Search

Purpose: Driven by globalization and subsequent advancements in technology, higher education has experienced exponential growth in student enrolment and increased diversity in the student population. Among the major changes are new models of learning that have supported both onsite and remote learners for quality education. In response to these major changes in education, the processes, resources and services in library and information science have been redefined to meet the information needs of all users, anytime and anywhere. Historically, libraries shifted from being curators of knowledge to creators and disseminators of knowledge. This paper aims to address the path forward for academic libraries using as example, the Main Library at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI). Design/methodology/approach: This paper explores the evolution of reference services, circulations, digitization, people engagement and how new technologies have fundamentally changed the way librarians at The UWI work. Of equal importance in this discussion of the future of academic libraries is students' ability to navigate the diverse ways in which they access resources and services. Finally, the interests, needs and the practical implications of artificial intelligence in academic libraries will be examined. This digital disruption poses both opportunities and challenges for academic libraries and students within the Caribbean in the 21st Century and beyond. A review of literature as well as a look at trends in academic libraries forms the basis of this discussion. Findings: Library processes and services advanced from automation in the 1980s, internet and online facilities in the 1990s to web-based and consortia offerings in the 2000s rendering old models obsolete. Information products and the process of information sharing have reduced the focus on print collections and face to face interactions to fully online or hybrid offerings. What is evident is that Caribbean Libraries must continue to evolve or risk being left behind in this burgeoning technology age. Originality/value: Often the Caribbean is overlooked when examining the impact and application of technology and the availability of resources to students and the wider society. This paper presents an opportunity to look at the unique status of Caribbean academic libraries, specifically The University of the West Indies Library System. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate artificial intelligence (AI) as enabler of future library services, with consideration to how prepared are librarians in African university libraries. Design/methodology/approach: This study applied the interpretive content/document analysis of literature harvested from different databases of Scopus and Web of Science. AI could be used to perform daily routines in circulation, serial, reference and selective dissemination of information among others. It could also be applied to the provision of innovative services of recognition of library activities such as answering research quarries, cataloguing and classification of library materials and management of library system software of different databases within the library systems. Findings: It could be deduced from the study that AI would continue to serve as a panacea to future library services irrespective of its geographical context. Due to the evolving nature of knowledge growth, AI having its roots in the field of engineering has been found useful to support future library services. The support accrued from library service delivery in the library profession has made librarians continue to interact with other intelligent machines that can demonstrate human behaviour even though they are not real human beings. The behaviour of machines and AI where human beings play a significant role has brought many renovations in the management of complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision making and suggestions, on potentials of diverse work operations. Practical implications: The understanding that the present paper portrays in the context of future library services is that there is no way the AI could function without a human interaction perspective when drawing an analogy from computer science, information science and information systems fields of study. Social implications: The interest of users across their background would be strengthen if AI advances transformed the handling complex tasks of processing, communication, knowledge representation, decision-making and giving suggestions, among other things. The possibilities of diverse work operations from empirical evidence of studies consulted in recent times gave the authors the impetus to consider AI as the enabler of future library services. Originality/value: The increasing demands from library patrons have prompted librarians to adapt their methods of delivering services. These emerging technologies have also brought about shifts in approaches to teaching and learning. Consequently, the recent surge in digital technology-driven service innovations has ushered in a fresh paradigm for education and research. In response to these changes, librarians are actively seeking novel and innovative technologies to enhance user experiences within their libraries. They serve as catalysts for introducing modern and advanced technologies, consistently adapting to contemporary tools that enhance their offerings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in aspects of Caribbean academic libraries for greater levels of efficacy as well as overall widespread reach and access. This paper will further emphasize the importance of AI in fostering a smooth workforce, reducing opportunities for error, while maximizing on resource output for Caribbean academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach: Through an extensive literature and content analysis, the research assessed various literatures from across the world, in wide ranging sectors, to attest to the plausibility of AI implementation in Caribbean academic libraries. Findings: Revealing the possibilities for fostering great levels of efficacy as well as saves time and reduces the possibility for inefficiencies in the system through smoother check in and out as well as more accountability.[AQ3] Research limitations/implications: This research focused primarily on proposing the use of AI in the daily operations of the academic library. It further attested to the implementations and application efficacy for intelligent academic libraries. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of the kind for Caribbean academic libraries and brought light to the fact that presently academic libraries can benefit from greater levels of efficacy and accuracy through the careful employment of AI in certain key areas in academic libraries. This study further reports about the impact of AI on academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the emerging technologies of this time. It has been associated with several trades like business, defense, health and education, but its role in library services will foster intelligent decisions. AI is a widely used technology in library services that can transform the best services in the age of information technology. This paper aims to highlight the use of AI in library operations. Several research have been undertaken on this subject, but that only address a few applications. This paper highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services. AI and libraries have a substantial nexus; nevertheless, the use and awareness of AI in library services are still creating question marks addressed in this paper. This study will help the policy stakeholder, librarians and scholars in the field to address these issues before the deployment of AI in library services. Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on a qualitative method using content analysis techniques. Extant literature was explored on the subject and was analyzed for this study. This study highlights the pros and cons of AI in library services and its possible solutions. Findings: The findings of this study show that AI is a vibrant technology that can be used in library services; however, some obstacles like adequate funds, the attitude of librarians and technical skills are a few obstacles that hamper AI in library operations. The findings also reveal that using AI in library operations will accelerate libraries in the right direction. Furthermore, this study highlights various applications that can be deployed without spending costs. Originality/value: This study covers the understanding of AI in library services that will help the librarian's information professionals leverage AI in library scenarios. Furthermore, the practical implication of AI in library services will bring positive change in implementing AI. Social implications: This study will motivate library professionals to take advantage of AI in library services and further accelerate library operations in the right direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to investigate the potential of artificial intelligence chatbots in academic libraries along with the dangers associated with the technology. Design/methodology/approach: Literature were sourced from Google scholar and Scopus database-indexed journals to assess the potentials and drawbacks of using ChatGPT (generative pretrained transformer). Findings: The study found that ChatGPT can aid with technical and reader services such as answering basic reference inquiries, navigating the library website and assisting with research, cataloguing, classification and collection development. However, due to the risk of inaccurate query responses, misuse, limited comprehension, input limitation and technological reliance, it should be a complementary technology rather than a replacement for human librarians. Originality/value: To the best of the author' knowledge, this is one of the first articles reviewing the potential of ChatGPT in academic libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]