Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest that cataloguing departments and agencies could benefit from Fourth Industrial Revolution and advanced technologies.

Design/methodology/approach
A desk research based on literature review extracted from different information sources. Literature was interpreted based on the search of the researcher on key concepts of the topic.

Findings
Literature indicates new trends in cataloguing and how technologies could be incorporated into cataloguing.

Practical implications
This study can inform policies on artificial intelligence adoption in cataloguing.

Originality/value
The 4IR and artificial intelligence does not often occur in cataloguing literature. Linking 4IR and advanced technologies, artificial intelligence and robotic science in cataloguing could inform policies and practice in cataloguing