Librarians' Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Technology and Its Applications in Academic Libraries

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Elaheh Hozhabrzadeh Torbati ¹

Masoumeh Tajafari ²

Sholeh Arastoopoor ³

¹ MA in Knowledge and Information Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

² Associate Professor,, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

³ Associate Professor, Department of Knowledge and Information Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

10.22067/infosci.2026.98877.1281

Abstract

Introduction: Academic libraries need to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to expand and enhance their services in response to an evolving technological and information environment. AI has the potential to transform both the operational processes of academic libraries and the ways in which services are delivered to users. As the primary actors responsible for implementing and integrating AI-based tools within these institutions, librarians play a critical role in determining the effectiveness and sustainability of AI adoption. Understanding librarians’ perspectives on AI and its applications can therefore contribute to the more effective implementation of these technologies, facilitate service innovation, and enhance the overall user experience. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine librarians’ perspectives on artificial intelligence and its applications in academic libraries in Mashhad.
Methods: The present study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of its research methodology. The statistical population comprised all librarians working at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Based on Cochran’s sample size formula, a sample of 65 librarians was determined. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. The researcher-made questionnaire was distributed electronically among librarians at the libraries of the two universities, and following repeated follow-ups, 65 completed questionnaires were collected and included in the analysis. The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire comprising two main sections. The questionnaire was administered after its validity and reliability had been established. The first section collected demographic information, while the second addressed librarians’ awareness and use of AI applications in library services, as well as their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with AI adoption. Specifically, this section included 27 items measuring awareness, 27 items measuring use, 21 items assessing perceived benefits, and 41 items addressing challenges. All items were rated on a five-point Likert scale. To establish the face and content validity of the questionnaire, the initial version was reviewed by six faculty members in the Department of Knowledge and Information Science. The questionnaire was finalized after their comments and recommendations were incorporated. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha based on a pilot study involving 20 librarians. The normality of the variables was subsequently examined using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, with the results indicating that the variables followed a normal distribution. Data were analyzed using confidence intervals for the mean, the one-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Friedman test.
Findings: The findings revealed that librarians at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences had relatively limited awareness and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in library services. Nevertheless, they reported above-average agreement regarding the benefits of AI applications, indicating a generally positive perception of their potential despite limited awareness and use. The analysis further showed that age and gender had no statistically significant effect on AI use in library services. Regarding the challenges of AI implementation, a statistically significant difference was observed in librarians’ prioritization of the identified challenges. Financial challenges ranked as the highest-priority concern at both universities. In contrast, social challenges received the lowest priority at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, whereas individual challenges were ranked lowest at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences.
Discussion and Conclusion: The findings revealed that librarians are not yet fully familiar with the practical applications of AI, and its use remains limited. This may be attributed to the novelty of these technologies and their limited availability in the libraries of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Another possible factor is the lack of adequate AI-related training in Knowledge and Information Science curricula and the absence of in-service training programs for librarians, which may have limited their understanding of AI capabilities and applications in library services. Nevertheless, librarians’ relatively high level of agreement regarding the benefits of AI indicates a positive attitude toward its potential to improve the accuracy, speed, efficiency, and quality of library services. Providing training, access to AI tools, and opportunities for practical application could enhance their understanding of these benefits. Given that neither age nor gender significantly affected AI usage, formal and informal training programs should be offered to all librarians regardless of demographic characteristics. Financial constraints were identified as the most significant barrier to effective AI implementation, which is understandable given the costs associated with acquiring, developing, maintaining, and supporting emerging technologies. Library administrators and policymakers should therefore develop strategies to address these financial constraints. Overall, the findings underscore the need for a systematic and long-term approach by the authorities and policymakers of the two universities to leveraging AI for library service development. Establishing the necessary organizational, professional, and technological infrastructures while addressing existing challenges is essential.
Originality: This study is among the relatively few investigations of artificial intelligence (AI) in Iranian academic libraries. By examining librarians’ awareness and use of AI, as well as its perceived benefits and implementation challenges, the study provides an empirical basis for future research and may inform decision-making on the development and adoption of AI technologies in academic library services.

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence

AI

academic libraries

librarians

Ferdowsi University

Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Subjects

• Academic Libraries

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