Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Library Operations: Opportunities and Challenges (A Case of Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan)

Loveth Nkechi Nweke & Oladele Sarah Olabimpe, Volume 6 Issue 2, December 2025 Pages 73-81, Published: 2025-12-19

Abstract

This study is about how AI (Artificial Intelligence) was incorporated into the processes of Kenneth Dike Library in the University of Ibadan. The study highlights the areas through which AI was adopted, the benefits that were anticipated, the hurdles that were experienced, and the readiness of the users and staff. The appraisal of the increasing importance of AI in academic libraries called for an assessment of how far the library has gone in the use of AI-driven tools for the management of resources, automation of processes, support for researches, and the improvement of the overall user experience. The survey design for research was used in this study where data was collected from library staff and users of the library with the aim of having a thorough understanding of the present application of AI and the readiness for more adoption. The results show that the library has incorporated AI to a moderate level, especially in the fields of resource management, cataloging, discovery tools, and chatbot services, but there is still a lot of room for growth. Respondents were quick to point out various ways AI can be implemented to make the library more efficient, to provide users with information better suited to their needs, to reduce the time taken for information retrieval, and to add more value to research through support. However, the library could not do anything about the issues that came up, and their root causes were improper financing, the lack of the required technical know-how, poor ICT infrastructure, a lack of management support, and the resistance of some staff to change. These reasons together limit the library’s capability to get AI technology to its full usage for service quality improvement. The research also indicated that the promptness of staff and users is a bit over fair, but still needs to be worked on. There is a moderate level of awareness of AI tools and also a general willingness to adopt them; however, there are still gaps that need to be filled in terms of technical training and structured implementation planning. It is therefore recommended that the library invest continuously in training its staff, building their capacities, and developing infrastructure, as well as come up with a comprehensive AI adoption strategy. Not only would the above measures tackle the issues that have been raised, but they would also make Kenneth Dike Library a trendsetter in the provision of AI academic library services in Nigeria