University of Science Education in Zimbabwe and Professor Madeliene Fombad from the University of South Africa’s Department of Information Sciences.
He explained that the project began as a casual discussion in 2025, after which he guided the process and took on the role of corresponding author. He described the corresponding author as the main point of contact between the publisher and the author team, responsible for managing submissions, revisions, proofs, communication with editors, and ensuring all co-authors meet authorship requirements and ethical standards.
He added that the role ensures coherence in the final publication so that the book reflects a unified body of knowledge rather than fragmented contributions.
The books cover a wide range of topics including disruptive technologies, integrated library management systems, user experience, conversational AI, computer vision syndrome, quantum cloud computing, open science, research data management, data oligopolies and platform capitalism, strategic management, and emerging technologies in libraries. Contributors include academics and professionals from Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
The two volumes are titled Innovation in Libraries: Surviving Technological Lethargy in Times of Endless Transformationand Innovating in Libraries: Surviving Technological Lethargy in Times of Endless Transformation.
The books position libraries at the centre of intellectual discourse on how institutions can remain relevant amid technological disruption. Dr Chisita said the key argument is that libraries, as third spaces, will continue to play a vital role in an era of information disorder.
He said the works reflect DUT’s Living Values through themes of creativity and innovation, and highlight the transformation of libraries into community-driven, sustainable and inventive institutions capable of thriving in disruptive environments.
He added that as part of DUT’s ENVISION2030 strategy, editors and authors contribute by transforming ideas into sustainable, community-focused knowledge outputs that shape society’s future. He noted that writing has been a lifelong passion, despite early setbacks, and that Library and Information Science provided the foundation for his academic journey.
When asked about future writing plans, Dr Chisita confirmed his intention to continue publishing, with a focus on collaboration and mentoring colleagues, students and communities.
The books are available through Emerald Publishers and other academic platforms, including: https://www.emerald.com/books/edited-volume/21415/chapter/112547901/Prelims
Pictured: Dr Collence Takaingenhamo Chisita and third-year Library and Information Science student, Sthembile Khumalo, with his books.
Waheeda Peters
