ADOPTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES IN NIGERIA: REQUIREMENTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to identify the variables that make up the essential prerequisites for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigerian academic libraries, as well as the concerns that offer challenges to the process. The exploratory research approach was used in conjunction with a comprehensive literature review on the notion of AI, its potential, implications, and modalities of application in libraries; identification of the prerequisites for AI adoption and the challenges to its successful implementation in Nigerian libraries. The findings revealed that adoption of AI in Nigerian libraries requires the availability of policy documents/frameworks, digital infrastructure facilities, human capital development and expertise as well as generation of data for training in AI application and ensuring the security/privacy of data. The challenges include high cost of establishing an AI system; a lack of technical skills and fear of job loss; insufficient technological infrastructure and erratic/unreliable power supply. It was recommended, among others, that the government and university authorities should provide adequate financial support for the effective implementation of AI technology in libraries. Also library administrations should engage in adequate training and manpower development initiatives to prepare librarians to adopt AI technology in library operations and services.