Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Academic Library Services.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as an important technological development capable of transforming the functioning of academic libraries. The integration of AI into library services can facilitate intelligent information retrieval, automated reference assistance, personalized recommendations, digital resource discovery, user support, cataloguing, classification and routine administrative activities. The present study examines the perceived role of Artificial Intelligence in improving academic library services at Govt. Pt. Shyamacharan Shukla College, Dharsiwa, Raipur. The study adopts a descriptive survey method with a proposed sample of 200 library users. Data are presented through frequency and percentage analysis. The study focuses on users’ awareness of AI, perceived usefulness, application areas, AI-based reference assistance, information searching, personalized services, digital resource access, library automation, user education and major challenges associated with AI adoption. The model findings indicate that a substantial proportion of respondents perceive AI as useful for improving the speed, accessibility and personalization of academic library services. At the same time, respondents identify lack of awareness, technical infrastructure, data privacy, reliability of AI-generated information and inadequate training as important barriers. Recent research among Indian academic-library users and LIS professionals similarly identifies considerable interest in AI while emphasizing competencies, infrastructure, ethics and human oversight. The study concludes that AI should complement rather than replace professional librarianship and that a phased, user-centred and ethically governed approach can strengthen academic library services.