Artificial Intelligence and University Library Services: Opportunity or Challenge
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64769/rdj.v30i1.283945Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Library Services, University LibrariesAbstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology, profoundly influencing all sectors, including higher education institutions and their university libraries. This article aims to analyze and synthesize the role of AI in university library services through two primary dimensions: the opportunities to revolutionize services to meet the needs of modern users, and the ethical, technical, and managerial challenges that must be addressed. The article compiles and analyzes data from scholarly literature and case studies of AI implementation in university libraries to provide a comprehensive overview. This includes the definition and development of AI, its applications in various services such as intelligent question-answering, personalized recommendation systems, and research support, as well as an analysis of critical challenges like algorithmic bias, data privacy, the evolving role of librarians, and copyright issues. The synthesis indicates that AI is not merely a tool for enhancing efficiency but a catalyst for a paradigm shift, transforming libraries into data-driven, truly user-centric institutions. However, successfully seizing these opportunities requires meticulous strategic planning, continuous professional development, and the establishment of robust ethical governance to ensure that AI implementation generates maximum and sustainable value for the academic community.
Downloads
References
Almulhim, A. A., & Aramco, S. (2024). Introduction to artificial intelligence. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 9(7), 2619-2621.
Amalia, P., Kurniawati, I., & Fahmi, F. (2024). The impact of AI on library information service quality. BIBLIOTIKA Jurnal Kajian Perpustakaan dan Informasi, 8(1), 77-87.
Ashikuzzaman, M. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on library services. Retrieved from https://www.lisedunetwork.com/impact-of-artificial-intelligence-on-library-services/
Barth, S., Ionita, D., & Hartel, P. (2023). Understanding online privacy—A systematic review of privacy visualizations and Privacy by Design guidelines. ACM Computing Surveys, 55(3), 1-37.
Cox, C., & Tzoc, E. (2023). ChatGPT: Implications for academic libraries. College & Research Libraries News, 84(3), 99-102.
Frederick, D.E. (2020). Librarians in the era of artificial intelligence and the data deluge. Library Hi Tech News, 37(7), 1–7.
Gajbhiye, C. K. (2024). Impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in library services. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 6(3), 1-13.
Ghosh, M., & Thirugnanam, A. (2021). Introduction to artificial intelligence. In K. G. Srinivasa et al. (Eds.), Artificial intelligence for information management: a healthcare perspective (pp. 23-44). Springer.
Ibrahim, S. E. A. (2025). Lost in the algorithm: navigating the ethical maze of AI in libraries. South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 91(1), 1-11.
Ikwuanusi, U. F., Adepoju, P. A., & Odionu, C. S. (2023). AI-driven solutions for personalized knowledge dissemination and inclusive library user experiences. International Journal of Engineering Research Updates, 4(2), 52-62.
Jibga, D.M. (2025). The impact of artificial intelligence on library services delivery in academic libraries in Nigeria. Dala Journal of Library and Information Practice, 3(1), 62-68.
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.
Khawruang, K., & Saetang, M. (2025). Development of generative AI services to enhance learning and research (In Thai). PULINET Journal, 12(1), 146-157. (In Thai)
Kotso, J. A. (2025). Qualitative study on integration of artificial intelligence technology among tertiary institution libraries in Nigeria: Opportunities and ethical considerations. Zamfara International Journal of Education, 5(3), 157-251.
Leawprasert, N., Aphinyanon, T., Panthongviriyakul, C., Soodphakdee, D., Sinawat, S., Saikaew, K., Sitthivong, Y., Srisoontorn, S., & Bhumee, W. (2025). AI Clinic: Generative artificial intelligence tools service to support efficient research. PULINET Journal, 12(1), 15–30. (In Thai)
Mwantimwa, K., & Msoffe, G. (2025). Application of generative artificial intelligence in library operations and service delivery: A scoping review. Technical Services Quarterly, 42(2), 139–168.
Paphatsurichote, R., & Kaewhawong, A. (2025). Creating MyGPT for cataloging tasks: The experience of the Office of Academic Resources, Chulalongkorn University. PULINET Journal, 12(2), 1-17. (In Thai)
Pijitkamnerd, B. (2023). The librarian in the artificial intelligence era. T.L.A. Bulletin, 67(2), 18–27. (In Thai)
Pilakasiri, P. (2024). Artificial intelligence: Information value—a case study of implementation of AI by the Library of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University. National Library of Thailand Journal, 12(2), 41-52. (In Thai)
Pitithanabodee, N. (2024). Using ChatGPT in information literacy instruction. Journal of Library and Information Science, Srinakharinwirot University, 17(2), 63-76. (In Thai)
Pitithanabodee, N. (2025). Use of ChatGPT in library services. T.L.A. Bulletin, 69(1), 1-20. (In Thai)
Punsiripat, I., Techataweewan, W., & Seewungkum, D. (2023). Needs assessment and service design to support researching for users of academic libraries. Journal of Information Science Research and Practice, 41(2), 15–37. (In Thai)
Rajkumar, N., Viji, C., Mohanraj, A., Senthilkumar, K. R., Jagajeevan, R., & Kovilpillai, J. A. (2024). Ethical considerations of AI implementation in the library era. In Improving library systems with AI: Applications, approaches, and bibliometric insights (pp. 85–106). IGI Global.
Ram, B. (2023). Transforming libraries: The impact of artificial intelligence. IP Indian Journal of Library Science and Information Technology, 8(2), 74–75.
Ridley, M. (2025). Explainable AI: An agenda for explainability activism. College & Research Libraries News, 86(4), 169.
Scriven, G. (2023, November). Generative AI will go mainstream in 2024. The Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2023/11/13/generative-ai-will-go-mainstream-in-2024
Soommart, A., Srivoradetpaisal, N., Piyanate, R., Chantaraniyom, P., Kilalay, V., & Saikaew, K. (2024). Enhancing library user query response efficiency through AI chatbot development using Dialogflow tools. PULINET Journal, 11(2), 91–104. (In Thai)
Tripathi, A. (2024). The impact of artificial intelligence on library services and information management. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 8148.
Verma, M. (2023). Novel study on AI-based chatbot (ChatGPT) impact on the traditional library management. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, 7(1), 961–964.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Reading Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
