Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery &

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Awareness and Perception of the Artificial

Intelligence in the Management of University
Libraries in Nigeria

Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi, Fauziyah Nihinlolawa Adenekan, Adeleke,

Olateju Abayomi, Taiwo Abosede Ajayi & Adesina Olaitan Aderonke

To cite this article: Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi, Fauziyah Nihinlolawa Adenekan, Adeleke,
Olateju Abayomi, Taiwo Abosede Ajayi & Adesina Olaitan Aderonke (2020) Awareness and
Perception of the Artificial Intelligence in the Management of University Libraries in Nigeria,
Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve, 29:1-2, 13-28, DOI:
10.1080/1072303X.2021.1918602

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/1072303X.2021.1918602

Published online: 03 May 2021.

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Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve
2020, VOL. 29, NOS. 1–2, 13–28
https://doi.org/10.1080/1072303X.2021.1918602

Awareness and Perception of the Artificial

Intelligence in the Management of University
Libraries in Nigeria
Owolabi Kehinde Abayomia, Fauziyah Nihinlolawa Adenekana, Adeleke,
Olateju Abayomib, Taiwo Abosede Ajayic and Adesina Olaitan
Aderonked
a
Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria; bLagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria;
c
Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Nigeria; dUniversity of Zululand, Richards Bay, South Africa

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
Due to the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in Artificial intelligence; 4IR;
developed countries, this study investigates the awareness and technology;
perception about artificial intelligence in the management of management; awareness;
university libraries in Nigeria. The study is a survey design that perception
is based on both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The
population of the study comprised eighty academic librarians
from eight purposively selected university libraries in the coun-
try. The finding of the study revealed that academic librarians
are aware of the existence of AI usage in the university libraries
and that the fear of job loss is the major constraint they face
in the adoption of the technologies; even though they are aware
that the innovative technologies will enable efficient user sat-
isfaction. The study recommends the need for academic librar-
ians to make themselves relevant in this era of the fourth
industrial revolution, by acquiring necessary skills that are in
line with the technologies. It is also critical that library manage-
ment educate academic librarians to understand that the adop-
tion of AI in the library does not translate to the loss of jobs.

Introduction
The adoption of a computer is the order of the day globally; in homes,
offices, banks, restaurants, libraries, and other places. The advent of com-
puters has brought about the application of artificial intelligence to every
human operation, includeing the libraries. Artificial intelligence (AI) has
made it possible to provide solutions to pressing challenges facing libraries,
such as shelving of books and other library materials, cataloguing and
acquisition of library materials, among others. Consequently, library ser-
vices can be done in more effective and efficient ways for improved user
satisfaction. Therefore, library users can access timely and accurate infor-
mation quickly and promptly.

CONTACT Owolabi Kehinde Abayomi yomiowolabi2020@gmail.com Nimbe Adedipe Library, Federal

University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria.
© 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
14 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

The origin of Aritificial Intelligence (AI) can be traced to John McCarthy’s

research in 1955, with the assumption that every aspect of learning and
other forms of intelligence can be stimulated through the use of a machine
(Wang, 2018). Various scholars have defined the concept of Artificial
Intelligence (AI). According to Benhamou and Janin (2018), AI involves
a collection of technologies that enable machines to act with a very high
level of intelligence similar to humans. Merriam-Webster English Dicitonary
(2018) states that artificial intelligence is “a part of computer science that
deals with giving ability to the machines to look as if they have natural
human intelligence.” These human capabilities of AI are improved through
learning from experience and adaption over time. This implies that AI
technologies can sense their immediate environment, think, learn, and
take action concerning the environment. As an aspect of computer science,
AI comprises an expert system, fuzzy logic, artificial neural network,
evolutionary algorithms, case-based reasoning, image processing, natural
language processing, speech recognition, and robotic (Koushal et al., 2012).
Tredinnick (2017) describes AI as a cluster of technologies, and various
computing science approaches to make flexible rational decisions that align
with unpredictable environmental conditions. However, this tread can be
linked to process automation, the Internet of things, data processing,
tangible robotic, conversational interactions and decision support.
There is need for highly complex programming logic and the knowledge
of necessary statistical and computing techniques regarding AI’s design
(Woods & Evans, 2018). The application of AI cuts across various areas
of human endeavors which include speech recognition, machine translation,
and serving as robots in place of librarians. It can be inferred that the
adoption of AI in library operations will make libraries more efficient.
There are three primary ways in which AI can change the library oper-
ations. These include intelligent automation of libraries, drive innovation
to libraries, and enhanced librarians’ productivity and library users (Woods
& Evans, 2018).
Similarly, Asefeh and Asemi (2018) list various ways in which AI tech-
nologies can be used to improve library services to include the followings:
circulation services, shelving of books, cataloguing of library materials,
among others. AI technology can also be used to assign metadata and to
assist in the non-textual search. Fernandez (2016) notes the potential
opportunities of AI in library operations, particularly in analyzing big
data, creating metadata, translating search items, and integrating search
items across contents. In the library also, AI can be used to develop pro-
grams for effective reference services, good scanning of textbooks, and
the identification of appropriate subject categories. Furthermore, AI tech-
nologies can assist library users on how they can locate library materials
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 15

through intelligent tutoring system and automated library services.

Therefore, AI adoption and use in libraries will allow for better informa-
tion processing, and at the same time, better information search that will
excite both library personnel and users since there will be easier and faster
access to information.
IBA Global Employment Institute (2017) classify AI into two types
which are weak artificial intelligence and strong artificial intelligence. Weak
artificial intelligence describes the process whereby the computer is merely
an instrument for investigating cognitive processes (IBA Global Employment
Institute, 2017). This implies that the computer simulates intelligence. On
other hand, strong artificial intelligence describes the processes whereby
the computers are intellectual, self –learning processes. This implies that
the computer has the natural human capacities to perform tasks just like
a man. The Institute goes further to categorize the various economic uses
of AI in the libraries into five which are deep learning, robotization,
dematerialization, and autonomous driving.
However, it will be of note in this research to describe the term ‘machine
learning’. Machine learning is a subfield of computer science that evolved
around the study of pattern recognition and computation learning in
artificial intelligence (Bishop, 2006). Extant literature indicates that artificial
intelligence and machine learning are computer science-related that are
commonly used to create intelligent systems. Brynjolfsson and Mitchell
(2017) describe machine learning as a way in which machine is being
used to teach machines on how to handle data more efficiently. This
implies that machine learning uses mathematical models to answer specific
questions through the use of data. Machine learning has been adopted
and used for various purposes, such as building robots, recognizing speech,
assisting in detecting spam email, and a host of others.
Tella (2020) stresses the need for university libraries to re-position them-
selves to take relative advantage of artificial intelligence’s potentials by
refining the quality of library services in this era of the information age.
Talley (2016) also emphasizes the need for university librarians to embrace
AI technologies to provide better services to researchers and other library
users. Grant and Camp (2018) observe that many academic libraries par-
ticularly in developed countries have adopted AI for various library oper-
ations, such as circulation and reference services. Specifically, Grant and
Camp revealed that the librarians at Mentor Library in Ohio introduced
AI in 2009, and the technology had positively impacted the library.
IBA Global Employment Institute (2017) argues that for effective adop-
tion of AI technology in university libraries, librarians must possess ade-
quate knowledge of mathematics and as well, have other necessary skills
such as technical skills, communication skills, creative skills, and ICT
16 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

skills. Cox et al. (2019) maintain that a few librarians have the skills
needed to promote AI’s practical use. The adoption of AI technologies in
library operations promotes human thinking and augment practical library
usage. Many university libraries in developed countries have been using
AI in their libraries, but this is not the case in most developing countries.
In view of this, the current study investigates AI awareness and perception
among university librarians in Nigerian universities.

Statement of the problem

Artificial intelligence technologies have become globally recognized as
indispensible tools for improving organizational efficiency and productivity.
Suffice therefore to say that AI technologies have strongly influenced the
world of work in the 21st century. In the library setting, the adoption of
AI can improve library services and provides access to accurate informa-
tion that can drive growth and development in this information age.
Artificial intelligence technologies are now being used in libraries to
achieve the organic integration of readers and libraries. With this, readers
interact on the same platform, track and acquire the personalized needs
and information of users so that users can access accurate, all rounds,
and humanized services, at a reduced cost to rationally utilize library
resources. However, Tella (2020) observes that while libraries, particularly
in developed countries have accepted and use AI technologies; those in
developing countries are still struggling to find their feet.
Despite all these AI potentials in university libraries, university libraries
in Nigeria are yet to adopt and implement AI. Perhaps, this might be due
to low level of awareness and perception of AI’s relevance in libraries, as
research connecting artificial intelligence (AI) to librarianship remains
relatively low. While the use of AI has been increasing exponentially in
other fields, this has not been the case in library and information science.
A search on the Ebscohost database shows that between 2010 and 2019,
no single research article on the awareness and AI use among academic
librarians was published in Nigeria. Most of the AI and libraries’ docu-
mentation appeared to be from non-scholarly research, notably in blog
posts, newsletters, and magazine articles, usually opinion-based. The
absence of research on this subject creates a gap in the existing literature
that needs to be filled if libraries expect to engage in the AI discourse.
Hence, this research on the future of academic libraries in the light of
artificial intelligence: perspectives from Nigerian academic librarians are
relevant. The study will provide helpful information on applying artificial
intelligence in Nigerian libraries and other libraries similar to academic
libraries in Nigeria.
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 17

Research Questions

• Are academic librarians aware of the use of AI in library operations?

• What are their perceptions of its use?
• What do they perceive to benefit from the use of AI?
• Which services can yield the most benefit?

Literature review
University libraries are essential for effective teaching and learning. This is
because university libraries support the realization of the missions and
visions of universities. There are various types of university libraries users,
such as students, faculty members, researchers, the host community, and
other users’ categories. Accordingly, it is imperative for university libraries
to acquire, process, store, preserve and disseminate information resources
that meet users needs. To be able to provide user-satisfactory services,
libraries must evolve by responding to changes from time to time (Ilori &
Owolabi, 2020). One example of this evolvement is the transition of infor-
mation materials from book collections to audiotape collections, video col-
lections, database, digitization of information materials, library automation,
and now the adoption of artificial intelligence in library operations
(Vijayakumar & Vijan, 2011). This implies that one of the motives of adopt-
ing AI technologies in university libraries is to satisfy user needs. Contributing
to this, Talley (2016) indicates that university students in the United States
of America responded positively to AI adoption and use in university librar-
ies. This may be attributed to the facilitating nature of the technology.
Sagarjit et al. (2001) maintain that the adoption and use of AI have
improved user engagement in many developed countries in the world.
Access to timely information can only occur in a situation where AI is
being used to guide and support, and at the same time user-friendly, par-
ticularly in information search. For instance, a friendly AI technology will
help users search for information with ease, help retrieve information across
various collections, and help with users’ queries. The history of AI usage
in academic libraries can be traced to Balleste, in law libraries in the USA
in 1998. AI was introduced in libraries because of the various benefits that
technology could bring to library operations, which include the opportunity
to extend library opening hours, using AI to answer simple questions,
providing library guide to library users on the use of the catalogue, assisting
distance education, and streamlining cataloguing and circulation library
operations, the essence which is to enhance library services.
Furthermore, while alluding to the benefits of AI in libraries, United
Nations (2018) reports that AI would enable libraries to address the chal-
lenges of operational inefficiency, technological disadvantage, and the
18 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

inability to demonstrate value benefits to all stakeholders. However, these

benefits of AI may not be realized in academic libraries if librarians are
not taking up the novel initiative of applying artificial intelligence in the
present and future delivery of services. This is because AI may be impact-
ing the way information is searched and processed. Librarians should
therefore be able to use these exciting new technologies to enhance their
services so that users can find and access specific information more effi-
ciently and on time too.
Moreover, while considering the future of libraries in the light of arti-
ficial intelligence, Fernandez (2016) predicts that in the future, libraries
in the United States of America will provide highly automated research
support and that the scope of their library collections will be framed by
AI. The author states further that the current skills (such as programming
skills, writing of algorithm skills, coding skills) and the training of librar-
ians will not be sufficient to cope with the application of artificial intel-
ligence in the libraries.
Fernandez (2016) notes that using AI in academic libraries will help
analyze big data, create metadata, and improve search translation. This
means that using AI in academic libraries will make library materials
more accessible and available, and allow the staff to answer users’ queries
on AI use. Luckin et al. (2016) maintain that there are three ways librar-
ians can develop themselves to use AI. They are: through personal learning;
engaging in intelligent support for collaborative learning; and lastly, intel-
ligent virtual reality. This is becoming necessary because learning involves
social interaction, and effective collaboration is part of the learning process.
While examining the benefits of artificial intelligence in libraries, Tella
(2020) reports that AI improves libraries’ operational efficiency by opti-
mizing collection analysis, visualization, preservation, and reducing the
expenses associated with service delivery. AI engages larger audiences
through better user experience; helps libraries and librarians achieve their
new goals; establishes a strong foothold for libraries in the new scholarly
information landscape; and can integrate easily with existing workflows
and infrastructure. Also, AI will provide tremendous improvements in
bringing standard services to academic librarians in meeting the aims and
objectives of library, as well as the needs of users.
Sivarajah et al. (2017) note that using AI in university libraries allows
for better analysis of datasets, especially large datasets used for analysis
across multiple datasets. It also helps to eliminate repetitive and tedious
tasks. The implication of this is that applying AI in library operations
helps libraries develop capabilities that can exceed the human mind.
Libraries, including university libraries in developing countries, such as
Nigeria, have failed to adopt digital technologies, and they also show
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 19

resistance to change in the use of technologies in various library operations

(Wheatley & Hervieux, 2019). The authors attribute this to poor awareness
of the relevance of digital technologies in improving library operations.
Nakhoda and Tajik (2017) indicate that academic librarians in Tehran
University demonstrated a high reluctance to use AI technologies in the
university library. This was due to poor awareness and education on the
relevance of technologies to library operations.
Divayana et al. (2015) identify some of AI’s advantages in library oper-
ations to include but not limited to the ability to perform library duties
efficiently. With AI operation, libraries can carry out tasks very fast,
compared to when being done by human beings. AI is handy in discov-
ering unexplored concepts, such as outer space and reduces human errors
in library operations. Liu (2011) argues that academic libraries can develop
artificial intelligence in university libraries using expert systems in the
reference section to recommend to users the library materials to meet
their queries.
Furthermore, Cox et al. (2019) examine the impacts of AI on search
and retrieval methods and resources delivery in the USA’s academic librar-
ies. The findings revealed that AI has roles to play in academic libraries.
Hence, there is a need to change academic librarians’ perceptions to see
AI technologies as partners-in-progress.
Massis (2018) observe that many academic librarians see AI adoption
as a threat because they believe AI will perform the functions meant for
them. However, it will be of note that the acceptance and use of AI in
libraries will bring better enhancement to the provision of library services.
Wheatley and Hervieux (2019) studied artificial intelligence in academic
libraries, with the primary aim of identifying the role librarians play in
an AI-dominant future and how they respond to the application of arti-
ficial intelligence. The authors reviewed scholarly articles on university
libraries’ strategic plans and library programming. The study revealed a
lack of response by the librarians to the application of AI in the libraries.
Also, the study showed that lack of sufficient knowledge and awareness
regarding the benefits and cost-saving effect that AI could bring to the
library made it difficult for librarians and library administrators to imple-
ment this technology into existing library systems.
Similarly, Pinfield et al. (2017) maintain that if library managers are
well aware of the essence of offering routine services through the appli-
cation of AI, they will be ready to adopt the application of artificial
intelligence.
A crucial aspect of understanding AI is the skills of how it works. AI
relies on the development of computer programs written by humans. This
program consists of algorithms designed to do certain things. The
20 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

algorithm must then be trained, directly and indirectly by humans, to

understand what it is supposed to do and the possible options for solutions
and failures. This requires the skills to access massive amounts of data.
Librarians may need skills to process, analyze, and develop solutions from
big data in academic libraries. Librarians also need to develop appropriate
skills and gain the required knowledge for the inevitable AI revolution
that may affect workplaces. While studying librarians’ skills in applying
AI in the libraries, Bourg (2017) remarks that librarians already have skills
and expertise for the data sets needed to use AI. Also, the author states
further that librarians’ skills involve conducting information and evi-
dence-based analysis, writing algorithms for valuable outputs, and identi-
fying solutions by utilizing appropriately curated and managed data. Some
research suggests that libraries should take a continuing education approach
in acquiring skills for AI awareness, adoption and implementation, from
the perspective of library staff and users (Arlitsch & Newell, 2017).
With the current trend in technological change based on the adoption
of artificial intelligence in different organizations that include libraries, AI
adoption has created widespread fear of job losses and a high rise in
inequality (International Labor Organization, 2018). Korinek and Stiglitz
(2017) and Méda (2016) maintain that advances in AI technologies could
bring about job losses or job polarization. Bowles (2017) notes that AI
adoption has the potential for a high rise in inequality due to automation.
Frey and Osborne (2017) also indicate that AI would displace about 35%
of workers in the United Kingdom and 47% of workers in the United
States in the next 20 years. World Bank (2016) maintains that developing
countries may be more hinted at the adoption of AI because it will lead
to a high job loss rate. The report further states that 69% of job loss will
be experienced in India through AI adoption; 72% in Thailand; 77% in
China and 85% in Ethiopia. All these studies indicate that AI can lead to
job losses and the potential for gross job destruction.

Methodology
This study is a survey research. Both qualitative and quantitative paradigms
were used for the study to allow for triangulation of research results. The
questionnaire used for the study was adopted from the study of Lund
et al. (2020). One hundred academic librarians were randomly selected
from ten universities in Nigeria. The respondents were allowed to pick
multlple answers. The university libraries were selected based on the
availability of necessary ICT facilities, infrastructures, and human resources
to facilitate AI use in their libraries. The sample of the study was drawn
from academic librarians working in the selected university libraries for
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 21

quantitative research and the interview. The heads of automation/ICT units

were purposively selected from each of the university libraries. The jus-
tification for using purposive sampling for the study was to allow the
researchers to choose the sample based on their knowledge of the phe-
nomena under investigation.
The study used a structured interview with the heads of ICT/automation
units in each of the ten purposively selected university libraries in Nigeria.
The questions were formally structured in such a way that the questions
were not altered from one participant to the other. The study employed
the interview method, based on Brink et al. (2014) submission that the
interview method is the most appropriate when a researcher needs detailed
and factual information about a phenomenon. The interviews were con-
ducted in English language, as all the respondents were fluent in the
language. The questionnaire was given to the ten academic librarians
purposively selected from each university library. Informed consent was
solicited from the respondents before administering the questionnaire and
conducting the interviews.

Results and discussion

This session presented the results and discussions of the findings, according
to the research questions.

Are academic librarians aware of the use of AI in library operations?

The question sought to find out if academic librarians in Nigerian univ-
erisites were aware of AI usage in the library. The respondents were
allowed to pick multiple responses.
The quantitative method’s responses indicated that 98 (98%) of the
respondents were aware of AI technologies in library operation; while 02
(2%) admitted that they were not aware of AI technologies. During the
interview, the respondents were asked the same questions. They all agreed
that they were aware of AI use in the library. One of them said she was
the automation librarian and studied computer science. In her words, “I
am a graduate of computer science before I furthered my education in
library and information science… AI is part of a computer … we are just
talking about its application in library operations… I am aware of it and
its relevance in library operations.” Another respondent stated, “I know
about it, but I became more knowledgeable about it when I attended a
conference abroad, and papers were presented on SMART technologies
and AI in the library operations, … a paper was presented on how AI
can perform human functions in the library.” Another interviewee said,
22 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

“I know about AI usage in the library operations. Recently, l also read

that a private organisation donated some robotics to a university in South
West in Nigeria.” It is noteworthy that all the ICT librarians were aware
of the relevance of AI in library operations.
The finding above indicates that academic librarians are aware of AI
adoption and use in the library, corroborating the finding of Kushins
(2018) which revealed that academic librarians at the Hunter Library of
North Carolina State University in the United States of America were
aware of the usefulness and relevance of AI technologies in library oper-
ations. Also, the result confirmed the finding of Wheatley and Hervieux
(2019) that academic librarians in the United States and Canada are aware
of the relevance of AI in library activities. The study’s finding also cor-
roborates the finding of Nakhoda and Tajik (2017) that academic librarians
at the University of Tehran were aware of the usefulness of AI technologies
in libraries. Other studies supporting these findings include Frey and
Osborne (2017) and Choudhury et al. (2019).

What are their perceptions of its use?

The question sought to ascertain the perception of academic librarians
about artificial intelligence. Eighty- five (32.8%) admitted that adopting
AI in university libraries will lead to job loss. Sixty-two (23.9%) agreed
that AI adoption in the libraries would make the libraries more relevant
in the academic community. On the other hand, 40 (15.4%) claimed that
adopting AI will improve academic librarians’ job performance. Lastly, 72
(28%) maintained that AI’s adoption would increase library services’ effi-
ciency, which will in turn, promote user satisfaction.
This was also confirmed during the interview session. One of the inter-
viewees had this to say: “This is a serious issue. If there is AI deployment in
the libraries, there is nothing we can do; there will be serious job losses …
don’t forget, what man used to do, AI technologies will begin to do it …
There will be no need for library staff in circulation, security and cataloguing
units of the libraries.” Another interviewee said, “There is nothing we can say.
Many of us will surely lose our jobs because the university management will
like to reduce the cost they have invested in buying AI technologies. l still
want you to know that there will be job loss. Imagine there will be no job
advertisement for librarians and library officers. What do you think will be
the faith of students in our library schools?” Another respondent said,
“Immediately l heard it in the news that a university in Nigeria has adopted
the use of AI technologies in their library, I sensed the danger of job loss….
This is a country of over 200 million people, and if government establishments
like the university which is one of the major avenues that create jobs for
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 23

people, are now asking computers to be doing the jobs, it means many of us
will be thrown out of the job…this is the gospel truth.” Another respondent
stated that “… Nigeria is still a developing country; we should not compare
ourselves with developed countries like America. If the university managements
decide to adopt the use of AI, there would be a job cut… there will be no
more employment for new librarians, and those of us on the jobs may be
asked to go… see what is happening in the banking sector in the country.”
Another interviewee said, “Using AI in academic libraries will make the library
more relevant in the academic community. Users would be more excited to
come to the library and see the library as a real center of knowledge… Do
you know many people will come to the library just because they want to
see robots?”
The finding revealed that many librarians see AI technologies as com-
puter programs designed to replicate human intelligence, thereby throwing
them out of jobs. The finding corroborates the finding of Frey and Osborne
(2017) in an Oxford University group research, in which they examined
AI and the future of the workforce. The finding revealed that many pro-
fesionals including academic librarians expressed fears of losing their jobs
in the event that AI technologies were adopted in their workplaces.
Furthermore, the study’s finding is also in line with the World Bank
(2016) reports, that adopting AI technologies in developing countries such
as Nigeria, will affect various professionals such as librarians. Also, the
study’s finding supports the finding of Bowles (2017)that adopting AI
technologies will lead to job loss and bring overall hopelessness to librar-
ians. Other studies that report the adoption of AI intelligence and job
loss include Acemoglu and Restrepo (2020) in the United States of America;
Ernst (2015); Korinek and Stiglitz (2017); and Méda (2016).

What do they perceive to benefit from the use of AI?

The research question examined the benefits of artificial intelligence in
library operations. Seventy-eight (31%) agreed that introducing AI in
libraries will bring innovations to libraries, as seen in advanced countries.
Sixty-two (25%) respondents admitted that the adoption and use of AI in
academic libraries would boost library automation services. Also, 57 (23%)
acknowledged that adopting AI will surely enhance libraries and librarians’
productivity. Lastly, 52 (21%) agreed that AI adoption in academic libraries
would promote better and easy access to library information.
During the interview, the respondents were asked to state the benefits
of adopting AI in libraries. Accoeding to one of the respondents, “there
are many benefits of adopting AI in the library. This is an outstanding
innovation in which our library should not be left out. Recently, I was in
24 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

a country, and l saw how robots were being used to perform library oper-
ations. I was more than happy, and I was even happy to be a librarian.”
Another respondent noted that, “adopting AI in the library will be great
in Nigerian university libraries, although I will not like to talk about the
negative aspect of it. The point remains that it will be a good innovation
that will improve library services and promote user satisfaction. When we
installed the OPAC in this library, students and users were always happy
to visit the library. So, imagine how incredible it would be to introduce
AI in the library, although it has its negative side.” Another interviewee
had this to say, “… using AI in our university library is going to be a
perfect idea; l can’t wait to see the introduction of it in the library… it
will be an outstanding innovation in university libraries in Nigeria.”
The findings revealed that many academic librarians see the introduction
of AI as an excellent innovation to library practices. This supports the
University of Pretoria (2018) that applying AI in academic libraries will
drive innovation and add values to library services delivery. Also, the
finding is in line with that of Wood and Evans (2018) which showed that
using AI in libraries will bring innovations that will further transform
librarianship. The effects will be seen in various library services such as
virtual, discovery, referencing, and cataloguing services.

Which services can yield the most benefit?

The question sought to identify the specific area(s) where AI can be
applied in academic libraries. Remarkably, all the respondents agreed that
all areas of library operations need the adoption of AI. The implication
of this is that there is no section of the library where AI cannot be
deployed. Ranking first was circulation service with 73 (23%) and closely
followed by reference service 64 (20%); and then information retrieval
and shelving services with 55 (17%). Others were acquisition services 52
(16%), cataloguing and classification 45 (14%) and organization and deci-
sion making 34 (11%),
During the interview, the respondents were asked to identify library
operations that need AI technologies. All the respondents confirmed that
every library service needs AI technology, considering its services, partic-
ularly academic libraries in Nigeria. One of the interviewees had this to
say, “… there is no service in the library that AI technologies cannot be
applied. Still, l think the circulations section will need AI more, considering
the nature of jobs they perform in that unit… you know they are the ones
that interact with the users most.” Another respondent said, “Yes, I will
say that all library units need AI technologies, but reference services need
it more. We always have many users in our reference section… you know
 Journal of Interlibrary Loan, Document Delivery & Electronic Reserve 25

the importance of reference materials in an academic environment.” Another

respondent said, “I will suggest circulation units…that unit is the public
relation section of the library … they need AI technologies more ….
However, that does not mean that other sections of the library do not
need it.”
From the interview and questionnaire results, circulation and reference
services were rated highest as the two library units that need AI more.
This finding corroborates the finding of Talley (2016) in a similar study
in the United States, which revealed that there should be more deployment
of AI to circulation and reference sections. The argument for this was
based on the nature of the tasks performed by the units. The finding also
supports the submission of Bishop and Barlett (2013) that reference and
circulation sections need AI adoption most, to complement the tasks of
librarians.

Conclusions and recommendations

The study examined the awareness of academic librarians about artificial
intelligence and their perception of its relevance in managing university
libraries in Nigeria. The findings revealed that academic librarians are
aware of AI technologies, particularly in library operations. The study
participants see artificial intelligence technologies as tools to send them
back to the labor market if the library managements adopt AI for library
operations. The study highlighted the various advantages of using AI in
library operations. Many of them see AI as innovations in the library to
increase academic librarians’ job performance and better user satisfaction.
Both circulation and reference services were identified as the two sections
mostly in need of AI deployment. It needs to be stated that the study
also revealed that all the units in the library need the support of AI
technologies for optimum and effective service deliveries. Based on the
study’s findings, there is a need to academic libraries to create more
awareness of AI’s significance in library operations. Academic librarians
need to make themselves relevant in this era of the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (4IR) by developing the necessary skills to comply with AI in
library operations. It is also essential that academic library managements
create advocacy programs to educate academic librarians to know that
adopting AI will not necessarily translate to job loss but will enable more
relevant and effective service deliveries. There is also the need for academic
librarians to attend trainings and conferences that relate to AI adoption
to prepare them for the task ahead.
This study is not without limitations, as it mainly focused on ten pur-
posively selected university libraries. Hence, the findings of the study
cannot be generalized. Secondly, the study considered only professional
26 OWOLABI K. A. ET AL.

librarians. Since the study was carried out among professional librarians,
it can be replicated using other library staff members. Likewise, the study
can also be replicated among professionals in other fields, such as medical
practitioners and lawyers, among others. It is also recommended that the
study be replicated in other university libraries in Nigeria, as well as other
higher institutions.
The study contributes to knowledge in terms of practice, methodology,
literature, and policy. The study contributes to knowledge by employing
qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine the awareness and
perception of academic librarians about AI in library operations. The
study also provides new data for library managements, academic librar-
ians, policymakers, and university managements on AI’s relevance in
Nigerian university libraries. The research will be a reference point to
researchers working on AI adoption or similar studies in developing
countries context.

Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

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