Artificial Intelligence and the Future Libraries

• Published in: World Digital Libraries Vol. 15; no. 2; pp. 151 - 166
• Main Authors: Verma, V K, Gupta, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New Delhi The Energy and Resources Institute 01.12.2022
• Subjects: Artificial intelligence; Big Data; Decision making; Education; Internet of Things; Libraries; Literature reviews; Machine learning; Professional ethics; R&D; Research & development; Software; SWOT analysis; India
• DOI: 10.18329/09757597/2022/15210
• ISSN: 0974-567X

The artificial intelligence (AI) offers a number of benefits including but not limited to scalability, accuracy, efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. This has positively impacted several industries and service sectors. Given the complex nature of operation in library services, there is a significant scope for the application of AI services in the library operations. In this context, this article examines the applications and potential impact of AI on the libraries, services, and library professionals. The article first defines the scope of AI, followed by a review of contemporary policies and initiatives related to AI at the international and national levels. The potential for applicability of the AI in the library operations has been analysed through a SWOT analysis for understanding strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with AI applications in the libraries. The article also discusses the significance of making library professionals aware of issues and challenges related to AI. The data for the article has been sourced through systematic review of the published literature. The results revealed that emerging AI technology has considerable potential for integration with a library's operations and can improve its services and functions. However, there are several unexplored areas. The article gives insights that can be utilized to educate the library professionals about leveraging and integrating AI technology in the library landscape to provide adequate services to its patrons.