The effect of smart library and ethical values on smart sustainable library development in Malaysian public universities

Smart and sustainable libraries are emerging as favourable trends in smart cities, aligning with the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Academic institutions face challenges due to a lack of clarity in implementing smart and sustainable library practices. While smart libraries that integrate digital resources and advanced technologies are emerging, there is a lack of research on combining smart libraries with sustainable library concepts and ethical values. Addressing this gap is crucial for developing future-ready libraries that enhance the user experience while promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This study aims to: (1) ascertain the perception of librarians regarding smart sustainable library in Malaysian public universities, (2) assess the interrelationship between smart library (smart technology, smart people, smart services) and the development of smart sustainable library in Malaysian public universities, and (3) examine the role of ethical values as a mediating factor in the relationship between smart library (smart technology, smart people, smart services) and the development of smart sustainable library in Malaysian public universities. The main purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between smart library and the development of smart sustainable library with concern of ethical values in the context of Malaysian public universities library. These constructs are used to develop a theoretical framework for the development of smart sustainable library. Data were collected by a simple random sampling of 334 librarians in Malaysian public universities as a case study. The data analysis was performed based on the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to interpret the statistics for descriptive data and inferential analysis using Structural Equation Modelling Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM). Based on the analysis, it was proven that 8 out of 10 hypothesized constructs were undeniably significantly related to smart sustainable library. However, the mediating effect of ethical values found to be positively influence the smart library elements to the development of smart sustainable library. The results hold significance for various stakeholders, including higher learning institutions, government policymakers, practitioners, smart library vendors, and academics specializing in smart and sustainable library practices. Its contributions are multifaceted: theoretically, by developing a framework for smart sustainable libraries within Malaysian public universities; empirically, by providing evidence of the impacts of smart library and ethical values on smart sustainable library development; methodologically, through systematic data collection and analysis; and practically, by creating an evaluation instrument for smart library and ethical values in smart sustainable library development. However, limitations include the scope of variables, respondents, and measures used. Future research should consider expanding the study to include additional elements of smart library and involve a broader range of staff beyond librarians.