Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Library Services: A Review of Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

This study explored the opportunities and challenges of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable library services. The literature review approach was used to collect and analyse the role of AI in steering library services towards sustainability. Through a systematic analysis and literature review, the study showed that integration of AI has the potential to revolutionise the library operations and services. Natural language recognition, robotics, data mining, chatbots, machine learning, big data, pattern recognition, and expert system were identified as AI tools. The findings of the study further revealed that a sustainable library service incorporates efficient, accessible and costeffective approaches to meet users’ needs while minimising environmental impacts. AI can amplify such operational efficiency by automating time-intensive tasks, streamlining workflows, and reducing human error. Chatbots can answer common inquiries promptly, empowering librarians to focus on nuanced tasks. Furthermore, technologies such as AI-powered catalogue systems minimise the environmental cost of maintaining large physical collections, offering a more sustainable way of servicing library users. AI can also bolster accessibility, one of the pillars to a sustainable library service. Enhanced user experiences are achievable through AI personalisation and recommendation systems, further contributing to the library’s sustainability. The study concluded that AI remains an umbrella term that caters to a range of technologies, including machine learning, robotics, and natural language processing, among others. These modalities are increasingly being deployed in library services, making a significant impact on information management, retrieval, and dissemination.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Library Services, Opportunities, Challenges

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