Application of Artificial Intelligence for Library Services: A Systematic Literature Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes traditional library services by offering opportunities for effective and quality service delivery through AI-powered systems. Artificial intelligence has the potential to automate many library operations and services to provide 24/7 assistance to library users in meeting their information requirements. Hence, libraries tend to integrate artificial intelligence into their operations and service delivery. This can be further verified by reviewing the current state of knowledge regarding artificial intelligence and libraries. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to find the current status of knowledge regarding the application of artificial intelligence for library services and to investigate the research gaps in the application of artificial intelligence for library services. The study followed the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
The review revealed that extensive research studies were focused on discovering different library services and operations where AI can be utilized to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery, and challenges faced by libraries in using AI tools. The study further recognized areas where studies are lacking which include different AI tools for library service delivery, smart libraries, natural language processing, AI-powered Chatbots, ethical considerations of AI, education and personalized learning, digital library and Distributed Artificial Intelligence, AI for participatory library service, future of libraries in the age of AI, AI Literacy. Hence, the findings provide some implications for future research regarding artificial intelligence and libraries.