AI in Indian Libraries: Prospects and Perceptions from Library Professionals

Posted by:

McQuiston, Regina

APA Citation

Subaveerapandiyan, A. & Gozali, A. (2024). AI in Indian Libraries: Prospects and Perceptions from Library Professionals. Open Information Science, 8(1), 20220164. https://doi.org/10.1515/opis-2022-0164 

Summary

    A 2024 study which uses a survey of 386 information professionals in a variety of institutions (“Colleges, Universities, Technical Institutes, Management Institutes, Medical Institutes, and Research Institutes”). The survey focuses on five areas: socio-demographic information about the participants, their fundamental comprehension of AI, a self-assessment of their proficiency with AI systems in libraries, Perspectives on AI Libraries, and usage of AI tools and services. Overwhelmingly, these surveys demonstrated that these information professionals recognize that AI is crucial, support its utilization as a tool, and believe that AI cannot replace librarians. The results indicate that these information professionals have a strong understanding of AI and its potential use as a tool that further enhances the capabilities of ever-necessary human librarians. Below is a figure of some of the survey's relevant findings.

Opinion

    While exploring AI’s (nearly inevitable) role in the future of libraries, I found myself wondering about Library Professionals’ experience with - and opinions of - the practical application of AI in libraries. Much of the discussion surrounding AI revolves around how AI works, what it can do, and the risks associated with its use. Many of the articles I have explored - even ones specific to the use of AI in libraries - have been centered on the technology itself, largely neglecting the perspectives of the professionals who will be expected to use it. This study, however, offered a more human-centered insight into relevant professionals’ understanding of AI as well as the way AI can be utilized as a tool to maximize library offerings. It was interesting to see such a positive outlook from information professionals regarding the use of AI as a tool to supplement human capabilities and further the advancement of libraries and information professionals.