Revolutionising information access with quantum computing in the Fifth Industrial Revolution: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This study examines the transformative potential of quantum computing for information access, retrieval, and security in library systems within the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR). A PRISMA-compliant systematic literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed studies retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. A Boolean search combining quantum computing, information retrieval, and library systems yielded 214 records. After deduplication, screening, eligibility assessment, and predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria, 47 studies were retained for thematic synthesis. Data were analysed using a structured framework, with a subset independently coded by two reviewers to ensure reliability. Findings identify four application domains: accelerated search and retrieval via Grover-type quantum algorithms; improved cataloguing, indexing, and metadata generation using quantum-enabled pattern recognition; enhanced data security through Quantum Key Distribution and post-quantum cryptography; and personalised discovery services using quantum-accelerated machine learning. Case studies from the EU Quantum Flagship Initiative, USC, the British Library, the National Library of China, and Singapore’s National Library Board show both progress and constraints, including high costs and technical complexity, amongst others. The study concludes that quantum computing has significant potential to transform library services, while adoption requires strategic investment, capacity building, and robust policy frameworks to ensure equitable and sustainable implementation across institutions globally.