Artificial Intelligence Application in Library and Information Services

Abstract

The adoption of Artificial Intelligence in the sphere of library and information services is a new trend in information management and the provision of services to users. In this study, the author examines the present-day uses, issues, and opportunities of AI technologies in academic and public libraries around the world with special attention being given to developing countries. The main aims consist of analyzing the trends in the adoption of AI, comparing the level of user satisfaction, and determining the obstacles to implementation in libraries. The descriptive survey methodology was used with the use of structured questionnaires distributed among 285 library professionals of university and public libraries. The stratified random sampling method was used to represent the institutions of different types. The hypothesis was to determine whether the efficiency and satisfaction of library services and users could be enhanced significantly when AI is implemented. The findings show that two-thirds of the libraries surveyed (67.4) have introduced at least one AI-based service, with chatbots and automated cataloguing being the most common. Statistical results indicate that there is strong positive relationship between the scores of user satisfaction and AI adoption. Lack of infrastructure, shortage of skills, and insufficient funds are noted as the main obstacles. It is concluded that the strategic integration of AI boosts the library services to an appreciable level, but systematic training and infrastructure development are the necessary conditions of the successful implementation.