Awareness of AI Tools and AI Powered Library Services Among LIS Professionals

This study is about the awareness of AI tools and AI Powered Library Services (AIPLS) among Library and Information Science (LIS) professionals and their use of AI in library operations regarding service delivery. This study was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to LIS professionals and sought to assess the current awareness level on AI, usage of AI in daily activities, preferred AI tools, and analysis of benefits and limitations on the adoption of AI for efficiency, user satisfaction, and ethics. 85 responses were obtained from study participants, out of which were two-thirds female. Majority of respondents were occupants of the profession of librarians (49%), and they were working in colleges (38%). Study results show that LIS professionals are aware of what AI has to offer, but the use of AI tools and AI Powered Library Services (AIPLS) is at various levels as compared to their belief that AI provides support to instead of entirely replacing librarians. With the findings, the study provides a basis for addressing resource and training obstacles in promoting the adoption of AI in LIS education. Findings speak to AI's impact on libraries and will inform future practices and training needs for LIS professionals.