1887
Volume 2025, Issue 2
  • EISSN: 2616-4930

Abstract

University libraries are the hub of knowledge management in institutions of higher learning. Increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of the modern library system. Although, as a game changer, technology has unlimited potential to transform library service delivery and operations to benefit patrons. However, technology should be utilized alongside human expertise and judgment to address ethical and privacy concerns. It is on this premise that this study examined librarians’ readiness towards AI utilization for service delivery in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. A survey approach was adopted to conduct the study. Findings revealed that the respondents are aware of AI and exhibit a positive perception towards its utilization in university libraries. Also, librarians’ readiness towards AI utilization was best described by the fact that it will enhance productivity, promote efficiency, and innovativeness in the library. Without doubt, AI technologies have come to stay, there is therefore a need for university library management to put in place a framework that can be used in assessing the performance of librarians in the use of this novel technology through regular training. This will go a long way to enhance their understanding of AI, other related technologies, and their practical applications in the library ethically.

© 2025 The Author(s), licensee HBKU Press.
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.5339/jist.2025.13
2025-07-07
2026-03-04

Metrics

Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/jist/2025/2/jist.2025.issue2.13.html?itemId=/content/journals/10.5339/jist.2025.13&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. Abba, T. (2024). Use of artificial intelligence technologies in rendering library services: An empirical evidence from university libraries in Africa. African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science, 34:(1), 23–35. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajlais/article/view/270039
     [Google Scholar]
  2. Adetayo, A. J. (2023). Artificial intelligence chatbots in academic libraries: The rise of ChatGPT. Library Hi Tech News, 40:(3), 18–21. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-01-2023-0007
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Aguiar-Costa, L. M.,Cunha, C. A. X. C., Silva, W. K. M., & Abreu, N. R. (2022). Customer satisfaction in service delivery with artificial intelligence: A meta-analytic study. Revista de Administração Mackenzie, 23:(6), 1–29. http://doi.org/10.1590/1678-6971/eRAMD220003.en
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Ajani, Y. A., Tella, A., Salawu, K. Y., & Abdullahi, F. (2022). Perspectives of librarians on awareness and readiness of academic libraries to integrate artificial intelligence for library operations and services in Nigeria. Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 26:(4), 213–230. https://doi.org/10.1080/10875301.2022.2086196
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Alam, A.,Subaveerapandiyan, A.,Mvula, D., & Tiwary, N. (2024). AI literacy and Zambian librarians: A study of perceptions and applications. Open Information Science, 8:(1), 20220166. https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2022-0166
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Ali, W., & Khan, A. Z. (2024). Factors influencing readiness for artificial intelligence: A systematic literature review. Data Science and Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsm.2024.09.005
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Asemi, A.,Ko, A., & Nowkarizi, M. (2021). Intelligent libraries: A review on expert systems, artificial intelligence, and robot. Library Hi Tech, 39:(2), 412–434. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-02-2020-0038
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Barsha, S., & Munshi, S. A. (2023). Implementing artificial intelligence in library services: A review of current prospects and challenges of developing countries. Library Hi Tech News, 41:(1), 7–10. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-07-2023-0126
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Baryshev, R. A.,Verkhovets, S. V., & Babina, O. I. (2018). The smart library project: Development of information and library services for educational and scientific activity. The Electronic Library, 36:(3), 535–549. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2017-0017
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Cao, L. (2020). Design of digital library service platform based on cloud computing. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Computers, Information Processing and Advanced Education (CIPAE) (pp. 37–41). Association for Computing Machinery. https://doi.org/10.1145/3419635.3419651
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Chohan, S. R.,Hu, G.,Khan, A. U.,Pasha, A. T.,Saleem, F., & Sheikh, M. A. (2023). IoT as societal transformer: Improving citizens’ continuous usage intention in digital society through perceived public value. Library Hi Tech,41:(4), 1214–1237. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-05-2021-0156
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Collins, C.,Dennehy, D.,Conboy, K., & Mikalef, P. (2021). Artificial intelligence in information systems research: A systematic literature review and research agenda. International Journal of Information Management, 60:, 102383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2021.102383
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Cox, A. M.,Pinfield, S., & Rutter, S. (2019). The intelligent library: Thought leaders’ views on the likely impact of artificial intelligence on academic libraries. Library Hi Tech, 37:(3), 418–435. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-08-2018-0105
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Ebaye, A. S.,Orim, F. S., & Barong, E. A. I. (2024). Librarian awareness, perception, acceptance and the utilisation of artificial intelligence in library service in universities in south-south, Nigeria. ISAR Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Studies, 2:(7), 20–26. https://article.isarpublisher.com/viewArticle/Librarian-awareness-perception-and-acceptance-and-the-utilization-of-artificial-intelligence-in-library-services-in-universities-in-south-south-Nigeria
     [Google Scholar]
  15. Eiriemiokhale, K., & Sulyman, A. S. (2023). Awareness and perceptions of artificial intelligence among librarians in university libraries in Kwara State. Indonesian Journal of Librarianship, 4:(2), 107–118. https://doi.org/10.33701/ijolib.v4i2.3364
     [Google Scholar]
  16. Emiri, O. T. (2019). Awareness and use of online public access catalogue (OPAC) in university libraries by students of Library and Information Science in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. Nigerian Libraries, 52:(1), 13–22. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jnla/article/view/188790/178032
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Gupta, N., & Mangla, R. (2020). Artificial intelligence basics: A self-teaching introduction. Mercury Learning and Information.
  18. Hervieux, S., & Wheatley, A. (2021). Perceptions of artificial intelligence: A survey of academic librarians in Canada and the United States. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 47:(1), 102270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2020.102270
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Hotsonyame, G. N. (2023). Significance of academic libraries in recent times: A review of articles. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7736
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Hoving, S. (2024, August 1). AI in libraries: Improving tradition through innovation. Springer Nature. https://www.springernature.com/gp/librarians/the-link/technology-blogpost/ai-libraries-tradition-innovation/27407176
  21. Hradecky, D.,Kennell, J.,Cai, W., & Davidson, R. (2022). Organisational readiness to adopt artificial intelligence in the exhibition sector in Western Europe. International Journal of Information Management, 65:, 102497. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102497
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Huang, Y.,Cox, A. M., & Cox, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in academic library strategy in the United Kingdom and the Mainland of China. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 49:(6), 102772. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acalib.2023.102772
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Hussain, A. (2023). Use of artificial intelligence in the library services: Prospects and challenges. Library Hi Tech News, 40:(4), 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-11-2022-0125
     [Google Scholar]
  24. Isiaka, A. O. (2023). Application and use of artificial intelligence (AI) for library services delivery in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7998
     [Google Scholar]
  25. Jan, S. U., Khan, M. S. A., & Khan, A. S. (2024). Organisational readiness to adopt artificial intelligence in the Library and Information Sector of Pakistan. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 19:(1), 58–76. https://doi.org/10.18438/eblip30408
     [Google Scholar]
  26. Jha, S. K. (2023). Application of artificial intelligence in libraries and information centers services: Prospect and challenges. Library Hi Tech News, 40:(7), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-06-2023-0102
     [Google Scholar]
  27. Kalbande, D., Yuvaraj, M., Verma, M. K., Subaveerapandiyan, A., Suradkar, P., & Chavan, S. (2024). Exploring the integration of artificial intelligence in academic libraries: A study on librarians’ perspectives in India. Open Information Science, 8:(1), 20240006. https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2024-0006
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Kim, B. (2019, August 21–22). AI-powered robots for libraries: Exploratory questions [Conference presentation]. IT Satellite Meeting, IFLA WLIC Conference, Wildau, Germany. https://library.ifla.org/id/eprint/2700/1/s08-2019-kim-en.pdf
  29. Kimbell, L., Carlebach, E., Smyth-Allen, H., Gherhes, C., Lewis, M., & Vorley, T. (2021). AI readiness: A collaborative design toolkit for professional services firms. Oxford Brookes University: Independent Publishing Network. https://iuk-business.connect.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2023/08/AI_Readiness_digital_toolkit.pdf
  30. Kiriri, P. N. (2018). Service delivery: The perceptions of users of library services in a private university in Africa. European Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 3:(4), 221–231. https://doi.org/10.26417/275kuj79q
     [Google Scholar]
  31. Kulal, A., Rahiman, H. U., Suvarna, H., Abhishek, N., & Dinesh, S. (2024). Enhancing public service delivery efficiency: Exploring the impact of AI. Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 10:(3), 100329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2024.100329
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Li, Y., Lu, C., & Ma, B. (2022). Research and outlook on the application of artificial intelligence in library under the background of innovation driven. Library Theory and Practice, 3:, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.14064/j.cnki.issn1005-8214.2022.03.002
     [Google Scholar]
  33. Ma, Y., Ping, K., Wu, C., Chen, L., Shi, H., & Chong, D. (2020). Artificial intelligence powered Internet of things and smart public service. Library Hi Tech, 38:(1), 165–179. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-12-2017-0274
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Mallikarjuna, C. (2024). An analysis of integrating artificial intelligence in academic libraries. DESIDOC Journal of Library and Information Technology, 44:(2), 124–129. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.44.2.18958
    [Google Scholar]
  35. McKinsey & Company. (2023). The state of AI in 2023: Generative AI’s breakout year. McKinsey and Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-analytics/our-insights/the-state-of-ai-in-2023-generative-ais-breakout-year
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Nalubega, T., & Uwizeyimana, D. E. (2024). Artificial intelligence technologies usage for improved service delivery in Uganda. Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review, 12:(1), a770. https://doi.org/10.4102/apsdpr.v12i1.770
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Oden, A. N., & Owolabi, R. O. (2021). Staff attitude and service delivery in university libraries in Ogun State, Nigeria. Information Impact: Journal of Information and Knowledge Management, 12:(2), 17–29. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/iijikm.v12i2.2
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Okunlaya, R. O., Syed-Abdullah, N., & Alias, R. A. (2022). Artificial intelligence (AI) library services innovative conceptual framework for the digital transformation of university education. Library Hi Tech, 40:(6), 1869–1892. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-07-2021-0242
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Oladokun, B. D., Owolabi, A. K., Aboyade, M. A., Wiche, H. I., & Aboyade, W. A. (2023). Emergence of robotic technologies: Implications for Nigerian academic libraries. Library Hi Tech News, 40:(6), 15–18. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-02-2023-0031
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Oniovoghai, E. M., Idiodi, E. O., & Urhiewhu, L. O. (2023). Artificial intelligence (AI) in service delivery to academic library by librarians in Nigeria. International Journal of Library and Information Science Studies, 9:(2), 41–53. https://doi.org/10.37745/ijliss.15/vol9n24153
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Owolabi, K. A., Adenekan, F. N., Adeleke, O. A., Ajayi, T. A., & Adesina, O. (2021). Awareness and perception of the artificial intelligence in the management of university libraries in Nigeria. Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve, 29:(7), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/1072303X.2021.1918602
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Oyekale, J. O., & Zubairu, A. N. (2023). Assessment of awareness, perceptions, and adoption of artificial intelligence in university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. Tin-City Journal of Library, Archival & Information Science, 12:(1), 131–138. https://www.tincityjournal.com.ng/published_manuscripts/vol-12-1-2023/TJOLAIS-16-3-39.pdf
     [Google Scholar]
  43. Oyetola, S. O., Oladokun, B. D., Maxwell, E. C., & Akor, S. O. (2023). Artificial intelligence in the library: Gauging the potential application and implications for contemporary library services in Nigeria. Data and Metadata, 2:(36), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.56294/dm202336
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Radhakrishnan, J., & Chattopadhyay, M. (2020). Determinants and barriers of artificial intelligence adoption: A literature review.In S. K. Sharma, Y. K. Dwivedi, B. Metri, & N. P. Rana (Eds.), Re-imagining diffusion and adoption of information technology and systems: A continuing conversation (Vol. 617:, pp. 89–99). TDIT 2020 IFIP Advances in Information and Communication Technology. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-64849-7_9
     [Google Scholar]
  45. Safana, A. S., & Fari, S. A. (2024). Study on the awareness and perception of library staff in applying artificial intelligence for information service delivery in some university libraries of Katsina State, Nigeria. Samaru Journal of Information Studies, 24:(1), 1–20. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sjis/article/view/278516
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Sambo, A. S., & Oyovwe-Tinuoye, G. (2023). Awareness and perception of Certified librarians of Nigeria towards the use of robotics technologies in the libraries. Ghana Library Journal, 28:(1), 26–34. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/glj.v28i1.3
     [Google Scholar]
  47. Schreur, P. E. (2020). The use of linked data and artificial intelligence as key elements in the transformation of technical services. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 58:(5), 437–485. https://doi.org/10.1080/01639374.2020.1772434
     [Google Scholar]
  48. Shaheen, M. A., & Khurshid, A. (2023). Perceptions and experiences of artificial intelligence use in libraries: A study of library users in Pakistan. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac/7905
     [Google Scholar]
  49. Shahzad, K., Khan, S. A., Iqbal, A., & Javeed, A. M. D. (2024). Identifying university librarians’ readiness to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for innovative learning experiences and smart library services: An empirical investigation. Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication. https://doi.org/10.1108/GKMC-12-2023-0496
     [Google Scholar]
  50. Suryawanshi, S. S. (2024). Using AI tools in libraries. Indian Journal of Psychology, 2:, 205–213.
     [Google Scholar]
  51. Tella, A. (2020). Robots are coming to the libraries? Are librarians ready to accommodate them? Library Hi Tech News, 37:(8), 13–17. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHTN-05-2020-0047
     [Google Scholar]
  52. Thompson, H. (2021). Personalising artificial intelligence: Enhancing user experience in libraries. Digital Library Perspectives. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLP-11-2020-0048
     [Google Scholar]
  53. Udoh, I. M., Akidi, J. O., & Keyme, J. J. (2024). Artificial intelligence (AI) potentials and the skills for adoption by librarians in university libraries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The Lancet, 403:(10423), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00094-1
     [Google Scholar]
  54. West, D. M., & Allen, J. R. (2018, April 24). How artificial intelligence is transforming the world. Brookings. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-artificial-intelligence-is-transforming-the-world/
  55. Winkler, B., & Kiszi, P. (2021). Views of academic library directors on artificial intelligence: A representative survey in Hungary. New Review of Academic Librarianship, 28:(3), 256–278. https://doi.org/10.1080/13614533.2021.1930076
     [Google Scholar]
  56. Yakubu, A. S., Yagana, A. A., & Umar, S. Y. (2023). Investigating librarians’ intention to use artificial intelligence for effective library service delivery: A partial least square-structural equation modeling-based approach. Dutse Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 9:(1b), 1–14. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/dujopas.v9i1b.1
     [Google Scholar]
  57. Yoon, J., Andrews, J. E., & Ward, H. L. (2022). Perceptions on adopting artificial intelligence and related technologies in libraries: Public and academic librarians in North America. Library Hi Tech, 40:(6), 1893–1915. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-07-2021-0229
     [Google Scholar]
  58. Zondi, N. P., Epizitone, A., Nkomo, N., Mthalane, P. P., Moyane, S., Luthuli, M., Khumalo, M., & Phokoye, S. (2024). A review of artificial implementation in academic library services. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Sciences, 90:(2), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.7553/90-2-2399
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.5339/jist.2025.13
Loading
Librarians’ readiness towards artificial intelligence utilization for service delivery in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria
Journal of Information Studies & Technology (JIS&T) 2025, 13 (2025); https://doi.org/10.5339/jist.2025.13
/content/journals/10.5339/jist.2025.13
/content/journals/10.5339/jist.2025.13
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): artificial intelligence, librarian, readiness, university library, utilization, Nigeria

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error