ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND THE FUTURE OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY SERVICES: A STUDY OF LIBRARIANS AI SKILLS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN SOUTH - SOUTH NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

With an emphasis on the AI competencies of librarians in South-South Nigerian universities, this study investigates how artificial intelligence (AI) may influence academic library services in the future. Librarians must develop new skills in order to properly employ AI technologies as they are incorporated into library operations more and more. These technologies include automated cataloguing, digital resource management, AI-driven user help, and predictive analytics. The study evaluates librarians' present AI capability in South-South Nigerian institutions and pinpoints knowledge and training gaps. It also looks at the possible benefits and drawbacks of using AI in academic libraries, emphasizing the potential for better service delivery, better user experiences, and more effective resource management. The results underscore the need of ongoing