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Use of artificial intelligence in the library
services: prospects and challenges
Abid Hussain
Introduction
Libraries are regarded as service-
oriented organizations and have been
altered by advanced technologies in the
era of modern days information
technologies (ITs). The growing demands
of library clienteles have compelled the
librarians to modify their service de-
livery mechanism (Hussain,2022a,
2022b, Library Philosophy and Practice,
1–11). These new technologies have
changed teaching and learning attitudes;
for this reason, the latest digital
technology-driven service innovation
promotes a new teaching and research
paradigm (Walter and Lankes, 2015).
This has compelled librarians to seek new
and innovative technologies to maintain
the user experiences of their libraries.
Librarians are change agents of
modern and advanced technologies and
have long been responding to current
technologies that improve their services.
Initially, library automation and
digitization were just two components
that expanded its workflows and library
services (Hussain,2022a, 2022b).
The past two decades have shown
tremendous changes in library services
and in such advancement, the role of
artificial intelligence (A1) remained
remarkable. AI has been defined as “the
ability of machines to do things that
people would say require intelligence; it
has been infiltrated as one of the modern
technologies for library operations
(Jackson, 1985). AI has become an
indispensable tool for improving
organizational efficiency and productivity.
It is astounding that AI technologies have
strongly influenced trades in the 21st
century, including libraries.
Nexus between artificial intelligence
and libraries
Although research on AI in libraries
has been growing for the past few years,
previous studies have focused on
librarians’perceptions of AI (Wood and
Evans, 2018). Many scholars have their
views that AI could reasonably
transform library services. Cox (2021)
opined that librarians should be more
skillful in instructing patrons about the
use of AI in library services and its
implications for searching and browsing
information. In other studies, it was also
noticed that many librarians are worried
about the implication of AI in library
services for so many reasons like job
security, its usages and technical issues;
however, most of them are optimistic
that AI will create new opportunities
and open new horizons for the librarians
(Wood and Evans, 2018). Some studies
argued that librarians should involve
themselves with professional interest
groups experiencing this technology.
Engaging with these professionals will
create new skills and develop new
services by deploying this technology in
library services.
AI in library services will provide
access to accurate information in the
age of information explosion and be a
helpful tool for the organic integration
of readers and libraries. Using AI in
library services will give library
practitioners and patrons momentum.
Readers will interact on the same
platform and gain access to humanized
services at a reduced cost. A few
scholars, like Hussain (2020a,2020b),
observed that in developing countries,
most librarians are still unaware of
deploying it in their libraries. Perhaps
this might be because of a low
awareness level or the heavy budget
required for implementing AI in library
services. Another reason for not
including AI in library services is
lacking research activities connecting
AI to librarianship. Some libraries have
implemented AI partially, like virtual
reference chatbots that use machine
learning as a subtype of AI. Through
these services, a librarian can answer its
patron regarding library queries (Arora
et al., 2020). Similarly, Zimmett (2020)
noted that some libraries use its partial
application, like virtual assistance,
which can be used to answer the patron.
A1 like Alexa skills which have been
introduced at The University of South
California fulfill various demands of
users like frequently ask question
answers and events. It has also been
interconnected with a library catalog to
search for desired information (Hussain
and Shahid, 2022). Some scholars note
that AI has been associated with
automation and searching of
information like Yewno Discovery,
which was launched in 2016 for data
visualization to help patrons view the
concepts more visually than traditional
library catalogs (Gramatica and
Pickering, 2017).
AI can also help patrons review
disinformation, privacy and ethics. AI
can also help the patrons to locate print
books on the shelves and help them to
find the right book in the right place. A
chatbot or AI conversational agent can
provide virtual reference services to
better guide users via AI. Librarians in
the age of AI are known as virtual
storytellers or reader advisory humans.
To satisfy the needs of library patrons,
AI chatbots will bring positive changes
in library services. Based on The
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
research, global positioning system
(GPS) can better guide library patrons
to find relevant information about the
library. Many libraries in developing
and developed countries have
interconnected GPS with library
websites for the past few years (Cox
et al., 2018).
Modern social media applications
like Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook and
Instagram use AI. Many libraries have
transformed their services on social
media to attract their patrons. Through
LIBRARY HITECH NEWS V
CEmerald Publishing Limited, 0741-9058, DOI 10.1108/LHTN-11-2022-0125
these applications, users store and
manage their relevant information;
these applications use AI for managing
and storing data. Libraries should also
use it to maintain a massive amount of
data (Jan and Abid, 2018).
Libraries deal with information and
withhold costly tools like computer
machines, scanners, photocopiers and
multimedia. Observing libraries from
various corners requires surveillance
cameras to save library material from
theft; AI surveillance applications have
made it possible to develop face
recognition tools that may be used for
security purposes and surveillance
activities (Ali et al.,2020). With cyber-
attacks, AI can be used as a security tool
for safeguarding data. For security
applications, AI used the AEG bot and
AI2 platform to positively determine
software bugs and cyber-attacks (Prasad
and Rohokale, 2020). Radio frequency
identification (RFID) technologies are
some of the best examples of AI. RFID
technologies are connected with modern
library software, which controls the
library collections from theft and
misplacing. Security doors and walk-
through gates are fixed on library doors
which intimate the staff in case of theft
and other security measures.
Almost every smartphone has facial
recognition technologies that are
controlled and powered by AI. Siri and
Alexa are the best examples of facial
and virtual voice systems. These kinds
of technologies can be used for deep
learning in the academic environment.
AI has been connected with the
library catalog through an expert
system. There are two ways to connect
AI with a library catalog: a human–
machine interface where we can trace
the data intermediary and support
system and linkages of an electronic
publishing system with a library
catalog, where the data can be passed
through an online medium without
intellectual input from an intermediary.
Library challenges with artificial
intelligence
Some librarians believe that AI in
library operations has specific
challenges that should be addressed
before implementing this application in
library services (Vijayakumar and
Sheshadri, 2019).
Financial challenges are critical for
implementing AI in library services.
Often the library may have inadequate
infrastructure because AI requires
heavy and latest technological tools to
run it successfully, so poor
infrastructure will never support AI in
library services (Ajani, 2022).
Resistance to change is an issue as
some librarians are not interested in
introducing new and innovative
technologies. The negative perception
of librarians toward inadequate skills of
librarians with IT tools can create
hurdles for AI as some librarians are not
skillful in IT applications.
Some other challenges include poor
networking, erratic power supply, lack of
trained personnel, outdated technologies
and economic factors and high cost of
technological tools that should be
addressed before implementing AI in
library operations (Echedom and
Okuonghae, 2022). Despite these
challenges, AI will bring positive changes
in library operations like information
delivery services, time savings, cost-
effectiveness and speedy services for the
present and retrospective patrons.
Concluding remarks
Implementing AI will make the
library work easier to reach the current
and retrospective patrons in their time
of need. Libraries in developed and
developing countries are not yet fully
aware of this technology. Although
there is extensive literature on AI in
libraries, most cover limited library
applications. AI is clearly one of the
emerging applications that maximize
library services at low cost once
implemented. Libraries are vital agents
of innovative technologies. Adequate
budgets for implementing AI in library
operations should be kept in mind.
Advocacy programs for librarians
can delineate various challenges
associated with AI in library operations.
Training and conferences about AI
should be organized for librarians to
learn new skills. A proper policy should
be formulated that addresses both the
strength and weaknesses of AI in library
services. The attitude of librarians
regarding deployment of AI in library
operations can be helped by bringing
them to discussion forums.
AI is still an emerging technology
growing with alarming speed in
different organizations. In both
developed and developing countries,
few popular services like RFID, GIS
technologies, chatbot and virtual
references are associated with library
operations; however, most librarians are
unaware of these applications. Some
low-cost applications like facial
recognition, chatbot and Google maps
can be associated with library websites;
nevertheless, most applications like big
data, the Internet of Things and
augmented reality require high costs,
which is out of control for libraries in
developed and developing countries.
REFERENCES
Ajani, Y.A., Tella, A., Salawu, K.Y. and
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, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 1-18.
Ali, M.Y., Naeem, S.B. and Bhatti, R.
(2020), “Artificial intelligence tools and
perspectives of university librarians: an
overview”, Business Information Review,
Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 116-124.
Arora, D., Bansal, A., Kumar, N. and Suri, A.
(2020), “Invigorating libraries with
application of artificial intelligence”, Library
Philosophy and Practice, pp. 1-9.
Cox, A.M. (2021), “Exploring the impact of
artificial intelligence and robots on higher
education through literature-based design
fiction”, International Journal of Educational
Technology in Higher Education,Vol.18
No. 1, pp. 1-19.
Cox, A.M., Pinfield, S. and Rutter, S. (2018),
“The intelligent library: thought leaders’
views on the likely impact of artificial
intelligence on academic libraries”, Library
Hi Tech, Vol. 37 No. 3, pp. 418-435.
Echedom, A.U. and Okuonghae, O. (2021),
“Transforming academic library operations in
Africa with artificial intelligence: opportunities
and challenges: a review paper”, NewReviewof
Academic Librarianship, Vol. 27 No. 2,
pp. 243-255.
Gramatica, R. and Pickering, R. (2017),
“Start-up story: Yewno: an AI-driven path to
a knowledge-based future”, Insights, Vol. 30
No. 2.
Hussain, A. (2020a), “Cutting edge:
technology’s impact on library services”,
LIBRARY HITECH NEWS
Innovations in the Designing and Marketing
of Information Services, IGI Global, PA,
pp. 16-27.
Hussain, A. (2022a), “Review of augmented
reality in academic and research libraries”,
Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 39 No. 9.
Hussain, A. (2022b), “Use of WhatsApp
technology in library services: case study of
National Defence University Library”,
Islamabad, Pakistan. Library Philosophy and
Practice, pp. 1-11.
Hussain, A. (2020b), “Artificial intelligence
in library services”, Daily Times, available
at: https://dailytimes.com.pk/598165/artificial-
intelligence-in-library-services/ (accessed 2
November 2022).
Hussain, A. and Shahid, R. (2022), “Impact
of big data on library services: prospect and
challenges”, Library Hi Tech News.
Jackson, W.G. (1985), “The information and
library services of The Institute of Metals”,
Met. Mater, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 172-174.
Prasad, R. and Rohokale, V. (2020),
“Artificial intelligence and machine learning
in cyber security”, Cyber Security: The
Lifeline of Information and Communication
Technology, Springer, Cham, pp. 231-247.
Vijayakumar, S. and Sheshadri, K.N. (2019),
“Applications of artificial intelligence in
academic libraries”, International Journal of
Computer Sciences and Engineering,Vol.7,
pp. 2347-2693.
Walter, S. and Lankes, R.D. (2015), College
and Research Libraries, Vol. 76 No. 7,
pp. 854-858.
Wood, B.A. and Evans, D. (2018),
“Librarians’perceptions of artificial
intelligence and its potential impact on the
profession”, Computers in Libraries,Vol.38
No. 1, pp. 1041-7915.
Zimmett, J. (2020), “Optimal discovery?
Siri, Alexa, and other virtual personal
assistants in libraries”, Public Services
Quarterly, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 41-47.
FURTHER READING
Das, R.K. and Islam, M.S.U. (2021),
“Application of artificial intelligence and
machine learning in libraries: a systematic
review”, arXiv preprint arXiv:2112.04573.
Hussain, A. (2019), “Industrial revolution 4.0:
implication to libraries and librarians”, Library
Hi Tech News, Vol. 37 No. 1, pp. 1-5.
Jan, S.U. and Abid. (2018), “Awareness of
web 2.0 technology in the academic libraries:
an Islamabad perspective”, Library
Philosophy and Practice, pp. 1-13.
Mogali, S. (2014), Artificial intelligence and
its applications in libraries. Conference:
Bilingual International Conference on
Information Technology: Yesterday, Today
and Tomorrow, At Defence Scientific
Information and Documentation Centre,
Ministry of Defence Delhi.
Nawaz, N. and Saldeen, M.A. (2020),
“Artificial intelligence chatbots for library
reference services”, Journal of Management
Information and Decision Sciences, Vol. 23,
pp. 442-449.
Shahid, R. and Hussain, A. (2022), “Impact
of big data on library services: prospect and
challenges”, Library Hi Tech News.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abid Hussain is a Veteran Librarian based
in Islamabad, Pakistan. Currently, he is
working as Deputy Director Library at the
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.
His research interests include, Library
Technologies, library leadership, digital
library services, web-based and Mobile
technology, information literacy,
bibliometric and information services.
Earlier he served as a Digital Library
Incharge at National Defence University
Islamabad (April 2009–April 2017) and
an Assistant Librarian at the Air
University Islamabad (May 2005–
September 2007). He has contributed 27
research papers to National and
International reputed journals, whereas
three of his articles are in pipeline. He has
also published more than 80 columns,
essays and opinion articles in various
English dailies, magazines and blogs
mostly relevant to library advocacy. His
whole contributions can be viewed here:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_
op=list_worksandhl=enandhl=enanduser=
GdVB77sAAAAJ. He has designed,
implemented, oordinated and assessed the
library instruction program and trained
fellow librarian master’s instructional
theory and methods. He is a MPhil scholar
at the Department of Library and
Information Science, University of
Peshawar, and earned the master’s degree
in library and information sciences from
the same university in 2006; for dealing
with social science scholars, he has
completed master’s degree in political
sciencein2011fromtheUniversityof
Peshawar; and for instruction of library
customers, he has attained a bachelor of
education degree from Sarhad University
Peshawar in 2016. He is an active member
of American Library Association, Chinese
American Librarians Association, IASL,
International Federation of Library
Associations and Institutions, Association
of College and Research Libraries,
Canadian Library Association, Association
for Information Science and Technology,
Pakistan Library Association, etc. He is
raising library issues through TV
programs, radio talk shows and other
social blogs and keenly raises Pakistan’s
role in library scenario at national and
international conferences, webinars and
seminars. During his career, he completed
many projects by digitizing various
libraries in Pakistan, few praiseworthy
projects are:
Islamabad Policy Research
Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan,
www.readerslounge.org/;
Institute of Strategic Studies
Islamabad, Pakistan, http://
issilibrary.org.pk/;
National Defence University
Library Islamabad, http://
111.68.99.107/libmax/opac/index.
aspx;
Ghazi Library Command & Staff
College Quetta, https://cscquetta.
gov.pk/library/; and
Islamabad Business School
Library, Pakistan (IBS), https://ibs.
edu.pk/library/
Abid Hussain (abidhussain@issi.
org.pk) is based at Deputy Director
Library, Institute of Strategic Studies
Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
LIBRARY HITECH NEWS
