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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Libraries

Guerra, Chris

Subaveerapandiyan, A. (2023). Application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in libraries and its impact on library operations review. Library Philosophy and Practice, 1–19.

Summary: The article provides a comprehensive overview of the role and impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the library sector. It includes an extensive review of literature and research studies that explore various aspects of AI application in libraries. The focus is on how AI technologies are being utilized to enhance library operations, improve user experience, and contribute to the development of smarter library services. The article discusses different AI tools and systems being implemented in libraries, such as intelligent information retrieval, digital curation, and AI-based chatbots for customer service. It also examines the influence of AI on library management and service provision, highlighting advancements like automated metadata handling, and AI's role in facilitating efficient access to library resources.

Evaluation: This article offers numerous insights into the integration of AI in libraries, particularly in the context of collection development. AI's potential to revolutionize collection development is evident through its capabilities in analyzing large datasets, predicting user preferences, and automating cataloging processes. This can lead to more efficient and user-centric collection management, where libraries can leverage AI to curate collections that are more aligned with user needs and trends. However, the article also underscores the need for careful consideration of ethical implications and the challenges posed by AI, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing the digital divide. Ultimately, this discussion about AI's role in enhancing library services, including collection development, is both timely and relevant, as it offers a roadmap for libraries to adapt to technological advancements while being mindful of the potential pitfalls. And as such, this article serves as a crucial resource for library professionals seeking to understand and harness AI's power in collection development and other areas of library science.

Representation of libraries in artificial intelligence regulations and implications for ethics and practice

Bradley, F. (2022). Representation of libraries in artificial intelligence regulations and implications for ethics and practice. Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association, 71(3), 189-200. https://doi.org/10.1080/24750158.2022.2101911

Summary:

This article discusses the existing and potential ethical issues with AI as well as the regulations around AI. It also looks at how AI is being used in libraries and how information professionals are influencing and involved with policy around AI. 

Evaluation:

This article is great because it looks at both the benefits of AI and how libraries are using it as well as ethical problems, and discusses solutions to those problems through the involvement of information professionals. The article also discusses other studies which is helpful. 

Maya Pulfer

ChatGPT and the rise of chatbots in academic libraries

Haggard, Millicent 

Reference

Adetayo, A. J. (2023). Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in academic libraries: The rise of ChatGPT. Library Hi Tech News, 40(3), 18-21.

Summary

        Adetayo reviews ChatGPT and other chatbots, and how they are being used in academic libraries. Adetayo reviews how they can be used to simulate human conversations for users, deliver rapid answers to a variety of questions, and overall, just improve the quality of library services. The chatbots can also assist users with accessing materials or placing holds, without having to wait for a librarian for these services. The chatbots handle simple inquiries and tasks to help free up more space for the librarians to work on other projects. The article also touches on how chatbots can assist with language translation when it is needed, which makes the library more accessible for a larger group of people. The article also mentions some potential issues with the chatbots as well, such as inaccurate query responses and limited comprehension. One of the biggest potential issues discussed is the risk of librarians losing their jobs due to the intelligence of AI and chatbots. 

Evaluation

        I chose to review this article because it was the one that stood out to me the most this semester out of all my readings and became the topic of my "design your own" presentation. I never really tapped into chatbots or researched them before this class, so it was interesting to read about everything that they can do and learning about companies other than ChatGPT that are providing these services. Along with learning about all that they can do, I also learned so much about the implications involved. It was interesting to learn that while most academic libraries are studying chatbots and AI, only a small percentage of them are implementing the services in the libraries. Due to many technological issues and privacy concerns, so many users fear implementing AI into their libraries or businesses. Job loss seems to be the main concern of many, but I don't agree with this. I think that these AI tools could supplement and help workers do their jobs more efficiently and are not meant to take their place. I think with proper training and regular adjustments, chatbots can be very beneficial to libraries and other businesses.