Summary report Artificial Intelligence / ChatGPT-Like: Perceptions and Use among Library and Information Professionals from Italy, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and Mexico

The aim of conducting a study on generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), such as ChatGPT, was to identify international perceptions and use among library and information professionals from Italy, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and Mexico. A questionnaire with 12 items was developed and distributed at conferences and by email at the convenience of researchers. The outcome was 605 cases who responded to the instrument, whose results were analyzed with descriptive and some inferential statistics. The results showed that librarians and libraries, regardless of the socio-economic development of their countries, were slow in using AI. AI training and the establishment of AI library policies were also almost absent. Libraries and librarians can strengthen their social mission by urgently adopting AI technology.

Methodology

A structured questionnaire comprising 12 items was developed to gather data on the perceptions and usage of AI among library professionals. The questionnaire was distributed at various conferences and through email, targeting library and information professionals at their convenience. A total of 605 responses were collected, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and some inferential statistics to draw meaningful conclusions regarding the adoption of AI technologies in libraries.

Results

The analysis revealed several key findings regarding the current state of AI adoption among librarians:

1. Low AI Usage: The study found that AI usage among librarians across the four countries studied is notably low. This trend is particularly striking given the varying socio-economic contexts of the countries involved, which range from highly developed to less developed. Despite these differences, librarians and their institutions exhibited similar trends in AI use and perception.

2. Absence of Institutional Training: A significant gap was identified in the availability of institutional training programs focused on AI. This lack of training presents a barrier to the effective integration of AI technologies within library services.

3. Urgency for Adoption: The findings underscore the urgent need for libraries and librarians to embrace AI technologies. The potential benefits of AI in enhancing library services and improving user experiences are substantial, yet the current landscape indicates a reluctance to adopt these innovations.

4. Call to Action: The study advocates for libraries to actively engage in the AI movement by providing training programs and allocating appropriate budgets for AI initiatives. This proactive approach presents an opportunity for libraries to improve their services through the effective use of AI technologies.

5. Enhancing Community Relevance: By leveraging AI, libraries can enhance their services and improve user experiences, ensuring they remain integral to their communities in an increasingly digital landscape.

6. Investment in AI Literacy: As libraries navigate this transformative period, investing in AI literacy and ethical considerations will be essential for fostering a knowledgeable workforce capable of harnessing the full potential of AI technologies.

Conclusions

The integration of AI technologies into library services is not merely a trend but a necessity for libraries to thrive in the digital age. The study highlights several critical conclusions:

1. Need for AI Adoption: The low levels of AI usage among librarians across diverse socio-economic contexts indicate a pressing need for libraries to recognize the importance of AI adoption.

2. Addressing Training Gaps: The absence of institutional training in AI represents a significant challenge that must be addressed to prepare library staff for the digital age.

3. Engagement in AI Initiatives: Libraries are called to action to actively engage in the AI movement by providing necessary training and resources, thereby enhancing their service offerings.

4. Community Engagement: By effectively leveraging AI, libraries can improve user experiences and maintain their relevance within their communities.

5. Fostering a Knowledgeable Workforce: Investing in AI literacy and ethical considerations will be crucial for developing a workforce capable of maximizing the benefits of AI technologies.

In conclusion, the findings of this study serve as a clarion call for libraries to embrace the transformative potential of AI, ensuring they remain vital resources in an increasingly technology-driven society.

Full Paper published at: International Information & Library Review (ULBR), DOI: 10.1080/10572317.2024.2413773:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10572317.2024.2413773